Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery sits right in the heart of Silver City, New Mexico’s historic downtown district on North Bullard Street. Founded by husband and wife team Dan and Cindy Krempel in 2010, this operation started as a brewery before expanding into distilling in 2013. The building itself has character – it’s housed in a renovated structure that fits perfectly into Silver City’s mining town aesthetic, complete with exposed brick and industrial touches that give it a genuine Southwestern feel. The Krempels didn’t just stumble into this business. Dan’s background in engineering and Cindy’s experience in hospitality created the perfect combination for running a craft operation that actually pays attention to both the science and the customer experience. They started small, learning the ropes with beer production before diving into the more complex world of distilling. The transition wasn’t always smooth – getting the right permits and convincing locals that craft spirits could work in a town known more for its art scene than its drinking culture took some doing. What you’ll find today is a laid-back spot that feels authentically New Mexican without trying too hard. They produce whiskey, vodka, and gin alongside their beer lineup, and the whole operation has this refreshingly unpretentious vibe. The tasting room doubles as a local hangout where you’re just as likely to chat with a regular as you are with a tourist passing through on their way to the Gila Wilderness. It’s not trying to be anything fancy – just good spirits made by people who actually know what they’re doing.