ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Sunward Federal Credit Union has become the latest to launch a new beverage in conjunction with a microbrewery with the introduction of “Sunpint.”
Sunward launched Sunpint in collaboration with Tractor Brewing Co., a local brewery it said has a long history of community engagement.
As the CU Daily reported here, several other credit unions have also partnered with breweries.
According to the $4.3-billion Sunward CU, Sol Cider “evokes the feeling of fall sunshine. Tractor incorporated ingredients like lemon and lavender to align with Sunward’s bright and bold brand identity — and it’s already wowing the tastebuds of Burqueños.”
In its first small-batch debut, the cider sold out within hours, the credit union said.
‘Something Special’
“When Sunward reached out about collaborating to create a brand-new drink, we knew we had to do something special,” David Hargis, the owner and head brewmaster of Tractor Brewing Co., said in a statement. “Sol Cider combines a flavor that’s naturally tied to Albuquerque—lavender—with a lemony-citrus flavor that tastes like sunshine to create a cider that appeals to everyone.”
Sunward members, Tractor fans, and the Albuquerque community had a chance to try Sol Cider at its premiere in October at Tractor’s Wells Park location at 1800 4th St. NW, according to the credit union.
One dollar from every pint of Sol Cider sold during the event — across all Tractor locations — will benefit Saranam, an Albuquerque nonprofit that supports families experiencing homelessness through holistic housing, food, education, and training programs.
‘Reimagining Showing Up’
“At Sunward, we’re reimagining how a credit union shows up for its community — not just through banking, but through meaningful connections that bring people together,” EVP Alex de la Cruz said in a statement. “Sunpint is one small example of that: it blends local creativity, community partnership, and purpose. Collaborating with Tractor Brewing and supporting Saranam reflects our belief that doing good and doing well belong together — and that’s what makes New Mexico special.”
