The Story Behind Turtle Mountain Brewing Company TMBC is the end result of way too much dreaming (and drinking) on the part of the proprietor, Nico Ortiz. Starting with a student exchange to Germany when he was 16, he has dedicated his life to the pursuit of good beer. This brewpub is the result of over 23 years of "market research" in hundreds of bars, brewpubs, breweries, garages, and beer festivals all over the world. The name " Turtle Mountain" comes from the Tewa name for Sandia Peak. Alfonso Ortiz (Nico's father) was born and raised at Oke Owingeh, north of Espanola, and one of six Pueblos that speak Tewa. Nico's father's Indian name was "Oku Pin", which translates as " Turtle Mountain". As a tribute to his father, who provided the inspirational and financial means to open the pub, Nico has named it Turtle Mountain Brewing Company.