Louisiana's Favorite Brews: Exploring Local Beer Culture

Louisiana is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with a range of local brews to choose from. The state's brewing industry has experienced significant growth, expanding from just six breweries in 2010 to 15 today. While Budweiser is a popular choice in Louisiana, the top choice is Abita, a brewing company founded in 1986 about 30 miles north of New Orleans. Abita offers a range of beers, including the Chocolate Doberge Cake Stout, the Bourbon Street Imperial Stout, and the Wrought Iron IPA. In addition to Abita, other well-known breweries in Louisiana include Parish Brewing Company, Courtyard Brewery, Bayou Teche Brewing, and Great Raft Brewing. These breweries offer a diverse selection of beers, such as IPAs, stouts, saisons, and porters, ensuring that there is something to suit every taste.

Popular beers in Louisiana

Louisiana is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with a growing number of breweries and an increasing demand for quality, innovative beers. While Budweiser remains a popular choice in the state, local brews are also favoured.

Abita Brewing Company, founded in 1986 about 30 miles north of New Orleans, is a top choice for beer drinkers in Louisiana. The company offers a range of beers, including the popular Wrought Iron IPA, Bourbon Street Imperial Stout, and Strawgator. Abita also has seasonal and one-off offerings, such as their Bourbon Street Chocolate Stout and Vanilla TRPL Dog.

Parish Brewing Company is another popular brewery in Louisiana, known for its Ghost in the Machine IPA, which has been hailed as "the best beer brewed in Louisiana" by local blogger Brenton Day. The beer is highly sought-after, with every batch selling out within 48 hours of its release. Parish Brewing Company also offers other well-rated beers, such as Rêve (a sweet/milk stout) and Infinite Ghost (a New England IPA).

Other notable breweries in Louisiana include Gnarly Barley Brewing Company, known for their Jucifer and Korova Milk Porter beers; Great Raft Brewing, with their highly-rated All My Tomorrows saison and Grace and Grit Imperial IPA; and Courtyard Brewery, whose Sonic Youth In 1983 (a hybrid IPA) has gained a loyal following.

Louisiana's craft beer scene is vibrant and diverse, with breweries offering a wide range of innovative and traditional styles to suit the varied tastes of beer enthusiasts in the state.

Beers brewed in Louisiana

Louisiana is home to a variety of breweries, from small nanobreweries to large multinational conglomerates. The state's brewing industry has a long history, dating back to the 18th century when the first manufacturing establishment in New Orleans was a brewery – La Brassiere, built by Pierre Dreux in 1723.

One of the most well-known breweries in Louisiana is the Abita Brewing Company, which was founded in 1986 and is located in the piney woods 30 miles north of New Orleans. Abita produces a range of beers, including the popular Bourbon Street Chocolate Stout, the Strawberry Lager, and the Imperial IPA AlphaGator.

Another notable brewery in Louisiana is the Parish Brewing Company, which has a wide range of beers on offer, such as the Rêve Coffee Stout, the Infinite Ghost New England IPA, and the Ghost in the Machine New England IPA.

Other breweries in the state include the New Orleans Lager and Ale Brewing Company (NOLA), which, as the name suggests, specialises in lagers and ales; the Gnarly Barley Brewing Company, known for their Jucifer and Korova Milk Porter beers; and the Chafunkta Brewing Company, which produces the Old 504 Porter, among others.

Louisiana's brewing industry is not only a significant part of the state's history and culture but also contributes economically, employing thousands of people directly and generating substantial tax revenue for the state.

Highest-rated beers in Louisiana

Louisiana is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with a growing number of breweries and an increasing demand for quality, innovative beers. While Budweiser remains a popular choice in the state, local brews are also favoured by many Louisianans. Abita, a brewing company founded near New Orleans, is Louisiana's top choice according to a report by Top Agency.

Ghost in the Machine - Double Dry-Hopped

This New England IPA from Parish Brewing Company is the highest-rated beer in Louisiana on BeerAdvocate, with a rating of 4.61 out of 5. With an ABV of 8.5%, this highly sought-after double IPA is known for its rabid fans and frequently sells out within 48 hours of its release.

Ghost in the Machine

The original version of this Parish Brewing Company New England IPA is also highly rated, with a score of 4.46 on BeerAdvocate. With the same 8.5% ABV as its double dry-hopped counterpart, this beer is praised as "the best beer brewed in Louisiana" by local blogger Brenton Day.

Lime Cucumber Gose

This unique gose-style beer from Urban South Brewery has a rating of 4.2 on BeerAdvocate. With a low ABV of 4.0%, this beer offers a refreshing change of pace with its combination of lime and cucumber flavours.

Korova Milk Porter with Peanut Butter

Rated at 4.21 on BeerAdvocate, this American Porter from Gnarly Barley Brewing Company is a Baltic-style porter with a creamy mouthfeel. With notes of coffee and chocolate, this 6.4% ABV beer is best enjoyed slowly, as its flavour profile evolves as it warms up.

Irish Channel Stout

This American Stout from New Orleans Lager & Ale Brewing Company (NOLA) has a rating of 3.97 on BeerAdvocate. With a 6.8% ABV, this stout offers a roasty, dry finish that pairs well with local cuisine and is suitable for drinking all year round.

Bourbon Street Imperial Stout

Abita Brewing Co.'s American Imperial Stout, rated at 3.92 on BeerAdvocate, has a strong ABV of 10.0%. This beer is a popular choice for those seeking a rich, indulgent drinking experience.

Parish Rêve Coffee Stout

Parish Brewing Company's coffee stout is rated highly on RateBeer, although an exact rating is not provided. With notes of sweet stout and a 6.8% ABV, this beer offers a delightful combination of flavours.

Parish Infinite Ghost

Another highly rated offering from Parish Brewing Company, the Infinite Ghost is a New England IPA with an 8.0% ABV. While its exact rating is unknown, its popularity suggests it is well-loved by those who have tried it.

These beers represent some of the finest offerings from Louisiana's thriving craft beer scene, showcasing the state's diverse and innovative brewing talents.

Beer festivals in Louisiana

Louisiana is home to several beer festivals that showcase the state's craft beer scene and southern hospitality. One notable event is the Basin Brew Fest, held annually in April in Morgan City. The festival proudly showcases Louisiana craft beer, featuring home brewers and new breweries from across the state. The event also raises funds for local initiatives, such as the renovation of Historic Lawrence Park in Downtown Morgan City.

Another popular beer festival in Louisiana is the Cap City Beer Fest, which takes place annually in November in downtown Baton Rouge. This dog-friendly event offers attendees the chance to sample unlimited craft beers from local, national, and international brewers, as well as enjoy food trucks, music, and games. The festival benefits the Companion Animal Alliance, providing funding for East Baton Rouge Parish's only open-intake animal shelter.

In addition to these larger festivals, Louisiana also hosts a range of smaller, more localized beer events throughout the year. These events vary in size and focus, from celebrating specific styles of beer to highlighting the offerings of a particular brewery. Many of these events also incorporate food, music, and other entertainment to create a festive atmosphere that showcases the state's unique culture and hospitality.

Louisiana's beer festivals provide an excellent opportunity for visitors and locals alike to discover new craft beers, connect with fellow beer enthusiasts, and support local businesses and initiatives. Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of craft beer, these festivals offer a fun and immersive way to experience the state's vibrant beer culture.

Beer-serving venues in Louisiana

Louisiana is home to a variety of venues serving beer, from lively music clubs to historic bars and breweries. Here is a guide to some of the top spots to enjoy a cold one in the Pelican State:

New Orleans

New Orleans, known for its vibrant nightlife and rich cultural history, offers a diverse range of beer-serving venues. The Spotted Cat Music Club in Marigny is a popular spot for live jazz and blues, along with great drinks and bartenders. Pat O'Brien's Bar on St. Peter is renowned for its duelling pianos and specialty cocktails, especially the famous Hurricane drink. For those seeking a more historical experience, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar in the French Quarter, built in 1722, offers a unique glimpse into the past. Another must-visit in the French Quarter is the Maison Bourbon Jazz Club, featuring live jazz bands and expertly crafted cocktails.

New Orleans also boasts a variety of breweries, including the Abita Brewing Company, known for its Bourbon Street Chocolate Stout and other craft beers. The Avenue Pub, Bayou Beer Garden, and Martin Wine Cellar are also recommended spots to find a diverse range of beers in the city.

Baton Rouge

The Chimes Restaurant in Baton Rouge is a Cajun eatery that serves an impressive selection of beers, with 80 beers on tap and 118 bottles to choose from. The Rum House, with locations in both Baton Rouge and New Orleans, is a Caribbean taqueria that offers rum flights for a unique drinking experience.

Shreveport

Strange Brew in Shreveport is a fun tap house featuring live music and an extensive beer list of 130 beers. Blind Tiger, also in Shreveport, is a Cajun restaurant and bar known for its fantastic cocktails served in mason jars.

Alexandria

Spirits Food & Friends in Alexandria offers a huge selection of spirits, authentic food, and plenty of live music to keep guests entertained.

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