The Beer Buddha™

Support Local Beer: Abita New Orleans

2026-07-05T12:24:04.345-07:00

When most people think of Abita Brewing, their minds immediately go to the brewery in Abita Springs. But if you find yourself in New Orleans, you don't have to leave the city to enjoy one of Louisiana's most iconic breweries. Abita New Orleans, located on Tchoupitoulas Street, is the perfect place to grab a cold local beer and experience a little piece of Louisiana brewing history.

Whether you're exploring Magazine St, heading to a Saints or Pelicans game, or just looking for a great place to escape the heat, Abita New Orleans is an easy stop that's worth adding to your itinerary. Hell, it pretty much starts a nice little brewery crawl which can have you hitting Abita, Urban South, Miel, NOLA Brewing and Port Orleans!

Anyway, inside Abita, you'll find a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of Abita favorites on tap, along with seasonal and limited releases that you may not find elsewhere. Whether you're loyal to Amber, can't pass up a Purple Haze, or like trying whatever's new, there's something for every beer drinker. I'm still waiting on Fall Fest to come back.

During my visit, I tried the Marengose, a refreshing fruited gose named after nearby Marengo Street, along with Bugs and Hugs, a Czech-style pilsner brewed as part of a collaborative tribute to Michael Garcia. Michael, who was tragically killed in April, was a beloved figure in the New Orleans craft beer community, and many local breweries came together to honor his lasting impact with this special beer. It was a meaningful way to celebrate someone who played such an important role in the city's beer scene while enjoying an exceptionally well-crafted pilsner.

This year also marks an incredible milestone as Abita Brewing celebrates its 40th anniversary. In an industry where breweries come and go, four decades of brewing is an impressive achievement. Abita helped pave the way for craft beer in Louisiana and continues to represent the state with every pint they pour.

What I like most about the New Orleans location is that it gives visitors an authentic Louisiana beer experience without leaving the city. Instead of settling for the usual tourist spots, you can enjoy a brewery that's become part of Louisiana culture while relaxing with a fresh pint in a welcoming atmosphere.

If you're planning a trip to New Orleans, make some time for Abita New Orleans. It's a great place to slow down, enjoy a locally brewed beer, and raise a glass to 40 years of one of Louisiana's greatest craft beer success stories. Cheers to Abita on 40 years—and here's to many more!

ADDRESS: 2375 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130

HOURS:

Sunday 11 AM - 10 PM

Monday 11 AM - 10 PM

Tuesday 11 AM - 10 PM

Wednesday 11 AM - 10 PM

Thursday 11 AM - 10 PM

Friday 11 AM - 10 PM

Saturday 11 AM - 10 PM

The 6 Pack: Church of the Sacred Brew's Mike Paw Paw Peters

2026-06-18T06:08:55.646-07:00

1) Tell me about The Church of the Sacred Brew. When did you start it and why?

I started managing a group called Church of the Sacred Brews (plural) in 2015, helping out a friend of mine. I was doing lots of beer reviews, and the membership began to rapidly grow. As it got bigger, the other guy decided he wanted out, so in July of 2016, I created a new group by simply dropping the (S) on Brews. I became enthralled with craft beer, and I was reading your Beer Buddha Blog, and I wanted to do something just like it using Facebook (instead of a blog). I attended lots of beer events, began going to breweries all over the USA, and the membership grew to what it is today (over 7200). I loved the camaraderie of beer lovers.

2) What’s the most challenging aspect of running an online beer group?

I learned a ton, (me and my fellow admins) about things. We made some mistakes along the way, but it was a learning process. People are so different and opinionated, and we had to learn to keep the focus on beer (no politics). I wish we had known 10 years ago what we know now (especially about human nature). I have come to be very knowledgeable about human nature, and I have also developed some very, very lasting friendships over the years. At this point, I recognize a post as being from a specific person, just because each user has his/her own different style. One of the most rewarding things for me has been and still is all the people from different areas that have established friendships with other users they possibly might have never met were it not for the group. And I honestly feel like I have earned a degree in Human Psychology and the beer industry as a whole with all I have seen.

3) Favorite beer style? Least favorite beer style?

These days, I am loving lagers and pilsners. These beers really demonstrate what a brewer can do because there are no adjuncts to hide flaws. Least favorite nowadays is black IPA and milkshake sours.

4) You're invited to a crawfish boil. What beer are you bringing?

Either a lager/pilsner from Parleaux or Ecology or German Coast.

5) What’s your favorite guilty pleasure beer?

A classic Belgian Dubbel or Tripel or OWK from Side Project.

6) What is your current favorite beer from a local brewery in Louisiana?

German Coast Morning Star is my jam, and it has been for a while. It is a rock solid, classic Helles Lager that is perfectly executed.

Support Local Beer: Bayou Teche Brewery

2026-06-11T09:40:58.417-07:00

The wife and I had an opportunity for a weekend trip to Breaux Bridge back in May and if you've spent any time exploring South Louisiana, you know about Bayou Teche Brewing in Arnaudville. And if you haven't been yet, make sure you add it on your list.

Amongst some folks in the beer nerd community Bayou Teche get's a bad rap for their beer which is bullshit. Their beer is great. Bayou Teche's beer isn't just about what's in the glass it's about the entire experience.

The first thing you'll notice is that this place doesn't feel like some sterile warehouse with a few picnic tables thrown outside. It feels like Louisiana. From the giant outdoor space to the live music, the food, the people, and even the dogs running around, it's got that laid back Acadiana vibe that makes you want to stay a little longer than you planned.

You can no longer find this beer in stores or bars. Bayou Teche pulled out of distribution years ago and shifted to tap room only model. They decided to pull out of distribution for a number of reasons but mostly slim margins, distribution issues and state alcohol regulations. And the decision to shift to an outdoor venue with pizza, tiki drinks and arcade games has paid off.

Currently they are expanding their seating inside the brewery and also partnering with Hotel Lafayette in downtown Lafayette to occupy a 4,500-square-foot space in the $19 million hotel which is expected to open mid-year 2026 and will feature their beer, tiki drinks and food.

And speaking of food, let's talk about Cajun Saucer Pizza.

Look, I know pizza isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you're driving through Cajun Country, but trust me on this one. Whether you're grabbing a classic pie or something loaded with Louisiana flavors such as the Bobby Boucherie, it's the perfect pairing with a cold beer on a warm afternoon. The wife and I got a pepperoni pizza(wife is boring) and some boudin egg rolls which are my vice for real.

The brewery itself has become one of those destinations that people from Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and beyond will gladly make the drive for. And after a few visits, it's easy to see why.

Maybe it's the beer. Maybe it's the pizza. Maybe it's the live music drifting through the air while the sun starts setting over Acadiana. Whatever it is, Bayou Teche Brewing has figured out something a lot of places haven't. They've created a spot where people genuinely enjoy spending time together and experiencing Acadian culture.

In a world where local breweries are struggling daily that's worth raising a glass to.

So the next time you're headed through Breaux Bridge, Arnaudville, or just looking for a reason to take a Louisiana day trip, make the stop. Go support local. Grab a beer. Order a pizza. Stay awhile.

ADDRESS: 1002 North Ln, Arnaudville, LA 70512

HOURS:

Monday-Closed

Tuesday-12pm-8pm

Wednesday 12pm-8pm

Thursday 12pm-8pm

Friday 12pm–9pm

Saturday 12pm–9pm

Sunday 11am–6pm

It's Crawfish Season! Here are 5 Louisiana Beers To Drink At Your Next Crawfish Boil

2026-01-23T08:34:00.000-08:00

There are few things more sacred in South Louisiana than a table covered in newspaper, a mountain of spicy crawfish, and a cold beer sweating in your hand. Crawfish season isn’t just about the boil,it’s about the experience. And choosing the right beer can elevate the whole thing.

Right beer you say? The cold one in front of you is the right beer but you want something refreshing, flavorful, and sturdy enough to stand up to the spices, garlic, lemon, and heat. Here are five Louisiana beers that pair perfectly with a good crawfish boil.

Just a note: All the beers listed are distributed state-wide. There are tons of other options from breweries like: Courtyard Brewing, Brieux Carré Brewing, Parleaux, etc., that would also be perfect! If you have a favorite beer you enjoy with crawfish let me know in the comments!

1. Abita Amber – Abita Brewing (Abita Springs, LA)

If crawfish had an official beer, Abita Amber would be it. I'm sure folks will disagree but if you were drinking craft beer back in the day with your crawfish most likely this is the one you were drinking. With its smooth caramel malt backbone and crisp finish, it balances heat without overpowering the food. The slight sweetness tames the spice, while the carbonation keeps your palate refreshed for the next peel.

Why it works:

🍺Malty enough to handle spice

🍺Clean finish that doesn’t linger

🍺Easy-drinking for long boils

2. Canebrake – Parish Brewing

Brewed with Steen’s cane syrup, Canebrake is uniquely Louisiana in every sense. The subtle sweetness and earthy character play beautifully with spicy crawfish, especially if your boil leans heavy on cayenne and garlic.

Why it works:

🍺Slight sweetness balances heat

🍺Medium body stands up to seasoning

3. Golden Sombrero – Rally Cap Brewing

This Mexican lager from Rally Cap hits that “just right” balance between flavor and drinkability. Light malt character and a clean finish make Golden Sombrero a perfect match for spicy, citrusy crawfish boils. It won’t compete with heat or seasoning—instead, it refreshes your palate so every peel tastes just as good as the first.

Why it works:

🍺Light, crisp, and refreshing

🍺Subtle fruit cuts through spice

🍺Perfect warm-weather beer

4. Jucifer – Gnarly Barley

Not everyone wants light and crisp. If you’re the person who brings extra seasoning and likes your crawfish nuclear-hot, Jucifer is your beer. This juicy, hazy IPA brings big hop flavor and enough body to stand up to bold spices. It won’t cool the heat—but it will ride shotgun with it.

Why it works:

🍺Big flavor doesn’t get lost

🍺Citrus hops complement lemon and spice

🍺Great contrast to rich crawfish fat

5. Paradise Park – Urban South

Paradise Park is light, crisp, and ridiculously drinkable. It’s a great “all-day boil” beer—something you can crack open early and keep drinking without burning out your palate. This is the beer you hand to friends who “don’t really like beer” and watch them change their mind.

Why it works:

🍺Bright citrus notes lift the food

🍺Clean finish keeps you refreshed

🍺Crowd-pleaser at any boil

Crawfish boils are about community, tradition, and having a damn good time. The beer doesn’t need to be complicated, it just needs to be cold, local, and complementary. Whether you’re in the Abita camp, repping Parish, or cracking a Jucifer, drinking Louisiana beer with Louisiana crawfish just makes sense.

Shirt is from Southern Drinking Club!

Immigration and New Orleans Beer Culture

2026-01-16T07:29:00.000-08:00

When people think of New Orleans drinks, they immediately think of cocktails like Sazeracs, Hurricanes, or frozen daiquiris. But long before beer was mass marketed or nationally distributed, New Orleans was already a beer town. And the reason for that is simple: immigration.

In the 18th century, New Orleans was one of the most important port cities in North America. It boasted a strategic position along the Mississippi River which made it a gateway for immigrants arriving from Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond. With them came different languages, traditions, food and more importantly beer.

Unlike wine-drinking France or Spain, many of the immigrants arriving in New Orleans came from more beer centric cultures such as the German and the Irish. Those German immigrants brought with them a deep knowledge of brewing and a strong demand for beer as an everyday beverage.

German immigration had hands down the single greatest impact on beer in New Orleans. Beginning in the early 1800s, waves of German immigrants settled throughout the city, mostly in what is now the Lower Garden District and Mid-City. These immigrants didn’t just drink beer, they brewed it. By the mid-19th century, German-owned breweries were popping up across the city.

Jacob Zoelly, a German immigrant who opened City Brewery at 139 Delord(Now Howard St), between Camp and Magazine St around 1849. Another German immigrant named JJ Weckerling purchased City Brewery and renamed it Louisiana Brewing Co. In 1870 Philip Wirtz opened Pelican Brewing which was located at 282(now 1230) Villere St. In 1887, it was purchased by Eugene Erath and moved to a larger facility on the river side of Chartres St, between Louisa and Clouet St. Both Pelican Brewery and Louisiana Brewery along with Weckerling, Southern, Lafayette and Crescent City Brewery merges with New Orleans Brewing Association in 1890.The New Orleans Brewing Association itself was formed to counter the threat of a English brewing syndicate.

Also, in 1890, Jackson Brewing Company was founded by Lawrence Fabacher, a local businessman of German descent, at 620 Decatur Street. Finally, Dixie Brewing, started in 1907, was started by German immigrant Valentine Merz and was the longest lasting out of all the German breweries.

These German breweries introduced lagers, pilsners, and bocks to a city that previously relied on imported or small-scale ales. These beers were cleaner, more consistent, and better suited to the New Orleans’ hot, humid climate.

In German culture, beer wasn’t just a drink; it was a social glue. German immigrants established beer gardens, music halls, and social clubs where families gathered, bands played, and politics were discussed over steins of beer. These spaces helped shape New Orleans’ communal drinking culture which emphasized social connection rather than exclusivity. This model blended seamlessly with the city’s existing traditions of public celebration, parades, and street life. Over time, beer became just as much a part of New Orleans’ social fabric as cocktails and cuisine.

The Irish immigrants, many of whom arrived during the mid-19th-century famine, also contributed to the city’s beer demand, favoring ales and stouts. Meanwhile, Caribbean influences added new rhythms to beer consumption, merging beer with Creole cooking, music, and neighborhood culture. New Orleans beer culture was never purely European—it was Creole by nature. Immigration didn’t replace existing traditions; it layered them.

The story of beer in New Orleans is a reminder that immigration doesn’t dilute culture but rather it builds it. Every wave of newcomers added knowledge, flavor, and tradition, helping turn New Orleans into one of the most unique drinking cities in America. Without immigrants, there is no New Orleans beer history. And without immigration today, there is no future for it.

Sources:

New Orleans Beer: A Hoppy History of Big Easy Brewing

Ellen C. Merrill 64 Parishes

WGNO

NOLA.COM

It's Mardi Gras! Here are 5 Local Louisiana Beers You Should Be Pairing With King Cake

2026-01-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

The Beer Geeks Guide to Mardi Gras was getting to be the same places every year so I made it a page rather than something I release every year. I still wanted something to release today for the start of Mardi Gras season!

Here are 5 local Louisiana beers that pair well with king cake.

Note: Everyone's taste buds are different and food and beer pairing is subjective. Let me know your favorite local beer and king cake pairings in the comment section.

1. Urban South Carnival Time Sour Ale

Style: Sour Ale brewed with cinnamon and cream cheese

Why it works:

Urban South Brewery created this beer in collaboration with New Orleans’ Dong Phuong Bakery to capture the essence of cinnamon and cream cheese king cake right in the beer itself which makes it one of the most directly complementary Louisiana beers for king cake on this list. It's bright, tart sourness also helps cleanse the palate between sweet bites.

2. Parish Brewing Canebrake

Style: American Wheat Ale brewed with local sugar cane syrup

Why it works:

Canebrake’s light wheat body and subtle honey-spice notes from Louisiana cane sugar mirror king cake’s brioche sweetness without overpowering it. A wheat beer’s crispness also balances rich fillings like cream cheese or praline.

3. Bayou Teche LA-31 Bière Noire

Style: French Saison

Why it works:

This deep, dark brew carries roasty malt character with subtle coffee and chocolate notes, which can complement the cinnamon and sweet bread of king cake without completely overpowering it.

5. Great Raft Reasonably Corrupt (Black Lager / Schwarzbier)

Style: Black Lager (dark lager)

Why it works:

This darker lager has malty sweetness and roasted notes but a crisper body than many stouts/porters. That balance means it can stand up to the sweet spice in king cake without feeling overly heavy. Great if you are looking for a more sessionable dark beer for the parade route.

5. Gnarly Barley Korova Milk Porter

Style: Milk Porter (Baltic Porter)

Why it works:

Porters like this often bring chocolate, coffee, and toffee flavors with a hint of sweetness (from the milk sugar in this case), which mirrors king cake’s richer elements like praline or cream cheese fillings.

Hope you enjoy this list and have a great Mardi Gras! Let me know what you're drinking while munching on king cake!

Cheers!

Support Local Breweries This Holiday Season

2025-12-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

Now more than ever, it’s important to support your local brewery. Small and large breweries across the country are struggling. Sales are down, margins are tight, and too many taprooms are closing their doors. The holidays are a crucial time to show up for the places that pour our favorite beers.

Here are a few easy ways to help keep your local brewery going:

🍺 Buy beer to-go

Grab crowlers, growlers, six-packs, or cases for holiday parties and family gatherings.

🎁 Give brewery gift cards

They’re easy, flexible, and keep money flowing during the slow months.

👕 Buy merch

Hoodies, hats, glassware, and shirts make great gifts—and often have better margins than beer.

📅 Attend events

Trivia nights, holiday markets, tap takeovers, and release parties all help drive traffic.

🤝 Choose local when you go out.

Ask bars and restaurants to carry local beer—and order it when they do.

📸 Spread the word.

Share posts, leave reviews, tag the brewery, and tell friends where you’re drinking.

🍻 Join mug clubs or beer memberships.

Recurring support can make a huge difference for small operations.

🚗 Make it a destination

Instead of another big-box purchase, plan a brewery stop while running holiday errands.

Every pint matters. Every purchase helps. Support local. Drink local. Keep your breweries alive.

Cheers!!

Gnarly Barley Releasing Barrel Select #1

2025-12-10T07:34:00.000-08:00

From Gnarly Barley:

We’re thrilled to introduce a new dimension to the Gnarly Barley lineup — one that expands beyond our hop-forward reputation and highlights our barrel-aging program. Meet Barrel Select No.1, an English-Style Barleywine aged in Bulleit Bourbon barrels. This rich, complex beer represents a perfect meld of barrel and beer, available exclusively in Louisiana. Born from our partnership with Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Barrel Select No.1 showcases the craftsmanship and collaboration that define both our brands. We aim to hit retailers between the holidays, 1st or 2nd week of December.

Can't wait to get my hands on this one!

Parish Brewing Has 2 Releases Coming Soon

2025-12-09T14:30:00.000-08:00

Parish Brewing has 2 releases coming out this month that look interesting:

First is Galactic Ghost. From the brewery:

Introducing Galactic Ghost - a double-haze monster from outer space that delivers out-of-this-world flavors of tropical fruit straight from an intergalactic paradise of our dreams. We loaded this cosmic creation with a generous DDH Ghost-levels of Galaxy, Citra, and Strata hops, creating layers of juicy passionfruit, ripe pineapple, and electric citrus wrapped in a smooth, resinous haze.

Think of it as DDH Ghost in the Machine's cosmic evolution - big, soft, and more tropical than the original. The Galaxy hops bring stone fruit and citrus, Citra adds that signature mango punch, and Strata rounds it out with dank, fruity complexity. Balanced and pleasantly smooth despite its size, this 8% ABV interstellar DIPA goes down easier than you'd expect. 8% ABV

Some beers are earthbound. This one? Pure intergalactic hop juice.

Galactic Ghost: $23 per 16oz 4-pack cans, no limit.

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Shop the presale for Galactic Ghost on Wednesday, December 10, at noon CDT at shop.parishbeer.com. Release day and pick-up will be in our Taproom on Friday, December 12, at 11 a.m., and UPS direct shipping will start next week. You can also find Galactic Ghost on @get.oznr for Taproom pick-up

Galactic Ghost will also be available for purchase at the brewery on Friday, December 12. It will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Second is Quindecennial. From the brewery:

Quindecennial — our cellar-aged toast to fifteen years of Parish Brewing Co.

To celebrate bringing good beer to good people since 2010, we brewed something our cellar has never produced before. We blended three- to five-year aged imperial stouts and let them rest in a carefully selected lineup of oak barrels: Blanton's bourbon, maple bourbon, Buffalo Trace, and rye whiskey finished in ex-tequila barrels.

The result is layers of rich bourbon barrel character, dark roasted malt, vanilla oak, and the slightest bite of tequila on the finish — all wrapped up in a heavy, velvety stout. This drinks like fifteen years of learning, refining, and perfecting our craft.

Fifteen years down. Grateful for every single one. Cheers to what comes next.

Quindecennial: $25 per 500ml bottle

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Shop the presale for Quindecennial & Galactic Ghost on Wednesday, December 10, at noon CDT at shop.parishbeer.com. Release day and pick-up will be in our Taproom on Friday, December 12, at 11am, and UPS direct shipping will start next week. You can also find Quindecennial & Galactic Ghost on @get.oznr for Taproom pick-up

Quindecennial & Galactic Ghost will be available for purchase at the brewery on Friday, December 12. It will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note: If your beer is not picked up within one week of the release date, your order will be canceled. All canceled online orders will incur an 8% restocking fee.

UPS Direct Beer Shipping is available to consumers in Alaska, D.C., Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, and Virginia, with a $20 flat-rate shipping fee for 1-6 4-packs. For more details about UPS Direct Shipping, visit parishbeer.com. 3h

Ain't Dere No More: Dixie/Faubourg Brewing

2025-12-09T07:13:00.000-08:00

History of Dixie Brewing

Dixie Brewing was founded in 1907 by Valentine Merz, a German immigrant and former partner in the New Orleans Brewing Company. The brewery was built on the corner of Tulane Avenue and Tonti Street at 2401 Tulane Avenue in the city’s Mid-City neighborhood, housed in a large facility designed by German architect Louis Lehle. Completed the same year—with a wooden extension added in 1919—the brewery launched with a capital stock of $160,000 and an impressive capacity of 75,000 barrels per year. Demand was so strong that every keg was already contracted for purchase before construction was even finished.

Surviving Prohibition

Like many breweries of the era, Dixie was forced to pivot when Prohibition arrived. The company rebranded as the Dixie Beverage Company and shifted to producing non-alcoholic sodas, malt extracts, powders for baking and malted milk drinks, and “near beer,” a low-alcohol brew. Much of its malt extract ended up being used by homebrewers looking to make their own illicit beer—something Dixie surely understood.

But Dixie’s survival during these dry years wasn’t entirely legal. In June 1921, federal agents raided six New Orleans breweries and seized 176,000 bottles of real beer. At Dixie, agents uncovered 500 cases and 120 barrels of illegal brew, resulting in fines. Just over a year later, Dixie was caught again with hundreds of illegal kegs on-site.

Despite the legal troubles, Dixie managed to keep enough legitimate business going to stay afloat until Prohibition ended in 1933.

Tough Times for Dixie Brewing

Emerging from Prohibition, beer sales are strong. In 1951, Dixie brews and sells 156,867 barrels of beer, which equates to about 39 million pints of beer but the expansion of national beer brands across the South in the 60s starts to erode Dixie's regional market share.

Its reputation took an especially damaging hit when a massive batch—roughly 45,000 cases—developed an off-flavor. While the beer was safe, fumes from newly installed floors in the fermentation cellar had tainted the product. Dixie fired its brewmaster and invested $500,000 in plant renovations, but sales continued to slide.

By the late 1970s, regional breweries across the South were disappearing, and by 1979 Dixie stood as the last operating brewery in Louisiana.

The company fought to stay competitive. Dixie Light launched in 1981 and briefly boosted sales, but by 1982 the brewery was forced to lay off 20% of its workforce. Ownership changed hands in 1983, and again in 1985 when Joseph and Kendra Elliott Bruno purchased the company. Financial strain persisted, leading Dixie to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1989.

After nearly three years under court supervision, Dixie emerged from bankruptcy in 1992 with renewed energy and a slate of new specialty beers: Blackened Voodoo (a dark lager), Crimson Voodoo (a red ale), and Jazz Amber Light in 1993. Although unsecured creditors never recovered the $6 million they were owed, the reorganization plan was approved—largely because the only alternative was liquidation.

Still, there were signs of hope. Dixie’s new brands began gaining attention, with Blackened Voodoo Lager even being briefly banned in Texas, adding to its mystique. Despite the long financial struggle, the company entered the 1990s with cautious optimism and a fresh identity built on unique, Louisiana-centric brews.

Post-Katrina

Hurricane Katrina marked a devastating turning point for Dixie Brewing. When the levees failed in 2005, the Mid-City neighborhood flooded, severely damaging the historic Tulane Avenue brewery. After the waters receded, the complex was heavily looted—equipment, copper, and irreplaceable brewing hardware were stripped from the site. Although early statements hinted at a full restoration and some community advocates pushed for city support to bring Dixie back, the brewery never reopened. Production shifted to contract brewing at Joseph Huber Brewing Company in Monroe, Wisconsin.

As it became clear the brewery would not return to its original location, the former Dixie building was incorporated into the footprint of the new Veterans Affairs medical center in Mid-City. Restoration efforts focused on stabilizing and preserving the iconic elements of the structure. Project coordinator Liz Failla explained that the goal was to maintain the recognizable Dixie tower and key architectural sections, with a modern brick-and-glass building rising behind the historic facade.

A major shift came in 2017, when New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson purchased a majority stake in the Dixie brand from longtime owners Joe and Kendra Bruno. Benson aimed to bring brewing operations back to New Orleans within two years. After his passing in March 2018, his wife Gayle Benson assumed control and continued the project.

On August 7, 2018, the company announced plans for a new brewery in New Orleans East. The facility would feature a replica of the original brick tower and reuse metal lettering salvaged from the Tulane Avenue brewery. Built inside an 80,000-square-foot section of a warehouse on a 14-acre parcel, the new brewery included a taproom, private event space with a bar crafted from a vintage fermenting tank, an on-site kitchen, food-truck area, beer garden, pond, meadow, walking paths, bocce courts, fire pits, yard games, and even a dedicated beer museum.

In 2019, production briefly moved to Blues City Brewery in Memphis before finally returning home. On November 25, 2019, Dixie Brewing Company began brewing in New Orleans for the first time since Katrina. Two months later, on January 25, 2020, the new brewery opened its doors to the public.

The most significant change came in November 2020, when the company announced it would retire the Dixie name and rebrand as Faubourg Brewing Company. “Faubourg”—pronounced FO-burg—is a French term commonly used in New Orleans to mean “neighborhood.” While “Dixie” had historical roots, its associations with the Confederacy made the name increasingly divisive in modern conversation. By February 2021, new signage and packaging were in place to reflect the updated identity.

In 2022, Faubourg Brewing Company was acquired by Made By The Water, a Wiregrass-owned holding company that also operates craft breweries throughout the Carolinas. Honestly, I'm not going to go into it with how I feel about that company. This article here will do a better job explaining it. Either way it's honestly sad that this is how Dixie/Faubourg went out. I hope they can revive the brand somehow but I don't see it happening.

Cheers!

SOURCES:

New Orleans Beer: A Hoppy History of Big Easy Brewing

Modern Brewery Age

The Times-Picayune/NOLA.com

New Orleans: Interior, Dixie Brewery complex, New Orleans, 2008. Author: The Wandering God / Cody Allison

Rogue Brewing Closing

2025-11-18T06:01:00.000-08:00

The news of Rogue Brewing closing definitely hits hard. I know craft beer is going through some tough times, but this one stings a little extra.

My craft beer journey began with this bottle of Rogue Dead Guy. I bought it the day I turned 21 in May of 1996, just looking for something different than the same old beers I’d been drinking. I was officially 21—time to level up.

I found that bottle at what was then Sav-A-Center (now Rouses), and the moment I saw that skeleton sitting on a barrel, I knew I had to try it. It was the coolest beer label I’d ever seen.

I took it home, put it straight into the fridge (it was sitting warm on the shelf 🤣), and once it hit perfect coldness, I cracked it open and drank it straight from the bottle. That one beer changed everything. It showed me what craft beer could be, and it kicked off a journey of trying every new beer I could get my hands on. There is no Beer Buddha without it. My career in the beer industry doesn't exist without it.

I have no idea how many beers I’ve had since that day—probably thousands—but I’ll never forget the first. And yes, I still don’t know why that bottle said 1996 on it.

Thanks, Rogue. 🍻

Did You Know?

2025-11-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

Did You Know?

The Cotton Mill Apartments in New Orleans once housed the A.A. Maginnis Cotton Mill, which originally was home to the Fasnacht Brewery. Founded in 1852 by Swiss immigrants Louis and Samuel Fasnacht, the brewery was located on Poeyfarre Street and holds the distinction of being New Orleans’ first commercial brewery.

Yvonne "Dixie" Fasnacht, who was a legendary gay bar owner in New Orleans was the granddaughter of Samuel. You can read more about her here.

Support Local Beer: Bayou Sara Brewing

2025-11-11T10:48:00.000-08:00

This past week, I had the chance to stop by the brand-new Bayou Sara Brewing in St. Francisville. The brewery, founded by Steve and Amanda McKinney, along with partners Doug and Abby Cochran and friends John Kaspar and Jim and Kelly Flavin, opened its doors just a couple of weeks ago.

Located in a renovated old Ford dealership on the corner of Commerce and Ferdinand Streets, the space spans an impressive 7,200 square feet and features brewing equipment sourced from Old Rail Brewing (Mandeville), Red River Brewing (Bossier City), and Urban South Houston.

Head brewer Steve McKinney, who began homebrewing back in 1995 while stationed in Japan with the Army, currently has six beers on tap: New Zealand Pils, Single Hop Citra, West Coast Pale Ale, Bayou Sara Porter, Blonde Ale, and Amber. I tried the New Zealand Pils, and it was a solid pour — crisp, balanced, and refreshing. Being Steve's first time brewing on the large system I would expect kinks here and there but it will definitely get worked out the more he brews on this system

Their kitchen is serving up classic pub fare like smash burgers, pulled pork grilled cheese, and loaded nachos. I went with the smash burger, which hit the spot — though I’ll admit, skipping the pimento cheese and bacon version feels like a rookie mistake I won’t make next time.

Make sure to make the trip out there and visit the newest Louisiana brewery!

Address: 11943 Ferdinand St, St Francisville, LA 70775
Hours:
Tuesday 11 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 11 AM–9 PM
Thursday 11 AM–9 PM
Friday 11 AM–11 PM
Saturday 11 AM–11 PM
Sunday 11 AM–3:30 PM
Monday 11 AM–9 PM

Did You Know?

2025-11-03T08:21:00.000-08:00

The Royal Sonesta New Orleans was previously home to American Brewing Company which was in that location from 1890 until it closed in 1962. American Brewing was known for Regal Beer which was one of the most popular beers in its time and had the famous slogan, "Red beans and rice, and Regal on nice".. The Royal Sonesta opened in 1969.

Throwback Thursday: Dorothy Dandridge and Jax Beer Ad

2025-10-30T07:20:00.000-07:00

Here is an ad from Jax Brewing from the 1940s featuring Dorothy Dandridge who was an actress and model. Sidenote: She was the first African-American to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for Carmen Jones.

Did You Know?

2025-10-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

The first brewery to operate in New Orleans was the Brasserie which opened in 1726. Owned by Pierre Dreux and his brother Mathurin, it was located in the Bywater section of New Orleans.

In 1728, Mathurin Dreux brought suit in Nouvelle Orleans Supreme Council against a M.Decour for non payment regarding 132 livres of beer which Dreux provided. M. Detour has the distinction being recorded as the first deadbeat to skip out on bar tab in New Orleans.

Cheers!

Beer News: Matt Horney Out at Ecology Brewing

2025-10-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

Had a source confirm with me today that Matt Horney of Ecology is no longer part of the company. I haven't heard much more other than that. I assume ownership at Ecology is currently looking for a brewer to take his place.

Matt was an amazing brewer and will most likely land somewhere. Stay tuned!

Cheers!

Throwback Thursday: Falstaff Brewing Commercial

2025-10-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Urban South Venturing Into Non Alcoholic Category

2025-10-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

*FULL DISCLOSURE: I WORK FOR THE WHOLESALER THAT SELLS THIS BRAND*

Urban South Brewing is developing Non Alcoholic beers for the market beginning in January of next year. They will make 3 N/A versions of some of their most popular beers- Holy Roller, Lime Cucumber Gose, and Paradise Park and will also have a variety pack called Weekday Pack.

With the sales of N/As booming globally and projected for some serious growth this was inevitable for a craft brewery. Urban South does a great job at innovation so for them to be the first Louisiana brewery to the table with N/A options makes sense.

Urban South has set a release date of December 2025 just in time for Dry January. They will be leading with Holy Roller first with other flavors following.

Support Local Beer: NOLA Brewing

2025-10-20T12:09:00.000-07:00

Most of you probably know the story. After Hurricane Katrina, Kirk Coco was sipping a Dixie Beer when he noticed the label indicated it was being contract-brewed out of state. The realization that New Orleans no longer had a brewery of its own didn’t sit right with him. That moment sparked an idea—to bring brewing back to the city. Partnering with former Dixie Brewing brewer Peter Cadoo, Kirk founded NOLA Brewing in 2008, becoming the first craft brewery in New Orleans.

Of course, it wasn’t an easy journey. The team faced plenty of challenges over the years, but their perseverance and passion paved the way for the city’s modern craft beer movement.

NOLA Brewing holds a special place in my heart. My first job in the beer industry was in sales with NOLA Brewing—a short four-month stint where, to be honest, I had no idea what I was doing. But that experience ignited my love for the sales side of beer and ultimately set me on the path to where I am today. Even after moving on, every visit back to New Orleans included a stop at NOLA Brewing, and that tradition continues whenever I make the trip from Baton Rouge.

Today, NOLA Brewing has evolved. They no longer distribute their beer, operating instead as more of a brewpub and gathering spot known for great pizza and live music. Kirk and Peter have both moved on, but one familiar face remains—Derek Lintern, who oversees their incredible sour beer program, The Funk Series, the only true sour program in Louisiana. The beers are still fantastic, the pizza’s solid, and the vibe remains quintessentially NOLA.

For any craft beer lover visiting or living in the New Orleans area, NOLA Brewing is still a must-visit. And make sure you check out the show on Oct 26th. Sunpie puts on a great show!

Address: 3033 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Hours:
Monday 11 AM–9 PM
Tuesday 11 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 11 AM–9 PM
Thursday 11 AM–9 PM
Friday 11 AM–10 PM
Saturday 11 AM–10 PM
Sunday 11 AM–9 PM

Throwback Thursday: Dixie Brewing Commercial

2025-10-16T17:41:00.000-07:00

1990 Dixie Brewing "Gimme A Dixie". I notice Maple Leaf Bar and Snug Harbor

Support Local Beer: Vermilionville Brew House

2025-10-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Recently the family and I took a quick trip to Lafayette for the Vermilionville Living History Museum & Forklife Park. Their mission is to "increase appreciation for the history, culture, and natural resources of the Native Americans, Acadians, Creoles, and peoples of African descent in the Attakapas region through the end of the 1800s".

The property is about 23 acres on the Bayou Vermilion. They have 19 buildings on the property such as restored Creole and Cajun style houses as well as a schoolhouse, church and artisan workshops. Fortunately for me, there’s also a brewery on the property that produces beers inspired by historical recipes, which are served in the onsite restaurant called Restaurant La Cuisine de Maman.

I ordered a flight(which I usually never do) and they brought out the Les Tatailles (molasses brown ale) and the Bouki's Biere De Gingembre (Ginger Beer). They were out of the Le Cauchemar (Satsuma Ale). Both beers were honestly fantastic. The ginger beer which came in at a whopping 8.5% is inspired by a Caribbean recipe and the ginger flavor was defintely strong. The Les Tatailles clocking in at 5.8% was a brown ale but had a nice strong sweetness from the molasses. Apparently they use a bit of ginger in it as well but I didn't catch that.

Overall, Managing Director and Brewer Brady McKellar is doing an excellent job brewing quality beer and preserving Louisiana’s rich beer history at Vermilionville Brew House. If you find yourself in Lafayette, it’s well worth a visit. And don’t overlook the food — I had the fried shrimp po’ boy, my wife enjoyed the red beans and rice, and our kid had the gumbo. Everything was outstanding.

Address: 300 Fisher Rd, Lafayette, LA 70508

Hours:
Sunday- 10 AM–4 PM
Monday- Closed
Tuesday- 10 AM–4 PM
Wednesday- 10 AM–4 PM
Thursday- 10 AM–4 PM
Friday- 10 AM–4 PM
Saturday- 10 AM–4 PM

Cheers!

Parish Brewing Beer Club

2025-10-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

If you are having issues getting amazing Parish Brewing beers you now have the Parish Beer Club! $70? Seems like a great deal to me.

Here are the details:

Welcome to the Parish Beer Club!

We’re bringing the freshest, most sought-after Parish brews straight to your door every month. As a club member, you’ll get an exclusive selection of our latest and greatest beers, from the legendary Ghost in the Machine to small-batch releases.

Each shipment includes Parish beers, featuring all of the following:

New special releases & collabs - e.g. DDH Ghost, Ghost Prime, Ripe In The Machine

Ghost In The Machine - every box will include some fresh GITM!

Seasonal offerings like Envie, Canebrake, and more

Welcome Gift included in 1st installment

How It Works

Joining the Parish Beer Club is easy:

Add to Cart

Redirect & Checkout – You’ll be redirected to our trusted fulfillment partner’s site to securely complete your purchase.

Beer Incoming! – Sit back and relax. Each month, you’ll receive a curated box of fresh Parish brews delivered right to your doorstep.

Your subscription will automatically renew each month, and you can pause, skip, or cancel anytime (Note: pausing/skipping/cancelling will only affect future installments, not installments for which you have already been billed).

How many beers in each box, exactly?

The exact mix and quantity of bottles and cans will vary month to month, but rest assured, you’re always getting the same total retail value. One month might be 8 x 16 oz cans and 4 x 12 oz cans. The next month could include 6 x 16 oz cans, a few 12 oz cans, and a couple 500 mL bottles.

Why the mix? Because some of the most exciting stuff Parish brews, from DDH TIPAs to Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stouts, come in different formats. We keep it flexible so you always get the goods.

Throwback Thursday: Jax Brewing Commercial

2025-10-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

1962 Jax Brewing commercial featuring the voices of American improvisational comedy duo Mike Nichols and Elaine May.

Fall Is Here: 5 Fall Beers I've Enjoyed This Season

2025-10-05T07:28:00.000-07:00

Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons. The cooler weather, football weekends, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and, of course, all those fall seasonal beers—it’s just a great time of year. There’s something special about sitting by a firepit, beer in hand, enjoying a crisp festbier or a pumpkin ale. I know pumpkin beers can be pretty divisive among beer fans, but I’m all about that pumpkin spice life. So, I thought it’d be fun to share five fall beers I’ve really enjoyed this year. Before we get into that, though, let’s break down what makes a festbier, a märzen, and a pumpkin beer.

Oktoberfestbier, also known as Festbier, is a traditional German lager served at Munich's Oktoberfest, characterized by a rich, malty flavor with bready or toasty notes and a subtle hop bitterness to balance the malt. While historically associated with the Märzen style, Festbier is the modern, official beer of the festival, known for its golden color, crisp finish, and high drinkability, making it perfect for pairing with German foods.

Märzen is a traditional German amber lager beer style characterized by its rich, toasty, bready malt flavor and restrained bitterness, with a clean and well-attenuated finish. Historically, it was brewed in March (März) and lagered in cold caves to be ready for fall festivals like Oktoberfest, though it's now enjoyed year-round. The name Märzen can sometimes be used interchangeably with "Oktoberfest-style beer" in the United States, as it's the classic amber lager associated with the celebration.

Pumpkin beers are a popular fall-seasonal beer style that incorporates pumpkin, pumpkin puree, or pumpkin flavoring into a beer, often an ale, to create flavors and aromas of pumpkin pie and warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.

Alright, let's get into it! Here are 5 fall beers I've really enjoyed this fall!

Parish Brewing Octoberfest- Marzen-style Lager

Gnarly Barley Festbier

Ecology Brewing Acorn Thief Octoberfest

Miel Brewing Festbier

Rally Cap Brewing Pitchin' Pumpkin

Let me know what local fall beers you've been enjoying this year! Now it's time to go watch these New Orleans Saints! Let's hope they beat the Giants!