The Top Craft Breweries In Louisiana

Before Prohibition, New Orleans was known as the beer capital of the American South, but the decade long ban on alcohol sale and production stalled innovation. Even after Prohibition was lifted, Louisiana and the Gulf South have lagged behind due to stringent state laws. However, as regulations have been lifted in recent years, microbreweries have popped up across the region. We check out 10 of the best craft breweries in the state.

1. Abita Brewing Company

Brewery

Established in 1986 in Covington, Louisiana, Abita Brewing Company was one of America’s earliest successful craft breweries. Today, Abita produces over 151,000 barrels of beer per year, making it the 14th largest craft beer producer in the country. Popular Abita beers include Abita Amber, Turbodog, and Purple Haze.

2. Bayou Teche Brewing

Brewery

Founded by Karlos Knott and his two brothers, Bayou Teche Brewing strives to craft beers that compliment Creole and Cajun food. Karlos was deployed in West Germany for six years, where he learned to appreciate pairing beers with regional foods. Each beer has a unique story, and Cajun French-inspired name. In the true spirit of Cajun hospitality, Bayou Teche often hosts cookouts.

3. NOLA Brewing

Bar, American

NOLA Brewing has made quite an impression on New Orleans beer drinkers. The beers are inspired by New Orleans food, festivals, and culture and are today served at most New Orleans dining establishments. NOLA Blonde Ale is NOLA Brewing’s most popular beer, and it was the first ale made by the brewing team.

5. Tin Roof Brewing Company

Brewery

Tin Roof Brewing Company founder Charles Caldwell, spent the early 2000s in Colorado working on a ranch and falling in love with microbrew. When he returned home to the South, he realized the area was lagging behind and decided to build his own brewery. He teamed up with William McGehee and brewmaster Tim Daigle to create Tin Roof.

6. Great Raft Brewing

Brewery

Located in Shreveport, Louisiana, Great Raft Brewing brings the craft beer scene to northern Louisiana with an emphasis on beer that pairs well with the flavorful, spicy food that Southerners enjoy. Great Raft brews what they call Real Beer, with fresh ingredients and ‘a passion for greatness’.

7. Gnarly Barley

Brewery

A husband and wife team, Zac and Cari Caramonta began brewing beer in their garage after Zac’s passion for beer had reached the point of obsession. Gnarly Barley got some early exposure at the New Orleans on Tap beer festival and opened its doors in 2011 in Hammond, Louisiana.

8. Chafunkta Brewing Company

Brewery

Based in Mandeville, Louisiana, Chafunkta Brewing Co. is named after the Tchefuncte river and former Native American settlement. Chafunkta is a family run brewery team made up of a husband and wife team, with assistance from their sons. The entire family believes in the importance of supporting Louisiana’s craft beer scene.

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