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When did beer brewing begin in Louisiana?
- The history of beer brewing in Louisiana dates back to the region’s occupation as a French colony, with the opening of the La Brasserie New Orleans brewery in 1723.
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What historic breweries were prominent in Louisiana?
- Throughout the next two centuries, notable historic breweries thrived throughout the state, including the New Orleans Brewing Company, which was formed in 1890 as the merger of six high-profile regional breweries.
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How did Prohibition affect Louisiana's beer industry?
- Following the implementation of Prohibition, the state’s beer industry declined, but since the opening of Abita Brewing Company in 1986, it has experienced a revitalization.
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How many breweries are in Louisiana today?
- Today, the state is home to more than three dozen breweries and brewpubs, ranking it 36th in the nation for craft breweries per capita.
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1. Abita Brewing Company
Tour the brewery, sample craft beers, and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere.
Abita Brewing Company was founded in 1986 and has become the state’s top craft brewery today, producing more than 151,000 barrels of small-batch beer annually at its Covington brewhouse. All preservative-free brews are crafted with pure artesian water from nearby Abita Springs, with many emphasizing unique fruit flavors. The brewery has become nationally renowned for year-round brews such as its Purple Haze Raspberry Lager, Big Easy IPA, and Strawgator Strawberry Harvest Lager.
Limited-edition and seasonal beers include its Christmas Ale, Creole Cream Ale, and Mardi Gras Bock, while craft non-alcoholic sodas include its Pecan Pie Soda, Vanilla Cream Soda, and Abita Root Beer. Its visitor center and taproom offers guided tours seven days a week, while its full-service Abita Brewpub serves a variety of unique American fare.
Abita Brewing Company, 166 Barbee Road, Covington, LA 70433, Phone: 985-893-3143
2. Great Raft Brewing
Savor unique, flavorful brews while relaxing in a vibrant taproom.
Great Raft Brewing is a Shreveport brewery that was opened by Andrew and Lindsay Nations in 2013, making it the city’s first modern microbrewery since the Prohibition era. It offers three flagship year-round brews, including its Southern Drawl Pale Lager, its Reasonably Corrupt Black Lager, and its Commotion Pale Ale.
Seasonal and small-batch brews include its Make Believer Session IPA, Born In A Barn Belgian Saison, Grace and Grit Double IPA, and several recent collaborations with Washington, D.C.’s Bluejacket Brewery. Its adults-only tasting room offers tours on Saturday afternoons and sells drafts and to-go cans and bottles Wednesdays through Saturdays.
Great Raft Brewing, 1251 Dalzell St, Shreveport, LA 71104, Phone: 318-734-9881
3. Parleaux Beer Lab
Explore creative craft beers in a fun, family-friendly outdoor setting.
Parleaux Beer Lab is a destination microbrewery and taproom within New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood, committed to creating high-quality small-batch ales in a variety of iconic brewing styles. The brewery strives to capture its home city’s eclectic creative spirit, crafting constantly rotating seasonal experimental beers.
Popular offering sinclude its Foggy Glasses New England-style IPA, The Sun Also Sets West Coast IPA, Strange Charm Sour IPA, and Bass Clef Gulf Coast IPA, along with darker beers such as its Tiramisu Imperial Stout and Philosopher’s Stone Czech Dark Lager. Its family-friendly taproom is open to the public Thursdays through Mondays, with happy hour prices offered on weeknights. Rotating food truck pop-ups are hosted on site, along with brewery tours and a variety of public special events.
Parleaux Beer Lab, 634 Lesseps St, New Orleans, LA 70117, Phone: 504-702-8433
4. Crying Eagle Brewing Company
Enjoy live music, handcrafted beers, and a lively weekend vibe.
Crying Eagle Brewing Company’s name is a translation of the indigenous Atakapa term Quelqueshue, which was also used in naming the region’s Calcasieu River. The brewery was opened in 2016 by Eric Avery and offers a 1,500-square-foot brewhouse and beer garden that is open to the public Wednesdays through Saturdays, with public tours offered on Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings.
Flagship brews include its Pistol Bridge Porter, Louisiana Lager, Ready to Mingle Belgian-style Single, and Hop Blooded IPA, while specialty beers include a seasonal Strawberry Rye and a Calcasieu Common Ale. Light pub fare is served at the Bistro at Crying Eagle, including pizzas, panini sandwiches, and bar appetizers.
Crying Eagle Brewing Company, 1165 E McNeese St, Lake Charles, LA 70607, Phone: 337-990-4871
5. Flying Heart Brewing
Sip refreshing craft brews and savor delicious pizza in a casual spot.
Flying Heart Brewing is a Shreveport brewery located within old downtown Bossier City’s historic Fire Station Number Six building. It was opened in 2015 by couples and friends Ben and Elizabeth Pattillo and Ben and Leah Hart and offers a new pizza kitchen and pub facility, serving unique handcrafted pizzas designed to pair with the brewery’s beers.
Year-round flagships include the brewery’s Louisiana Amber Ale, Milk Maid Stout, Firehouse Blonde, Six of Hearts Golden Ale, Black Heart Ale, and Barrel 52 Robust Porter, with seasonal offerings available periodically on draft. Craft cocktails are also served, along with a wide selection of fine wines and liquors. Periodic public special events include live music performances and liquor tasting events.
Flying Heart Brewing, 700 Barksdale Blvd, Bossier City, LA 71111, Phone: 318-584-7039
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