Uncovering the Best Breweries in Louisiana: A Craft Beer Lover’s Guide
Welcome to the world of Louisiana craft beer, where unique flavors, rich history, and innovative brewing techniques come together to create a brewery scene that’s as vibrant and diverse as the state itself.
Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey through Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and New Orleans as we uncover the best breweries in Louisiana.
Key Takeaways
- Raise a glass to Louisiana’s top breweries, including Abita Brewing Company, Tin Roof Brewing Company & Great Raft Brewery!
- Explore the craft beer scene in New Orleans and discover gems like Brieux Carré Brewing Co. and Urban South Brewery.
- Tour around LA for unique flavors & vibes at Baton Rouge, Shreveport or NOLA breweries, perfect for all tastes!
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A Toast to Louisiana’s Top Breweries
Louisiana is known for its delicious food, warm hospitality, and, of course, real beer brewed by passionate artisans.
Prominent breweries in Louisiana consist of:
- Abita Brewing Company
- Tin Roof Brewing Company
- Great Raft Brewing Company
- Parish Brewing Company
Each brewery is a beacon of craftsmanship, offering unique flavors and brewing techniques that have placed Louisiana on the map as a craft beer lover’s paradise.
Abita Brewing Company
Established in 1986 by Jim Patton and Rush Cummings, Abita Brewing Company is located in Covington, Louisiana, just a short drive from the bustling city of New Orleans.
This brewery’s world-class beers have been winning hearts for over three decades, and one sip of their famous Abita Purple Haze will make you understand why. This crisp wheat ale, infused with raspberry puree, offers a refreshing taste that’s perfect for a hot summer day.
With an impressive lineup of beers ranging from IPAs to stouts, Abita Brewing Company takes pride in crafting each brew with care, ensuring a great beer experience for all who visit.
Abita’s position, a short distance from New Orleans, provides distinct benefits given the city’s lively nightlife and renowned Bourbon Street. This proximity allows beer enthusiasts to explore the rich culture of New Orleans while also enjoying Abita’s excellent beers.
Therefore, if you’re in the vicinity, seize the opportunity to drop by Abita Brewing Company and indulge in their flavorful brews.
Tin Roof Brewing Company
Tin Roof Brewing Company in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a local favorite, offering a lively atmosphere and a variety of delicious beers.
Some highlights of the brewery include:
- Their signature Voodoo Pale Ale, a hoppy American pale ale with a deep amber color, which won a gold medal at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival.
- The brewery was founded by Charles Caldwell, William McGehee, and brewmaster Tim Daigle.
- Tin Roof Brewing Company is known for its unique brewing techniques, such as whirlpool hopping and using Old and New World brewing methods for their German-style Altbier.
The brewery’s inviting taproom stages live music events and presents a variety of brews, including Jah: N extra golden wheat ale, Yokster: an American IPA, and Juke Joint: a chocolate wheat stout.
Boasting an excellent assortment of beers and an energetic ambiance, Tin Roof Brewing Company is a destination to visit for beer connoisseurs touring Louisiana.
Great Raft Brewing Company
Located in Shreveport, Great Raft Brewing Company offers a wide range of beer styles and is committed to using local ingredients and supporting the local community.
Known for their IPAs, stouts, and sours, this brewery’s diverse selection is sure to satisfy any craft beer enthusiast. One of their standout brews is the Specialty Nightmare on Dalzell, an intriguing beer that showcases their dedication to quality and innovation.
To enhance your beer experience, Great Raft Brewing also features a beer garden where you can enjoy their excellent brews in a relaxed setting.
They are committed to using local ingredients and supporting the local community, making their beers a true reflection of Louisiana’s rich culture and flavors.
Ensure to visit this remarkable brewery while traversing the Shreveport craft beer scene.
Parish Brewing Company
Nestled in Broussard, Louisiana, Parish Brewing Company offers a unique combination of delicious craft beer and an inviting atmosphere.
Their popular Cane Brake beer, an American wheat brew made with local Steen’s sugarcane syrup, is a true taste of Louisiana.
With a selection of 35 amazing beers, including the top-ranked Ghost In The Machine – Double Dry-Hopped (New England IPA), Parish Brewing Company has something for everyone.
Besides their excellent beers, Parish Brewing Company also features a restaurant and bar, making it the perfect spot for a night out with friends or a casual date.
With a range of tasty brews and an inviting atmosphere, this Broussard-based brewery is a must-visit for anyone exploring Louisiana’s craft beer scene.
New Orleans Brewery Gems
New Orleans, celebrated for its dynamic culture and animated music scene, also houses a wealth of less-known breweries waiting to be unearthed.
In this bustling city, you’ll find a variety of unique breweries offering an array of brews, food, and events that cater to every beer lover’s taste.
Thus, regardless of whether you’re a resident or merely a visitor, make sure to tour the brewery scene in the Big Easy and uncover the pleasing flavors that await you.
Brieux Carré Brewing Company
Specializing in lagers, Brieux Carré Brewing Company is a New Orleans brewery that offers a variety of brews, food, and events for visitors to enjoy.
Their pre-prohibition lager, brewed with American Pilsner, 6-Row, and Corn, and their Native Land Lager, a Mexican-style Lager, showcase their dedication to crafting unique and delicious beers.
Established in 2017, Brieux Carré Brewing Company aims to be a cozy hangout for locals and a welcoming spot for visitors to experience the vibrant New Orleans beer scene.
Thus, if you’re seeking a pleasing beer experience, make a point to stop by Brieux Carré Brewing Company and savor their invigorating lagers.
Crescent City Brewhouse
Crescent City Brewhouse is an upscale microbrewery located in the heart of the French Quarter.
It features:
- An onsite restaurant
- Live jazz performances
- A variety of modern Louisiana grub
- Award-winning craft beers
This brewery, specializing in brewing beer, provides the perfect setting to enjoy a delicious meal paired with their craft beers.
Thus, if you ever happen to wander the animated streets of the French Quarter or the Irish Channel District, ensure to drop by Crescent City Brewhouse for a sampling of New Orleans’ premium brews.
The Courtyard Brewery
The Courtyard Brewery, a relaxed beer garden in New Orleans, specializes in IPAs and Saisons, offering a laid-back atmosphere for beer enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite brews.
The brewery is known for its experimental beers and has an extensive selection of handcrafted, small-batch beers made on-site, as well as specialty draughts sourced from all over.
To complement their wide range of craft beers, The Courtyard Brewery also hosts pop-up food trucks, providing visitors with a variety of scrumptious eats to pair with their brews.
This cozy nano-brewery, located in the Lower Garden District, is the perfect spot to unwind with friends and enjoy a refreshing beer.
Urban South Brewery
Urban South Brewery, a popular New Orleans brewery, offers a range of top-ranked beers that cater to diverse tastes. One of their standout brews is the Lime Cucumber Gose, a refreshing, slightly tart beer that’s perfect for a hot Louisiana day.
Founded in 2016 by Jacob Landry and Kyle Huling, Urban South Brewery was inspired by European ales and lagers the duo encountered during their travels.
Situated to the south of the Garden District, Urban South Brewery provides guests with a distinct beer experience in the core of New Orleans.
With a variety of delicious beers, including:
- American lagers
- Mexican lagers
- Ales
- Rum sours
Urban South Brewery is a must-visit destination for craft beer lovers exploring the city.
Bayou Teche Brewing: A Taste of Louisiana
Located in Arnaudville, Louisiana, Bayou Teche Brewing is a microbrewery that showcases the unique flavors of Louisiana through its craft beers, inspired by Cajun and Creole cuisine.
Founded by Karlos Knott and his brothers, this brewery adds Cajun and Creole flavors to their beers using ingredients and brewing techniques that perfectly complement Louisiana’s famous dishes, like:
- red beans and rice
- jambalaya
- gumbo
- crawfish boil
Thus, if you’re aiming to experience the genuine taste of Louisiana, ensure to visit Bayou Teche Brewing and relish their full-bodied beers.
Flagship Beers
Bayou Teche Brewing’s flagship beers are a testament to their dedication to quality and innovation. Their go-to beer, Bayou Blonde, is a light and refreshing blonde ale with a hint of citrus that pairs beautifully with the local cuisine.
In addition to their flagship beers, Bayou Teche Brewing also offers a selection of seasonal and limited-edition brews for visitors to enjoy while supplies last.
Cajun French-Inspired Names
The stories behind Bayou Teche Brewing’s Cajun French-inspired beer names are deeply rooted in Louisiana’s rich culture and history.
The brewery incorporates Cajun French culture into their beer names by using words and phrases that reflect the state’s French heritage and the unique traditions of Cajun culture.
This connection to Louisiana’s history and culture adds an extra layer of authenticity and charm to each of their one-of-a-kind brews.
Breweries with Food: The Perfect Pairing
Nothing beats the combination of delicious craft beer and mouth-watering food, and Louisiana’s breweries certainly know how to satisfy your taste buds.
With a focus on pairing their unique brews with scrumptious food options, these breweries offer a culinary experience like no other.
Thus, whether you’re craving some bar snacks or a refined meal, ensure to tour the breweries in Louisiana that offer the ideal combination of food and beer.
Gnarly Barley
Located in Hammond, Louisiana, Gnarly Barley is a small craft brewery that offers a selection of tasty beers and food options to delight your palate.
With popular brews like the Catahoula Common and Jucifer IPA, Gnarly Barley is well-known for its top-rated beer in Louisiana.
To accompany their brews, the brewery offers delectable wood-fired pizzas and fresh Gulf seafood, rendering it an ideal location for a relaxed evening with friends or a casual date.
Port Orleans Brewing Co.
Port Orleans Brewing Co. is a community brewery in New Orleans, serving delectable brews such as their Korova Milk Porter, and featuring a taco shop, creating a unique beer and food experience.
Founded in 2017 by ex-Saints offensive tackle Zach Strief and four other partners, this brewery is known for their Gleason (New England IPA) and Coffee Break (American Stout) brews.
In addition to their amazing beers, Port Orleans Brewing Co. hosts regular social events, making it an ideal spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the lively New Orleans brewery scene.
Brewery Stars: Ranking Louisiana Breweries
Discover the top-ranked breweries in Louisiana, based on publicly available beer and venue ratings from sources like BeerAdvocate. These breweries have earned their stars through their dedication to quality, innovative brewing techniques, and enjoyable venues.
Regardless if you’re a craft beer enthusiast or merely seeking to explore the local brewery scene, these highly-rated breweries offer a memorable experience for all visitors.
City Highlights: Brewery Hops Around Louisiana
Commence a craft beer tour through Louisiana’s cities, investigating the best breweries in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and New Orleans. As you hop from city to city, you’ll uncover the rich craft beer culture that each location has to offer.
Boasting distinct flavors, welcoming environments, and a broad range of beer styles, these breweries are certain to render your Louisiana brewery tour a remarkable and pleasurable experience.
Baton Rouge
In Baton Rouge, you’ll find an impressive collection of breweries offering a diverse range of brews, such as ales, IPAs, sours, and American wheat beers.
Among the best breweries in the city are Rally Cap Brewing Company, Tin Roof Brewing Co., Cypress Coast Brewing Co., and Le Chien Brewing Company.
These breweries have made a name for themselves with their inviting taprooms, focus on local craft beer, and use of rustic accents and unique wall decorations.
The beer scene in Baton Rouge is rapidly expanding, with emerging breweries such as Agile Brewing, Cypress Coast Brewing Co., and Rally Cap Brewing gaining favor among both locals and tourists.
As you explore the city, make sure to visit these amazing breweries and experience the diverse flavors and vibrant atmosphere that Baton Rouge has to offer.
Shreveport
Shreveport is home to several top breweries, including:
- Great Raft Brewing, known for its wide range of beer styles and use of local ingredients. They offer an extensive selection of beers that cater to various tastes, such as their Southern Drawl, Reasonably Corrupt, Commotion, and Grace and Grit brews.
- The Seventh Tap Brewing
- Flying Heart Brewing & Pub
Located at 1251 Dalzell Street, Shreveport, Great Raft Brewing offers:
- A huge tasting room with over 20 beers on tap
- An in-house kitchen called Provisions by Great Raft
- Collaborations with local chefs, like Chef Kelly Fields of Willa Jean in New Orleans, showcasing their dedication to quality and innovation in their dark rye saison with caraway seeds.
Thus, ensure to visit Great Raft Brewing and other Shreveport breweries to experience the city’s distinctive craft beer scene.
New Orleans
New Orleans, a city known for its lively music scene and vibrant culture, is also home to a bustling brewery scene, offering popular breweries such as:
- Urban South Brewery
- Brieux Carré Brewing Company
- Parleaux Beer Lab
- Port Orleans Brewing Co.
- Second Line Brewing
- Miel Brewery & Taproom
These breweries are among the top-rated in the city, providing exceptional craft beer experiences for locals and visitors alike, including their world class beer offerings.
With a wide variety of breweries to explore, New Orleans offers a unique beer experience for every taste. Some notable breweries in the city include:
- Brieux Carré Brewing Company, known for their experimental brews
- Urban South Brewery, famous for their Lime Cucumber Gose
- NOLA Brewing, offering a wide range of flavors and styles
- Port Orleans Brewing Company, known for their craft beers and lively taproom
Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs, smooth stouts, or refreshing sours, New Orleans has a brewery that will satisfy your beer cravings.
Thus, whether you’re a resident or merely a visitor, ensure to tour the lively brewery scene in New Orleans and uncover the pleasing flavors that await.
Summary
From the top breweries in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and New Orleans to the hidden gems and unique flavors of Louisiana’s craft beer scene, this guide has given you a taste of the diverse and exciting breweries that await you in the Pelican State.
With a rich history, innovative brewing techniques, and an ever-growing community of passionate beer lovers, Louisiana’s brewery scene is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavors and vibrant culture of this beautiful state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular beer in Louisiana?
Abita Amber by Abita Brewing is the most popular beer in Louisiana. Available almost everywhere, it’s Louisiana’s favorite and the most commonly seen beer at bars and restaurants throughout New Orleans.
How many breweries does Louisiana have?
Louisiana has around 40 breweries, which is one for every 116,220 people – the second-fewest in the nation.
What 3 states have the most craft breweries?
California, Colorado, and New York each boast over 500 craft breweries, making them the states with the most.
What are some of the top breweries in Louisiana?
Abita Brewing Company, Tin Roof Brewing Company, Great Raft Brewing Company, and Parish Brewing Company are some of the top breweries in Louisiana that offer a great craft beer experience.
What types of brews can I expect from Louisiana breweries?
You can find a variety of brews at Louisiana breweries, like ales, IPAs, sours, lagers, and even seasonal specialty beers. Enjoy exploring the local craft beer scene!