THE ULTIMATE NOLA BREWERY GUIDE FOR BEER LOVERS
Few cities in the world are as culturally rich as New Orleans. One thing the city is ubiquitously known for is its phenomenal cocktails, but in recent years, it has also become a paradise for beer connoisseurs. The city’s palpable beer scene features venerable local breweries and a growing number of creative microbreweries and nano-breweries.
Over the last decade, New Orleans has seen a mass arrival of new, inventive breweries creating original craft beer options. Many breweries have tours that allow guests to experience the brewing process and sample the creations. If touring or visiting a brewery or brewpub, it’s advisable to drink plenty of water and eat a snack.
Faubourg Brewing Company (Formerly Dixie Brewery)
Faubourg Brewing Company, founded as Dixie Brewery in 1907, is the oldest operating brewery in New Orleans. The company rebranded and officially became Faubourg Brewing Company on November 4, 2020. If interested in trying a classic, indulge with the Premium Lager, but for those seeking a little more zest, the Dat’Suma IPA made with satsumas is the way to go.
Brieux Carré Brewing Company
The Brieux Carré crew emphasizes their passion for beer by letting the beer gods dictate the creative direction of their brewing. Visitors will find a wide variety to choose from at Brieux Carré’s taproom. The team takes pride in brewing weird yet exciting recipes weekly, ensuring patrons a new diverse experience every visit.
Courtyard Brewery
Founded in 2014, Courtyard Brewery was the first nano-brewery to exist in New Orleans. The brewery has an impressive selection of stouts and IPAs with unique flavor combinations. Like Brieux Carré, Courtyard also has an ever-evolving rotation of craft beers.
Urban South Brewery
Urban South Brewery was born from Jacob Landry’s experiences, traveling Europe tasting ales from Belgium and England and lagers from Germany. Landry’s mission is to “share the gospel of beer” by combining European beer heritage with Southern-American style. Urban South’s flagship beers are Holy Roller Hazy Juicy IPA, Lime Cucumber Gose, and Paradise Park American Lager.
NOLA Brewing Company
NOLA Brewing Company was founded by Kirk Coco in 2008 and is the oldest craft brewery in New Orleans. The craft brewery makes year-round, series, and seasonal brews. Some of its year-round offerings include LA Lager, Blonde Ale, and Irish Channel Stout.
Parleaux Beer Lab
Praleaux Beer Lab is a microbrewery and neighborhood taproom that doesn’t offer any flagship drinks. The microbrewery views itself as a laboratory for experimentation and strives to create new craft beer recipes every day.
Abita Brewing Company
Just outside New Orleans is one of Louisiana’s most renowned breweries, Abita Brewing Company, which was founded in 1986. Abita uses state-of-the-art technology, natural spring water, and organic ingredients to brew its premium-quality beers. In addition to Abita’s flagship brews, Purple Haze Raspberry Lager, Amber Lager, Turbodog Brown Ale, and Andygator Lager, it produces The Boot, a hybrid beer exclusively available in Louisiana.
Second Line Brewing Company
Second Line Brewing was formed by a group of friends with a shared passion for craft beers. Second line’s selection of core beers includes Batture Blonde Ale, Coffee Blonde, MSY Common Lager, Vacation Juice Hazy IPA, and West Coast IPA.
Port Orleans Brewing Company
Port Orleans Brewing Company was established by New Orleanians interested in developing premium local craft beers, including its Riverfront Lager, Riverfront Low Tide Light Lager, Bucktown Brown Ale, and Vice Versa Hazy Juicy IPA.
Crescent City Brewhouse
Crescent City Brewhouse, founded in 1991 by the late German Brewmaster, Wolfram Koehler, is a beer fan landmark as the first brewpub in New Orleans. The 17-barrel brewery utilizes old-world values and state-of-the-art technology and brews its world-class beers in small quantities following the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516. House brews include Pilsner, Red Stallion, Weiss Beer, and Black Forrest.
Miel Brewery and Taproom
Miel Brewery and Taproom is the brainchild of Alex Peyroux and Janice Montoya. The microbrewery opened its doors in 2018 and offers a rotating and limited issue selection of craft beers.
Stay at the Jung Hotel & Residences
The best way to visit New Orleans breweries is by staying at a hotel in the middle of it all. The Jung Hotel & Residences is ideally situated near the Canal Streetcar line, allowing easy accessibility. Make a reservation at the Jung Hotel today, and taste the best beers in New Orleans.