We took a long weekend to explore New Orleans with some friends and family. Great opportunity to score a bunch of unique beers, some culture, and a whole lotta crawdads.

Abita is usually the first beer you think of when you think Louisiana. We used the opportunity to try every variation we could find. Kicked it off with the Jockamo for that hoppy bite with a Catfish Po Boy at Daisy Dukes. 

NOLA Brewing is the local New Orleans microbrewery with a wide selection of beers. We enjoyed the Blonde at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, “built between 1722 and 1732 by Nicolas Touze, is reputed to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States.” Giant inch thick/ shatter proof glasses are common in NOLA.

We also visited the former Jackson Brewery. At 110 years old the Brewery was the largest independent brewery in the south and the tenth largest single-plant brewery in the country.

In addition to shops, memorabilia, and a great view of the river, it also hosts a brew pub with a nice selection of beer on tap: Abita’s Andy Gator Maibock and Amber. NOLA’s Hopitoulas and Mechahopzilla single and double IPAs were killer. Canebrake is from Parish Brewing Co. 

Check out Pat O’Brien’s for the flaming water fountain. Beer selections may be limited, but they almost all have Abita Amber, so you’re good to go.

Dixie is a classic. Put some South in yo’ mouth.

Pale Ale from Bayou Teche, one of the many great new brewers we discovered in LA. 

Mud bugs by the millions. “Don’t eat da straight ones”. 

Get up and going with Cafe Du Monde beignets and coffee. 

On our last day, we hit the jackpot. Barcadia is the familiar bar/arcade brew pub with an impressive selection of drafts and bottles. 

Another successful trip. I GARONTEEE!

25 or so unique beers later and we are closing out our 2013 Spring Session of the Craft Beer Festival. Highlights were Founder’s Kentucky Breakfast Stout, Allagash’s Interlude Red Wine Barrel aged sour, Kona Brewing’s Koko Brown, and Long Trail’s Brown Bag#2 Smoked Bavarian Brown Ale. Another amazing event at a great location.

Next up is the 2nd Annual Get Real Presents “Beer Balls” Meatball and Craft Beer Festival! Happening May 11, 2013 at The Alewife in Long Island City. Check Eventbrite to get tickets.