Best 19 Breweries in Louisiana: A Guide to the State’s Top Craft Beer Producers
Louisiana is a state that is famous for its delicious food, rich culture, and vibrant music scene. In recent years, it has also become a hub for craft beer enthusiasts. With a growing number of breweries producing a wide range of styles, Louisiana has become a must-visit destination for beer lovers.
From the classic Abita Brewing Company to the microbrewery Bayou Teche Brewing, Louisiana’s craft beer scene has something for everyone. These breweries produce a variety of styles, including IPAs, stouts, and sours, as well as unique brews that incorporate local ingredients such as pecans and sweet potatoes. Whether you’re a seasoned beer drinker or just starting to explore the world of craft beer, Louisiana’s breweries are sure to impress.
The Craft Beer Scene in Louisiana
Louisiana has a thriving craft beer scene, with numerous breweries and taprooms across the state. From the traditional styles to the experimental brews, Louisiana’s craft beer scene has something for everyone.
New Orleans is the hub of the craft beer scene in Louisiana, with many breweries and taprooms located in the city. Some of the most popular breweries in New Orleans include NOLA Brewing Company and Port Orleans Brewing Company. NOLA Brewing Company is known for its flagship beer, the NOLA Blonde Ale, while Port Orleans Brewing Company offers a variety of IPAs, stouts, and lagers.
Baton Rouge is another city in Louisiana that has a growing craft beer scene. Tin Roof Brewing Company and Southern Craft Brewing Company are two of the most popular breweries in Baton Rouge. Tin Roof Brewing Company is known for its Parade Ground Coffee Porter, while Southern Craft Brewing Company offers a variety of IPAs and stouts.
Shreveport, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Mandeville, Marksville, Monroe, Natchitoches, and Bossier City are other cities in Louisiana that have a growing craft beer scene. Each city has its own unique breweries and taprooms, offering a variety of styles and flavors.
Louisiana’s craft beer scene is not just limited to the cities. West Monroe is home to Flying Tiger Brewery, which offers a variety of traditional and experimental brews. The brewery is known for its Warhawk Pale Ale and Bayou Bengal Lager.
Abita Brewing Company
Abita Brewing Company is a Louisiana institution that has been producing flavorful brews since 1986. With its headquarters located in Abita Springs, the brewery is known for its wide variety of beers that cater to different tastes and preferences.
Abita Brewing Company is one of the largest breweries in Louisiana, producing about 151,000 barrels of beer every year, as well as 9,100 barrels of root beer. The brewery offers a range of year-round and seasonal beers, including Amber Lager, Purple Haze, Big Easy IPA, and Strawberry Lager.
Visitors can explore the brewery and learn about the beer-making process through guided tours. The tours are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and visitors can choose from three different time slots. The tours provide a unique opportunity to see the brewery’s operations up close and learn about the history of beer-making in Louisiana.
In addition to tours, Abita Brewing Company also offers a taproom where visitors can enjoy a cold beer and relax with friends. The taproom is open from Monday to Sunday, and visitors can choose from a variety of beers on tap. The brewery also hosts events throughout the year, including beer festivals and live music performances.
Website: http://www.abita.com/
Address: 21084 LA-36, Covington, LA 70433, United States
Parish Brewing Company
Parish Brewing Company, located in Broussard, Louisiana, is a craft brewery that produces modern beer of the highest quality. The brewery’s philosophy centers around brewing intensely flavored, modern beer of the highest quality—no matter the style. Parish Brewing Company is known for its innovative brewing techniques and unique flavors.
One of the brewery’s most popular beers is Ghost in the Machine, a double IPA that is highly sought after by beer enthusiasts. Ghost in the Machine is a hazy, juicy IPA that is bursting with tropical fruit flavors. The beer has a smooth, creamy mouthfeel and a slightly bitter finish. Ghost in the Machine is available year-round in cans and on draft.
Another popular beer from Parish Brewing Company is Envie, a pale ale that is perfect for those who enjoy a lighter, more refreshing beer. Envie is a crisp, clean beer that is easy to drink and has a slightly hoppy finish. The beer is available year-round in cans and on draft.
Parish Brewing Company has won numerous awards for its beers, including several gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival. The brewery’s commitment to quality and innovation has helped it become one of the most respected breweries in Louisiana.
If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful beer experience, be sure to check out Parish Brewing Company. With its innovative brewing techniques and commitment to quality, it’s no wonder why this brewery is so highly regarded among beer enthusiasts.
Website: http://parishbeer.com/
Address: 229 Jared Dr, Broussard, LA 70518, United States
Tin Roof Brewing Company
Tin Roof Brewing Company is a popular craft brewery located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Founded in 2010, it has quickly become one of the largest craft breweries in the area. The brewery is situated between downtown Baton Rouge and Louisiana State University, making it a convenient location for locals and visitors alike.
The brewery produces a variety of delicious beers that are served in a comfortable setting. Visitors can try one of their flagships, seasonal, and sometimes experimental, single-batch beers. If they are lucky, they may even catch some of the brewing action. The brewery also offers tours, which are announced on their website.
One of the brewery’s most popular beers is the Juke Joint IPA. This beer is a tribute to the juke joints of the Mississippi Delta and features a blend of American and British hops. It has a citrusy aroma and a smooth, hoppy finish. Other popular beers include the Voodoo Bengal Pale Ale and the Blonde Ale.
Tin Roof Brewing Company has won several awards for its beers, including a gold medal at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival for its Voodoo Bengal Pale Ale. The brewery is also committed to sustainability and has implemented several green initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
Website: http://www.tinroofbeer.com/
Address: 1624 Wyoming St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, United States
Gnarly Barley Brewing Company
Gnarly Barley Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Hammond, Louisiana. The brewery was founded in 2014 by Zac and Cari Caramonta, who started brewing in their garage before opening their own facility.
Gnarly Barley is known for its creative and unique flavor profiles in its flagship beers, including The Catahoula Common, Radical Rye P.A., Juke Joint IPA 2.0, and Korova Milk Porter. These beers can be found on tap across southeast Louisiana.
The brewery has a taproom that is open to the public, offering indoor and outdoor seating for onsite consumption. Group tours are also available on Saturdays at 1 PM and 2 PM, and no reservations are necessary.
Gnarly Barley has received several awards for its beers, including the gold medal at the 2016 Great American Beer Festival for its Jucifer IPA. The brewery has also been recognized by various publications, such as Thrillist and Beer Advocate, as one of the best breweries in Louisiana.
Website: http://www.gnarlybeer.com/
Address: 1709 Corbin Rd, Hammond, LA 70403, United States
Crying Eagle Brewing Company
Crying Eagle Brewing Company is a microbrewery located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. It offers a wide range of craft beer styles and fantastic Southern food. The brewery is a world-class establishment that has been recognized in a Craft Beer and Brewing IPA Review for its newest flagship DIPA in September 2022.
Crying Eagle Brewing Company is a legit adult playground, according to one reviewer on TripAdvisor. The brewery has a gorgeous interior with a wide range of in-house brews on tap for visitors to choose from. Visitors can also enjoy beertails, beer slushies, wine, and cocktails.
The brewery also offers engaging tours for those looking to broaden their beer knowledge. Visitors can learn about the brewing process, the different types of beer, and the history of the brewery. Crying Eagle Brewing Company is a must-visit for anyone who loves craft beer and wants to experience a unique brewery in Louisiana.
Website: http://cryingeagle.com/
Address: 1165 E McNeese St, Lake Charles, LA 70607, United States
Bayou Teche Brewing
Bayou Teche Brewing is a popular brewery located in Arnaudville, Louisiana. The brewery is known for its wide range of flavorful beers and its Cajun Saucer Wood-Fired Pizza. Bayou Teche Brewing is open seven days a week, with varying hours.
One of the brewery’s most popular beers is the Bayou Blonde, a light and refreshing beer that is perfect for hot Louisiana days. This beer has a crisp and clean taste, with a subtle sweetness that makes it a crowd favorite. Another popular beer is the LA 31 Bière Pâle, a hoppy and aromatic beer that is perfect for IPA lovers.
In addition to its delicious beers, Bayou Teche Brewing also offers wood-fired pizza from its Cajun Saucer food truck. The pizza is made with fresh, local ingredients and pairs perfectly with their beers.
Website: http://bayoutechebrewing.com/
Address: 1002 Noth Ln, Arnaudville, LA 70512, United States
Urban South Brewery
Urban South Brewery is a popular brewery located in New Orleans, Louisiana. The brewery offers a wide variety of beer styles, including IPAs, lagers, porters, wheats, APAs, and browns.
One of the most popular beers at Urban South Brewery is the Holy Roller IPA. This beer has a citrusy and piney flavor and is brewed with a combination of hops. Another popular beer is the Charming Wit, a Belgian-style wheat beer with a hint of coriander and orange peel.
Urban South Brewery also offers seasonal beers, such as the Oktoberfest Lager and the Christmas Bomb Porter. These beers are only available for a limited time, so be sure to try them while they’re still around.
In addition to its beer selection, Urban South Brewery also has a taproom where visitors can try their beers and enjoy some food. The taproom has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to hang out with friends.
Website: http://www.urbansouth.com/
Address: 1645 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
NOLA Brewing Company
NOLA Brewing Company is the oldest craft brewery in New Orleans, Louisiana, and is located in the Irish Channel district at 3001 Tchoupitoulas St. The brewery was founded in 2008 by Kirk Coco, Peter Caddoo, and the late Matt Horney. Since then, NOLA Brewing Company has become one of the most popular breweries in New Orleans and is known for its innovative beers and commitment to quality.
The brewery’s taproom is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It is open seven days a week and offers a variety of NOLA Brewing Company’s beers on tap, as well as a selection of food from local vendors. The taproom also features a large outdoor patio that is perfect for enjoying a cold beer on a hot day.
NOLA Brewing Company’s most popular beers include the NOLA Blonde Ale, the NOLA Brown Ale, and the NOLA Hopitoulas IPA. The brewery also produces a variety of seasonal beers, including the NOLA Irish Channel Stout and the NOLA Funk Series.
In addition to its taproom, NOLA Brewing Company’s beers can be found in bars and restaurants throughout New Orleans and the surrounding area. The brewery also offers tours of its facility, which include a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process and a tasting of its beers.
Website: http://www.nolabrewing.com/
Address: 3001 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70115, United States
Other Notable Breweries
Louisiana is home to many breweries, and while the top breweries are certainly worth a visit, there are many other notable breweries to check out as well. Here are a few to consider:
Old Rail Brewing Company
Located in Mandeville, Old Rail Brewing Company offers a variety of beers, including their popular “Tin Roof” blonde ale and “Boxcar” brown ale. They also have a full restaurant menu and live music on weekends.
Website: https://spokebarrel.com/
Address: 639 Girod St, Mandeville, LA 70448, United States
Broken Wheel Brewery
This Gonzales brewery has a taproom and outdoor beer garden and offers a range of beers from IPAs to stouts. They also have food trucks on site for hungry visitors.
Website: http://www.brokenwheelbrew.com/
Address: 109 Tunica Dr E, Marksville, LA 71351, United States
Flying Tiger Brewery
Based in Monroe, Flying Tiger Brewery is known for its “Ace Amber” and “Black Widow” stouts. They have a taproom and outdoor patio and often host events like trivia nights and live music.
Website: http://www.flyingtigerbeer.com/
Address: 506 N 2nd St, Monroe, LA 71201, United States
Red River Brewing
Based in Shreveport, Red River Brewing has a taproom and outdoor patio, and offers a range of beers from IPAs to sours. They also have a full restaurant menu and often host events like live music and trivia nights.
Website: https://www.redriverbeer.com/
Address: 310 Mansfield St, Bossier City, LA 71111, United States
Flying Heart Brewing
Located in Bossier City, Flying Heart Brewing has a taproom and outdoor patio, and offers a variety of beers, including their popular “Vanilla Bean Blonde” and “Hoptometrist” IPA. They also have a full restaurant menu and often host events like live music and karaoke nights.
Website: https://flyingheartbrewing.com/
Address: 700 Barksdale Blvd, Bossier City, LA 71111, United States
Low Road Brewing
Based in Hammond, Low Road Brewing offers a variety of beers, including their popular “Hazy Days” IPA and “Dark Side of the Road” stout. They have a taproom and often host events like game nights and live music.
Website: http://lowroadbrewing.com/
Address: 1110 C M Fagan Dr, Hammond, LA 70403, United States
Chafunkta Brewing
Located in Mandeville, Chafunkta Brewing offers a range of beers from IPAs to lagers. They have a taproom and often host events like live music and trivia nights.
Website: http://www.chafunkta.com/
Address: 69123 Sky Brook Rd, Mandeville, LA 70471, United States
Miel Brewery & Taproom
Based in New Orleans, Miel Brewery & Taproom offers a variety of beers, including their popular “Honeysuckle Saison” and “Bee Cool” IPA. They have a taproom and often host events like yoga classes and live music.
Website: http://www.mielbrewery.com/
Address: 405 Sixth St, New Orleans, LA 70115, United States
Brieux Carré
Located in New Orleans, Brieux Carré offers a range of beers from IPAs to stouts. They have a taproom and often host events like game nights and live music.
Website: https://www.brieuxcarre.com/
Address: 2115 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
Courtyard Brewery
Based in New Orleans, Courtyard Brewery offers a variety of beers, including their popular “Ghost in the Machine” IPA. They have a taproom and often host events like live music and trivia nights.
Website: http://courtyardbrewery.square.site/
Address: 1160 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
Mudbug Brewery
Located in Thibodaux, Mudbug Brewery offers a range of beers from IPAs to lagers. They have a taproom and often host events like live music and food trucks.
Website: http://www.mudbugbrewery.com/
Address: 1878 LA-3185, Thibodaux, LA 70301, United States
These breweries are just a few of the notable options in Louisiana. No matter where you go in the state, you’re sure to find great beer and a welcoming atmosphere.
Brewery Events and Taprooms
Louisiana’s breweries are not just places to grab a cold one, but also destinations for events and gatherings. Most breweries have taprooms that are open to the public, where visitors can sample a variety of beers and enjoy the atmosphere.
Many breweries in Louisiana also host events, such as live music, trivia nights, and food trucks. These events are great opportunities to try new beers and socialize with other beer enthusiasts. Visitors should check the brewery’s website or social media pages for information on upcoming events.
Some breweries in Louisiana have taprooms that are open daily, while others have limited hours. Visitors should check the brewery’s website or call ahead to confirm hours of operation. Many breweries also offer tours of their facilities, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process.
In addition to taprooms, some breweries in Louisiana have partnerships with local bars and restaurants. These establishments serve the brewery’s beers on tap, giving visitors another opportunity to try their favorite brews.
Overall, Louisiana’s breweries offer a unique experience for beer lovers and casual drinkers alike. With a variety of events, taprooms, and partnerships with local establishments, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.