The Louisiana craft beer world has flourished since Louisiana Craft Brewer Week (LACBW) was created by the State Legislature in 2013. When the first celebratory week took place, the state had seven breweries and three brewpubs. When LACBW kicks off this year (Sept. 17th-23th), Louisiana has well over 30 breweries and brewpubs, and local bars, retailers and restaurants are dedicating taps and shelf space to Louisiana-made beer. Since last year’s Louisiana Craft Brewers Week nearly 10 breweries have opened in Louisiana.
The week-long commemoration of the beers brewed right here in Louisiana, and of the people who brew them is in its fifth year and events are already planned at local breweries, bars and restaurants statewide.
New this year is the Louisiana’s Office of Tourism’s Bayou Krewe Ambassador Program tie in for LACBW. For September, the Krewe’s theme is tailgating and the Tourism Office is asking that folks share pictures and video of local beer on social media tagging #OnlyLouisiana, #LAFootball and #LABrews. They will be sending the highest performing participants rewards (Bayou Krewe hats, shirts and drinking cups, and gifts from Louisiana breweries).
LACBW week events include tap takeovers, samplings of cask ales, special beer releases, and opportunities to meet the brewers. The week culminates with NOLA on Tap, the state’s largest beer festival, held Sept. 23 in New Orleans City Park. This beer festival highlights beers from breweries across the state as well as local homebrewers. NOLA on Tap benefits the LA/SPCA.
