As most of you may have found out by reading the title of this article, it’s National Craft Beer Week. So, obviously, this is another excuse to drink cause for celebration. And if that isn’t enough cause, know this: 2014 marks the first full year that Shreveport has brewed and sold local beer since Prohibition. Hooray, local beer!
Now I’m by no means a beer expert, but I have evidence that I know slightly more than most folks around here: Following a recent and unforgettable trip to Boston, I walked into a favorite Shreveport haunt of mine and decided to reflectively order a Samuel Adams Boston Lager. The server silently walked off, clearly puzzled, with a look as if I’d just given her all the clues to the Holiday in Dixie scavenger hunt at once and in no particular order. She came back a few minutes later with the news, “Sorry, sir, the only import we have is Heineken.” Whether it was her lack of study in the area of beer or geography – or both – was never determined.
Whether you’re the most critical of beer snobs or the guy who unapologetically brings Smirnoff Ices to the tailgate party, this post’s purpose is simply to make sure you’re aware of some of the craft-beer options available locally. Here they are:
Covington Strawberry Ale
Yes, Louisiana has ANOTHER strawberry ale, and you should give it a shot. Available at Cuban Liquor (Fairfield and Pierremont), 318-869-1236.
Abita Bourbon Street Baltic Porter
Frank’s Pizza Napoletana, this Thursday (5/15/14) at 5 PM, will have a special tasting of a rare Abita Bourbon Street Baltic Porter. This brew is aged for 8 weeks in Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon barrels, giving it a bourbon-like warmth (so you know it’s good). Franks is located at 6950 Fern Ave. in Shreveport. For more info, call. 318-230-7130
Red River Brew Co.’s Hay Ryed
Described as “perfect for our 10 months of summer.” And for the person who likes free stuff with his/her beer, Rotolo’s Pizzerias in Shreveport and Bossier City will be offering free pint glasses for each customer’s first order of their Hay Ryed brew. This is also on Thursday, and it starts at 5:30 PM. Rotolo’s is located at 1409 E. 70th in Shreveport and 5000 Benton Rd. in Bossier City.
Tin Roof Ale (Pale or Blonde)
Can you really go wrong with a purple and gold can? Available at Tony’s Liquor, 6241 Line Ave. 318-861-1127
Bayou Teche
Something tells me this would go well with crawfish. Available, among other places at (Gucci) Brookshire’s at 5828 Line Ave in Shreveport).
NOLA Brown Ale
Start here on your dark beer adventure. Light-bodied but still full of flavor. Available in most liquor stores in the area.
Great Raft Brewery – Reasonably Corrupt Black Lager (right)
We assume its name has roots in Louisiana politics. Available at Great Raft Brewery, 1251 Dalzell in Shreveport.
What did we miss? Comment below.