Abita
Credit: http://thebeerinme.com
Abita Beer is a more recent example of a Louisiana brewery success. Located in Abita Springs, just thirty miles north of New Orleans. Abita Beer opened its doors in 1986 and has been brewing local favorites ever since. The first year Abita was opened it brewed about 1,500 barrels of beer; currently it brews about 4,500 barrels of beer every year.
Abita brews seven beers yearlong, which includes: Amber, Light, Golden, Jockamo, Purple Haze, Restoration and Turbodog. It also brews five seasonal ones, which include: Bock, Red Ale, Wheat, Fall Fest and Christmas Ale. Abita Strawberry, Pecan and Satsuma. Abita brewers pride themselves on using fresh Louisiana grown ingredients. Root Beer is also brewed for the younger crowd.
Photo Courtesy of David Mora Photography
Like many other local businesses, Abita felt the need to contribute to the rebuilding of the city of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina in August of 2005. Once the brewery was able to reopen, it began brewing “Restoration Fleur-de-Lis” Pale Ale. One dollar from every six-pack sold is donated to help rebuild New Orleans. As of 2010, Abita had raised $350,000 this beer has become so popular it is now brewed year round.
Abita also began contributing to the Gulf Oil Spill crisis with their SOS Pilsner in July 2010. The SOS (Save Our Shore) beer generates .75 cents per bottle is donated for charitable foundations working to protect Louisiana’s precious shoreline.
Q: Did you brew personally before becoming president of Abita? If so, at what age did you personally start?
A: ” Yes, I started brewing at home as a young adult.”
Q: What was the inspiration behind the Abita Brewing Company?
A: “Our passion is making great beer. We strive to make the best full flavored all natural lagers and ales.”
Q: Did Hurricane Katrina damper production, and for how long?
A: ”We were down for over two weeks and we lost 1,000 bbl (31 gallons/bbl) of fermenting beer.”
Q: What kind of damages did the brewery suffer from the storm?
A: ”Lost beer, two weeks of being down, devastated home market, and about $30,000 in property damage”
Q: When you were in your college years what were you dreams? Did you dream of running a brewery?
A: ”Yes, even some of my college papers were on the feasibility of running a craft brewery.”
Q: How has the United States financial downturn affected Abita Brewing Company?
A: “Our sales are still strong and growing so it is hard to tell.”
Credit: http://abita.com
