“We feel the hop addition plays well with the mix of pale and dark malts to create balanced, hoppy red ale,” says Kirk Coco, our founder and president.

 
Our Flambeau Red Ale is a Spring seasonal only, so enjoy it while it’s here. 
 
Here’s where we’ll be heading this weekend:

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NOLA Brewery Brown Ale - Beer Soap For Skin And Hair (photo courtesy of Sweet Olive Soap Works)

We think this malty treat will change your perception of brown ales and have you thirsty for more. Despite its heavier look, NOLA Brown is our “slimmest” brew setting you back only 120 calories per pint – if you’re counting!  Some have said NOLA Brown “tastes like a pie crust my grandma used to make.” We’re kind of biased, but we feel the same nostalgia with every drop of this beer.  And, if you just can’t live without the sweet, sweet smell of the Brown Ale, have no fear, you can bathe in it!
 
The NOLA Brown is delicious to drink by itself of course, but it’s also a great ingredient for many recipes. We think some NOLA Brown ale would go well kneaded into this Roasted Garlic Beer Bread! We’re not the only ones that used Brown in recipes either, our friends over at Phil’s Grill created a NOLA Brown shake that is absolutely incredible (if we do say so ourselves.)
 
Most places that carry NOLA Brewing are sure to have the Brown Ale on tap, check them out here: http://www.nolabrewing.com/find-nola-brews/
 
What do you think about the Brown Ale? Is it your “go-to” for a celebration? Share your NOLA Brown love with us!
 

NOLA Blonde Ale

The very first NOLA Brewing creation was the Blonde Ale. The first batches used to develop the recipe for the Blonde Ale were brewed in Brewmaster Peter Caddoo’s backyard on his home brew equipment. Boy, have we come a long way! Originally released in March 2009, today it is our most popular and most widely distributed beer. If you are just getting into drinking craft beer, it’s a perfect beer to get your feet wet.
 
NOLA Blonde is a medium-bodied traditional American blonde ale. Golden in color, it has floral and citrus hop aromas. Not one of the most potent of potions in the craft beer world, as it contains 4.90% ABV but definitely an excellent lighter bodied beer with lots of flavor! Some have said NOLA Blonde, “goes down like water.” We’re a little biased, but we agree. It’s great for everyday drinking but particularly refreshing and delicious during the summer months!
 
The NOLA Blonde Ale is delicious accompanying most any meal but we think it is especially delicious with seafood! It’s also great to cook with. Check out this recipe for Coconut Beer Shrimp, and use our Blonde Ale in the batter.
 
Most places that carry NOLA Brewing are sure to have the Blonde Ale on tap, as we said before it is one of our most widely distributed beers, check them out here: http://www.nolabrewing.com/find-nola-brews/
 
What do you guys think of our NOLA Blonde Ale? Have any recipes or pairings? We’d love for you to share them with us!
 

Gulf Brew 2011 – Beer Is King from Acadiana Center for the Arts on Vimeo.

 
Melanie and Will, two of our top team members, will be there serving up all the NOLA brews so come out, say hi and have a taste…or a few! There will also be brew’s from Lafayette’s Homebrew club, as well as Baton Rouge and New Orleans Homebrew clubs, not to mention all the beer made available by many of the area distributors. You won’t go thirsty!
 
Plus, don’t miss the live music from The Von Dukes, Rex Moroux Rex, Soul Express Brass Band, and DJ Miyagi will have you dancing all night.
 
New this year to the fest, BikeLafayette, a Lafayette-based bicycle safety and awareness advocacy group, will be providing a bicycle corral right outside the gates of Gulf Brew so if you are so inclined ride your bike to the festival!
 
Treat yourself with tickets to taste great local craft beer this weekend!  Hope to see you there!

Celebrate International #IPADay! Photo courtesy of brewersassociation.org

Here ye’, Here ye’! or rather Tweet, Tweet!
 
All craft beer enthusiasts, brewers, bloggers, tweeters and suds-savvy citizens! On Thursday, August 4th 2011, you are cordially invited to participate in the largest international craft beer celebration! That’s right, International #IPADay!
 
Founded in 2011 by beer evangelists and social media personalities Ashley V. Routson & Ryan A. Ross, International #IPADay is a grassroots movement created to unite the voices of craft beer together using social media to connect the conversation.
 
On Thursday August 4^th, craft beer drinkers across the social sphere and across the globe will raise pints in a collective toast to one of craft beer’s most iconic styles: the India Pale Ale, with it’s diversity, it’s the perfect connector! In true New Orleans style, we plan to celebrate this lovely “hop-iday” with an #IPADay Par-tay of our own! Details to come, stay tuned!
 
In the meantime, join in on the conversation of your favorite craft beer by following us on Twitter & Facebook!
 

Chris Sule, the newest member to the NOLA brew team. Photo from digital edition.com

Laissez le bon bierre verser!