Louisiana launches Craft Brewery Trail

With the craft industry booming, many regions are hoping to capitalize on their local breweries’ success by making them a local attraction. The latest locale to launch craft beer-inspired tourist hot spots is Louisiana. State Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne announced LouisianaTravel.com’s newest visitors’ trail: the Louisiana Craft Brewery Trail.

The trail was created in cooperation with the Louisiana Craft Brewers Guild and includes seven breweries — Abita Brewing Co., Abita Springs; Bayou Teche Brewing, Arnaudville; Chafunkta Brewing Co., Mandeville; Covington Brewhouse, Covington; NOLA Brewing Co., New Orleans; Parish Brewing Co., Broussard and Tin Roof Brewing Co., Baton Rouge. New sites will be added to the trail as Louisiana’s craft brewery industry expands. Two breweries in Shreveport, Red River Brewing and Great Raft Brewing, will be the next additions to the trail.

“Craft beer is a hot industry in the United States right now. In 2012, the industry grew by 15 percent in volume and 17 percent in dollars and continues to create quality jobs for Louisianians,” Dardenne said. “We want to take full advantage of the trend and make sure Louisiana visitors get to enjoy the incredible experiences the seven breweries offer.”

The trail includes information about each brewery including its history, tour information and hours of operation. Additionally, each brewery page offers itineraries suggesting nearby dining, entertainment and other attractions.

“Louisiana’s most well-known craft brewery is Abita Brewery, which in 2012 ranked 14th in the U.S. by volume. We want to make sure folks experience Abita and many of our smaller brewery operations while they are visiting,” Dardenne said.

Each brewery tour showcases Louisiana beer often made with local ingredients adding to the state’s culinary tourism appeal. Many local restaurants are offering beer pairings in addition to wine pairings to go with the state’s already-famous Louisiana seafood, Cajun and creole cuisine.