Places & Faces
Making
Spirits Bright
by Katie Harrington photos by Shonda Manuel and Katie Harrington
Louisiana’s culinary traditions are no secret. People flock from the world over to sample rich, spicy Cajun and Creole concoctions. A new division of Louisiana culinary excellence is starting to turn heads, as craft beer breweries, spirit distilleries and vineyards are popping up across the state. American craft beer is booming and Louisiana is benefiting big time thanks to a road that was paved by the Abita Brewing Company, located in the small town of Abita Springs. Malt and hops are flourishing along the bayous of south Louisiana, where seven breweries are now open for business. The state’s spirits industry is also experiencing growth, with the recent opening of Louisiana Spirits Distillery in Jeff Davis Parish. Aiming to put Louisiana on the map for its rum, the company provides free tours of its distillery in hopes of drawing in those travelling Interstate 10. Even though the differences between brewing beer and distilling rum are many, both companies are celebrating the uniqueness of Louisiana’s roots by using Louisiana’s finest as a foundation for their products.
THERE’S SOMETHING IN THE WATER, CHER Located in St. Tammany Parish, just north of New Orleans, Abita Springs is a town boasting a population of just over 2,300 at the 2010 census. Originally a Choctaw Indian Village, it got its name from the nearby medicinal springs. Legends of the spring’s healing properties drew New Orleanians to the area at the turn of the 20th century as families took the train to Abita Springs to escape the yellow fever epidemic plaguing New Orleans at the time. The city’s elite sipped water from the famous springs while playing croquet beneath the tall cedar trees. Legend or not, today Abita Brewing Co. is using that very water to create one of the nation’s fastest growing craft beers. The brewery was founded in 1986 by two guys who were passionate about brewing their own beer. That continued on page 50
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living
December 2013