Rogue Brewing Closing

The news of Rogue Brewing closing definitely hits hard. I know craft beer is going through some tough times, but this one stings a little extra.

My craft beer journey began with this bottle of Rogue Dead Guy. I bought it the day I turned 21 in May of 1996, just looking for something different than the same old beers I’d been drinking. I was officially 21—time to level up.

I found that bottle at what was then Sav-A-Center (now Rouses), and the moment I saw that skeleton sitting on a barrel, I knew I had to try it. It was the coolest beer label I’d ever seen.

I took it home, put it straight into the fridge (it was sitting warm on the shelf 🤣), and once it hit perfect coldness, I cracked it open and drank it straight from the bottle. That one beer changed everything. It showed me what craft beer could be, and it kicked off a journey of trying every new beer I could get my hands on. There is no Beer Buddha without it. My career in the beer industry doesn't exist without it.

I have no idea how many beers I’ve had since that day—probably thousands—but I’ll never forget the first. And yes, I still don’t know why that bottle said 1996 on it.

Thanks, Rogue. 🍻

Did You Know?

Did You Know?

The Cotton Mill Apartments in New Orleans once housed the A.A. Maginnis Cotton Mill, which originally was home to the Fasnacht Brewery. Founded in 1852 by Swiss immigrants Louis and Samuel Fasnacht, the brewery was located on Poeyfarre Street and holds the distinction of being New Orleans’ first commercial brewery.

Yvonne "Dixie" Fasnacht, who was a legendary gay bar owner in New Orleans was the granddaughter of Samuel. You can read more about her here.

Support Local Beer: Bayou Sara Brewing

This past week, I had the chance to stop by the brand-new Bayou Sara Brewing in St. Francisville. The brewery, founded by Steve and Amanda McKinney, along with partners Doug and Abby Cochran and friends John Kaspar and Jim and Kelly Flavin, opened its doors just a couple of weeks ago.

Located in a renovated old Ford dealership on the corner of Commerce and Ferdinand Streets, the space spans an impressive 7,200 square feet and features brewing equipment sourced from Old Rail Brewing (Mandeville), Red River Brewing (Bossier City), and Urban South Houston.

Head brewer Steve McKinney, who began homebrewing back in 1995 while stationed in Japan with the Army, currently has six beers on tap: New Zealand Pils, Single Hop Citra, West Coast Pale Ale, Bayou Sara Porter, Blonde Ale, and Amber. I tried the New Zealand Pils, and it was a solid pour — crisp, balanced, and refreshing. Being Steve's first time brewing on the large system I would expect kinks here and there but it will definitely get worked out the more he brews on this system

Their kitchen is serving up classic pub fare like smash burgers, pulled pork grilled cheese, and loaded nachos. I went with the smash burger, which hit the spot — though I’ll admit, skipping the pimento cheese and bacon version feels like a rookie mistake I won’t make next time.

Make sure to make the trip out there and visit the newest Louisiana brewery!

Address: 11943 Ferdinand St, St Francisville, LA 70775
Hours:
Tuesday 11 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 11 AM–9 PM
Thursday 11 AM–9 PM
Friday 11 AM–11 PM
Saturday 11 AM–11 PM
Sunday 11 AM–3:30 PM
Monday 11 AM–9 PM