The 6 Pack: Church of the Sacred Brew's Mike Paw Paw Peters

1) Tell me about The Church of the Sacred Brew. When did you start it and why?

I started managing a group called Church of the Sacred Brews (plural) in 2015, helping out a friend of mine. I was doing lots of beer reviews, and the membership began to rapidly grow. As it got bigger, the other guy decided he wanted out, so in July of 2016, I created a new group by simply dropping the (S) on Brews. I became enthralled with craft beer, and I was reading your Beer Buddha Blog, and I wanted to do something just like it using Facebook (instead of a blog). I attended lots of beer events, began going to breweries all over the USA, and the membership grew to what it is today (over 7200). I loved the camaraderie of beer lovers.

2) What’s the most challenging aspect of running an online beer group?

I learned a ton, (me and my fellow admins) about things. We made some mistakes along the way, but it was a learning process. People are so different and opinionated, and we had to learn to keep the focus on beer (no politics). I wish we had known 10 years ago what we know now (especially about human nature). I have come to be very knowledgeable about human nature, and I have also developed some very, very lasting friendships over the years. At this point, I recognize a post as being from a specific person, just because each user has his/her own different style. One of the most rewarding things for me has been and still is all the people from different areas that have established friendships with other users they possibly might have never met were it not for the group. And I honestly feel like I have earned a degree in Human Psychology and the beer industry as a whole with all I have seen.

3) Favorite beer style? Least favorite beer style?

These days, I am loving lagers and pilsners. These beers really demonstrate what a brewer can do because there are no adjuncts to hide flaws. Least favorite nowadays is black IPA and milkshake sours.

4) You're invited to a crawfish boil. What beer are you bringing?

Either a lager/pilsner from Parleaux or Ecology or German Coast.

5) What’s your favorite guilty pleasure beer?

A classic Belgian Dubbel or Tripel or OWK from Side Project.

6) What is your current favorite beer from a local brewery in Louisiana?

German Coast Morning Star is my jam, and it has been for a while. It is a rock solid, classic Helles Lager that is perfectly executed.

Support Local Beer: Bayou Teche Brewery

The wife and I had an opportunity for a weekend trip to Breaux Bridge back in May and if you've spent any time exploring South Louisiana, you know about Bayou Teche Brewing in Arnaudville. And if you haven't been yet, make sure you add it on your list.

Amongst some folks in the beer nerd community Bayou Teche get's a bad rap for their beer which is bullshit. Their beer is great. Bayou Teche's beer isn't just about what's in the glass it's about the entire experience.

The first thing you'll notice is that this place doesn't feel like some sterile warehouse with a few picnic tables thrown outside. It feels like Louisiana. From the giant outdoor space to the live music, the food, the people, and even the dogs running around, it's got that laid back Acadiana vibe that makes you want to stay a little longer than you planned.

You can no longer find this beer in stores or bars. Bayou Teche pulled out of distribution years ago and shifted to tap room only model. They decided to pull out of distribution for a number of reasons but mostly slim margins, distribution issues and state alcohol regulations. And the decision to shift to an outdoor venue with pizza, tiki drinks and arcade games has paid off.

Currently they are expanding their seating inside the brewery and also partnering with Hotel Lafayette in downtown Lafayette to occupy a 4,500-square-foot space in the $19 million hotel which is expected to open mid-year 2026 and will feature their beer, tiki drinks and food.

And speaking of food, let's talk about Cajun Saucer Pizza.

Look, I know pizza isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you're driving through Cajun Country, but trust me on this one. Whether you're grabbing a classic pie or something loaded with Louisiana flavors such as the Bobby Boucherie, it's the perfect pairing with a cold beer on a warm afternoon. The wife and I got a pepperoni pizza(wife is boring) and some boudin egg rolls which are my vice for real.

The brewery itself has become one of those destinations that people from Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and beyond will gladly make the drive for. And after a few visits, it's easy to see why.

Maybe it's the beer. Maybe it's the pizza. Maybe it's the live music drifting through the air while the sun starts setting over Acadiana. Whatever it is, Bayou Teche Brewing has figured out something a lot of places haven't. They've created a spot where people genuinely enjoy spending time together and experiencing Acadian culture.

In a world where local breweries are struggling daily that's worth raising a glass to.

So the next time you're headed through Breaux Bridge, Arnaudville, or just looking for a reason to take a Louisiana day trip, make the stop. Go support local. Grab a beer. Order a pizza. Stay awhile.

ADDRESS: 1002 North Ln, Arnaudville, LA 70512

HOURS:

Monday-Closed

Tuesday-12pm-8pm

Wednesday 12pm-8pm

Thursday 12pm-8pm

Friday 12pm–9pm

Saturday 12pm–9pm

Sunday 11am–6pm