(Abita Springs, LA) - The Abita Brewing Company of Abita Springs, Louisiana is located just 30 miles north of New Orleans. Miraculously, the brewery was spared any major storm damage from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. As one of the top craft-breweries in the nation, Abita Brewing has strong ties to Louisiana and the New Orleans area.
“The rebuilding and restoration of the greater New Orleans area is vitally important,” according to David Blossman, President of the Abita Brewing Company. “We’re proud to be a Louisiana Company and feel blessed that we are still able to brew beer and keep our employees working.”
“Like many businesses from this area, we succeed because of the culture, creativity and uniqueness of the New Orleans area. To help restore what we love so much, we are proud to announce a major initiative to help raise funds for all the people whose lives have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina,” concluded Blossman.
Abita Beer announced today two major projects focused on raising money for Hurricane Katrina victims:
1) The Creation of “Fleur-de-lis” Restoration Ale
2) New “Fleur-de-lis” Merchandising Products
Fleur-de-lis Restoration Ale
Abita began crafting the new beer the first day the brewing facility re-opened after the hurricane. The beer will be ready for delivery across the state in approximately three weeks and is expected to be on store shelves in mid October.
The Fleur-de-lis name and symbol were chosen for this very special beer with a dual purpose in mind. It’s a well recognized symbol of New Orleans, but it is also a symbol of light and life. The Fleur-de-lis was adopted long ago by ancient warriors who safely found their way through treacherous waters by following the water lilies. This golden ale’s label is decorated with purple and green combining the three colors historically representing justice, hope and generosity.
“This brew in every way symbolizes the hope and generosity of our people,” stated Blossman. “Everybody in their own way, has to contribute to the recovery efforts… and our way is to do what we do best. Brew great tasting beer. Our wish is that everyone who enjoys Abita Beer will enjoy it even more, knowing they are helping to restore the areas we all love so much.”
Fleur-de-lis Restoration Ale is made with English Pale, Lager, Crystal and Cara Pils malted barley. It is liberally hopped and dry hopped with American Cascade and fermented with California Ale yeast. Of course the key ingredient in all our brews is the world renowned pristine water of Abita Springs that flows deep below the earths surface. The end result of the hand crafted process is a brilliant gold ale with a rich body, mild bitterness and a snappy fresh citrus hop flavor and aroma.
New Fleur-de-lis Merchandising Products
The Abita Brewing Company has also created a line of t-shirts, hats and a special “Fleur-de-lis” ribbon pin and car magnet to raise funds for the hurricane victims. Blossman stressed that 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of the merchandise will go directly to the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation (LDRF). All of the items can be viewed and purchased on-line at the Abita Brewing Company website, www.abita.com.
Retailers wishing to display and sell the charity merchandise can also place their order for a special retail display package at the Abita Brewing Company website.
“We as a community want the nation to know that we will rebuild the New Orleans area. Sometimes a lot of little things add up and if we can get thousands of the pins, hats and car magnets out there it makes a difference,” stated Blossman. “It brings us together, united and it adds a common voice to the entire cause.”
Within just a few hours of the products being added to the brewery’s website thousands of dollars worth of the merchandise had been purchased. Orders poured in from Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee, New York, Alabama, New Jersey and more than 21 other states.
Proceeds benefit LDRF
A donation of one dollar for every six pack of the Fleur-de-lis brew sold will be made by the Abita Brewing company to the LDRF. 100% of all net proceeds from the merchandising sales will be donated to the LDRF. More information about the foundation is available at http://www.louisianahelp.org.
“All across the state right now, neighbors are helping neighbors,” said Blossman. “They’re opening their homes, their hearts and their wallets to ease the suffering of our citizens.” Abita Brewing President Blossman concluded, “Our company slogan echoes the thoughts and prayers of so many longing to see the Greater New Orleans area rise again…..Louisiana True.”
Product Samples available to the Media upon request.
For product and story images and additional information visit:
http://www.abita.com/news/
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