Two decades ago in downtown Abita Springs a beer was born.
The vision for the original Abita Beer from 20 years ago remains unchanged
today. Using Abita Springs famous artesian water and the finest ingredients
to make a beer of the highest quality and flavor are the secrets to Abita’s
success. Abita Golden and Amber were the first beers produced by Louisiana’s
original microbrewery, the Abita Brewing Company, housed in what is now
the Abita Brew Pub on Levenson Street in the heart of Abita Springs. Today
there are six flagship brews, five seasonal brews and numerous specialty
brews produced.
The sixth flagship brew, Fleur-de-lis Restoration Ale, was added shortly
after Hurricane Katrina and has raised $350,000 for charity so far. The
original five flagship brews are Abita Amber, Light, Purple Haze, 
Turbodog
and Golden.
To mark this wonderful milestone Abita Brewing Company is releasing a special
commemorative beer, the Anniversary Pilsner. The limited edition brew is
clean and snappy with a bright floral character, dry hopped with fresh American
hops.
The birthplace of Abita Beer is the inspiration for the new 20th Anniversary
Pilsner. Renowned New Orleans artist James
Michalopoulos was commissioned to mark the moment and render
the Abita Brew Pub on canvas in his signature style. The painting is alive
with color and depicts the Abita Brew Pub glowing in the moonlight under
a canopy of oaks. The painting is reproduced on the label and all the packaging
of the new Abita Brewing Company 20th Anniversary Pilsner. The commissioned
painting will eventually be on permanent display in the new brewery tasting
room.
The Michalopoulos painting will be reproduced in a series of
limited edition prints and apparel available for purchase
at the Abita.com store. Ranging in price from $20 to $2,000
the commemorative items will allow Abita enthusiasts to express their passion
for one of Louisiana’s favorite brands.
An anniversary party of epic
proportions is planned for August. National recording artists, Better
Than Ezra, will headline the event at the Contemporary
Arts Center in New Orleans, Saturday August, 12th.
Two other bands will play throughout the evening; including, The
Benjy Davis Project and Dr. Gonzeaux and ticket
holders will drink Abita Beer for free all night long. Anyone of legal drinking
age can redeem a special code number printed inside six-packs of Abita 20th
Anniversary Pilsner at abita.com to claim their free ticket to the event.
Tickets will also be sold for $20 each with proceeds benefiting the Louisiana
Restaurant Association’s Education Foundation and will
be specifically targeted to Hurricane Relief. In addition to an evening
of music, food and art, party goers will be in for special treats and a
little lagniappe that are sure to make this event bigger and better than
any regular concert. GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!