In a city renowned for its nightlife and party atmosphere, New Orleans has an overlooked & underrated beer scene. From local small microbreweries to one of the largest craft brewery brands, there is a beer & brewery to suit every taste in the Crescent City. To help you navigate the often neglected beer culture, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 most popular beers in New Orleans. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing lager to beat the muggy summer heat or a rich bitter award winning stout on a New Orleans ghost tour, one of these brews is sure to hit the spot.
While putting together the top 10 list we balanced popularity, ease of access, history, & prestige (awards).
The 10 most popular beers in New Orleans:
- Abita Amber – Amber Lager
- Irish Channel Stout – American Stout
- Abita Turbodog – Brown Ale
- Faubourg Blackened Voodoo – Dark Larger
- NOLA Blonde – Blonde Ale
- Paradise Park – American Lager
- Nank Dugs – Hazy Double IPA
- Faubourg Premium Lager – Pilsner
- Wrought Iron IPA – IPA
- Crescent City Weiss Beer – Weiss Beer
1. Abita Amber, Amber Lager – Abita Brewing
The most popular beer in New Orleans is Abita Amber. Abita Amber is the oldest Abita beers and is one of their all year beers brewed right outside of New Orleans in Abita Springs. Abita is the There isn’t a bar or corner store that isn’t stocking Abita Amber on the shelves. This amber has also won many city wide pools year in and year out as New Orleans most popular beer. A smooth, malty beer with a rich, amber color has a slight sweetness and a slightly hoppy finish. Abita Amber is available in 48 states but finding it in New Orleans is even easier, almost every bar or restaurant has a can, bottle or a draft pour.
2. Irish Channel Stout, American Stout – NOLA Brewing
New Orleans’ only beer & brewery to win 2021 Great American Beer Fest winner, the Gold Medal beer in the American Black Ale or American Stout the Irish Channel Stout, from NOLA Brewery, takes 2nd on this years list. This beer is a dark, rich stout that has a complex flavor. The coffee and chocolate notes give it a deep, roasted flavor that is perfect for a cold winter day. The Irish Channel Stout is also a great beer to pair with food. The roasted flavors go well with a hearty steak or a rich chocolate dessert. We love stouts & love Gold Medal winning NOLA beers which is why were excited this beer is on tap at the brewery but canned & distributed around the city.
3. Abita Turbodog, Dark Brown Ale – Abita Brewing
Abita Turbodog, another yearly beer from Abita Brewing is a dark brown ale that is brewed with Willamette hops and roasted malt. This brown ale has a rich, creamy head and a chocolate and caramel flavor. It’s good to have large brewing capacity great distribution. Turbodog is on draft & in bottles year round.
4. Blackened Voodoo, Dark Lager – Faubourg Brewery Co
Faubourg Brewery, formally Dixie brewery, has been brewing Blackened Voodoo Dark Lager for over 25 years. This German Dunkel inspired beer too Gold for Munich-Style Dark Larger at the 2021 NBA International Beer and Cider Awards. One of the Faubourg flagships, you can get Blackened Voodoo all year round in cans & onsite at the brewery.
5. NOLA Blonde, Blonde Ale – NOLA Brewing
NOLA Blonde is a light, refreshing beer that is perfection for a town with laws where you can walk down the street with an open container. Brewed with crystal & perle hops this makes for a mildly sweet blonde ale made for New Orleans heat. NOLA Blonde is available at the brewery & in can all year round.
6. Paradise Park, American Lager – Urban South Brewery
This American lager comes in at 4.5% abv and is a thirst quencher. Paradise Park also comes in a American Light Lager version Paradise Park 100 which has the same great flavor but with only 100 calories it is even more crushable. Paradise Park Lager is available year round at Urban South’s taproom & in cans & draft around the city.
7. Nank Dugs, Hazy Double IPA – Briex Carré Brewing
Nank Dugs is a double New England IPA that is brewed with Citra hops making it very juice forward. From Briex Carré Brewing over by Frenchman’s Street this imperil IPA clocks in at 8%. While not as readily available as most beers on the list you can get it on draft, get 4-packs or get a 64oz growler or 32oz crawler fill at the brewery.
8 .Faubourg Lager, Pilsner – Faubourg Brewing CO
We are a sucker for history & awards, that’s where Faubourg Larger come into the picture. Faubourg’s roots start with Dixie brewery that has had this lager as one of its flagships since 1907. This brew also brought NOLA a gold medal at the 2021 NABA International Beer and Cider Awards for Bohemian-Style Pilsner. Available at the brewery & around the city in can, bottles & on draft at bars & restaurants in the city.
9. Wrought Iron IPA – Abita Brewing
We know, 3 beers from Abita Brewing, but they are one of the largest microbreweries in the country & they produce a lot of GOOD BEER! The Wrought Iron IPA is one of those classic IPAs that is going to take off your taste buds. This was Abita’s answer to see if they could adapt with the times and as always they rarely disappoint.
10. Crescent City Weiss Beer – Crescent City Brewhouse
This Weiss beer, or white beer, is usually pale and cloudy in appearance is wheaty banana & clove forward Weiss Beer is perfect for the muggy hot weather for a New Orleans summer. Crescent City Brewhouse offers an ever-changing tap list with a relaxed feel.
Most Popular Beers in New Orleans FAQ
What is the most popular beer in New Orleans?
The most popular beer in New Orleans is Abita Amber by Abita Brewing. It is available at almost every bar & restaurant in NOLA. It is also Louisiana’s favorite beer.