NEWS

July 17, 2006

ABITA BEER CELEBRATES 20th ANNIVERSARY

Special Brew & Commemorative Painting Mark Event
Michalopoulos Artwork Graces New Brew Label

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 has created a special commemorative beer, the 20th Anniversary Pilsner. The limited edition brew is clean and snappy with a bright floral character, dry hopped with fresh American hops.

Original Art Commissioned For Abita’s Newest Creation

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, glassware and apparel available for purchase at Abita.com. 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.

You’ve Waited 20 Years For A Party This Big

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. Tickets are $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. All ticket information is available on line at Abita.com.

The History Of The Abita Brewing Company

Two local entrepreneurs launched Louisiana’s first microbrewery in 1986. Before releasing their first keg on July 4, 1986, they projected an output of 55 barrels of beer for the first year. However, the popularity of the new beer far surpassed their original forecast and year one’s output was an amazing 1,500 barrels. It was a sign of things to come. In 1989 Abita beer was first sold in bottles. As demand grew, so did Abita Beer. In 1994 Abita built a new brewing facility on Highway 36. The original brewery was converted into a restaurant and brewpub. In just eight short years the Abita Brewing Company had become a 2.3 million dollar-a-year company selling 15,000 barrels per year – 10 times what they produced their first year.

Just two years later, in 1996, Abita’s production had more than doubled, reaching 33,000 barrels annually. That same year, David Blossman, one of the original stockholders, was named Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Abita Brewing Company and announced plans for more expansion.

Two decades after the first beer was brewed, the Abita Brewing Company continues to grow. Blossman is now president of the company and production for 2005 reached an all time high of 52,000 of beer and 3,000 barrels of root beer. Even after Hurricane Katrina, the brewery is expanding again, increasing their brewing capacity and building one of the most modern brewing facilities in North America. Abita expects to surpass 60,000 barrels this year or 14 million 880 thousand pints of beer.

Abita Beer is available in over 32 states and is one of the fastest growing craft breweries in the entire country. Abita is a favorite of chefs across the country and makes regular appearances in restaurant menus nationwide. Chef Emeril Lagasse even keeps a regular stock in his “Emeril Live” refrigerator on set.

No matter the growth, Abita Beer understands its commitment to quality, never sacrificing the taste, process and premium products that keep drinkers coming back. “Quality before Quantity” is the brewery motto that has kept the brand focused and on track since day one, twenty years ago.

# # #