NEWS

March 11, 2008

ABITA BREWING COMPANY OPENS NEW VISITOR CENTER

Top Northshore Tourist Attraction Has New Orleans Appeal

Abita Springs, La. – They come from near and far to visit the place where Turbodog, Purple Haze and Abita Amber and other beers are made. Tours of the Abita Brewing Company in tiny Abita Springs have always been a popular tourist attraction for both local and out-of-town visitors. Now guests of the 16th largest craft brewery in the United States will begin and end their tours by passing through ornamental iron gates and a gas lit courtyard into the newly constructed Abita Beer Visitor Center. The beautifully designed new facility has a New Orleans flavor and character with slate floors, French doors and a 24 foot polished mahogany bar. Behind the bar fifteen different taps offer samples of every beer Abita is currently brewing for the public.

“Tours of the brewery have always been popular,” said David Blossman, President of Abita Brewing, “Until now, we’ve never had a place for guests that measured up to the Abita beer experience.” Blossman thinks the new Visitor Center will change all that. “It’s really a great space. Outside it has a French Quarter feeling with balconies and a walled courtyard,” continued Blossman. “Inside it’s comfortable with leather couches, a really great bar and a warm friendly atmosphere.” The space was designed by architect Joseph Schneider and can accommodate up to 250 people. The interior décor features St. Joe bricks and original artworks from local artists including James Michalopoulos and Eddie Mormon. The second floor of the building is dedicated to offices for the brewery.

“Everyone twenty one years of age and older are welcome to visit the Abita Brewery. It’s a fun, free tour,” said David Blossman. “You see the brewhouse operation, watch Abita being brewed and bottled and taste some Abita beer too. We encourage local hotels and tourist organizations to send visitors our way – we’ve got a lot to offer,” concluded Blossman.

Tours of the brewery are free and given at 2 PM on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Saturday tours are at 11 AM, 12 PM, and 1 PM. No open toed shoes are allowed during the brewery tour. For directions to the brewery and more information, visit www.abita.com.

The Abita Brewing Company was founded in Abita Springs, Louisiana in 1986 and is the oldest and largest craft brewer in the southeast. Abita is the 32nd largest commercial brewer by production volume in the nation and the 16th largest craft brewer in the United States. Sales for the company should exceed 82,000 barrels and $16 million this year.