NEWS

WINE SIPPER
April 28, 2010

Abita Brewing Company
by David Kirkpatrick

As great as our Western microbrews are, it's nice to see the arrival of
standout offerings from further east. Abita Brewing outside New
Orleans opened its doors in 1986, making it the oldest craft brewery in
the Southeast. The name comes from Abita Springs, which Louisiana
citizens have been flocking to since the turn of the 20th century for its
pure artesian waters, and the brewery uses that same water for its
ales. Here's my take on three new arrivals to the Boise beer scene:

Abita Jockamo IPA
Compared to most Northwest versions, this is on the lighter side of the
IPA spectrum. There's a vibrant hoppiness on the nose that's matched
by sweet malt and honeyed biscuit. It has a good, lightly bitter hop
presence throughout, matched by roasted malt and touches of caramel
and citrus. This well-integrated, stylish brew satisfies without
overwhelming.

Abita Purple Haze
For this small-batch wheat beer, Abita adds fresh raspberry puree to
the mix. The result pours a hazy beige with just the faintest hint of
lavender. It's a lively combination of soft wheat and sweet raspberry on
the nose. Smooth and creamy, it offers bright raspberry flavors up
front, backed by grain-laced malt and just the right hint of hops. All in
all, a nicely balanced and pleasant quaff.

Abita Turbodog
Presented as a brown ale, it pours more like a stout--an opaque ebony
with reddish tints. The aromas are highlighted by chocolate malt,
caramel and dark fruit. This nicely textured ale with smooth mocha
and toffee flavors, along with lightly sweet malt, is impeccably
balanced by a smooth hop bite. A touch of smoke lingers nicely on the
finish in this definitely worthy and delicious cult classic.