Nora McGunnigle

When talking about NOLA Brewing's incredible growth, the key word is "double". Double the staff, from 6 to 13 in the past year. Double the production every year from the year before since they opened . Double the brewery space. Um, Mecha Hopzilla a double IPA, and the first beer in NOLA's high gravity line of beers. The changes aren't just quantitative; NOLA recently went through a restructuring after head of brewing operations, Melanie Knepp, left New Orleans to become a regional sales manager for Stone about a month ago. Acclaimed home brewer and friend of the brewery Derek Lintern became the newest brewer, alongside brewmaster Peter Caddoo and brewer Indy Grap. Buck Brown has shifted his focus more exclusively to sales, bringing on marketing and events new kid on the block, MacKenzie Oescher. Also, the least sexy but possibly one of the most important upgrades: a MUCH larger and powerful glycol beer chiller system behind the brewery. NOLA Brewing thinks abo...

Regarding my previous post , I want to make it clear that I am incredibly grateful and inspired by the work that the Avenue Pub, NOLA Brewing, and other breweries and bars are doing in New Orleans and Louisiana. They just shouldn't have to carry the whole load! There's room for everyone at the table! On that note, behold the upcoming craft beer awesomeness here in New Orleans:: First and foremost, ZWANZE DAY is on Saturday, December 1! This is the day that Cantillon Brewery in Belgium reveals their annual Zwanze beer, which is different every year. This year, it's a recreation of their first Zwanze vintage in 2008, a rhubarb lambic.  Since Cantillon is all about "celebrating the style of spontaneous brewing" the road to Zwanze 2012 was a bit rocky, as you can see from this blurb on Cantillon's website : When in early April we brewed a top-fermentation beer which was to become Zwanze 2012, we hoped that it would be ready 3 or 4 months later so that we co...

So, yes. Hurricane Isaac. Even a Cat 1 is incredibly destructive and knowing that "it could be worse" is not comforting, it is terrifying.  I will perhaps muse on this in greater detail in the coming days on my other blog , but here's the beer-related Isaac fallout. First of all, I'm incredibly bummed that the Root beer dinner was cancelled. It was set for Monday night when everyone was bracing for the storm, and I think it was definitely the right call by the restaurant, but I'm just super bummed it didn't happen. I haven't heard about rescheduling, but I hope they do. Feel free to drop them a line asking about rescheduling so they know there's interest! Second, we've been working through our beer hauls from Florida and the internet while sitting around all week.  Beer- it takes the edge off! Especially when you can, like, nap whenever. Been drinking a lot of Lagunitas and Oskar Blues especially. Third, we got out and about this Saturday ni...