Nora McGunnigle

So, Mardi Gras has come and gone. It was a whirlwind of awesome, as usual. Definitely some somber notes, but that's New Orleans life, partying through the pain. I did a fun interview with Polly Watts about how things are at the Avenue Pub during Mardi Gras. (spoiler: pretty crazy). And in Gambit news, I ran down a bunch of beers that were new in cans this Carnival , announced the new Bayou Teche-Dat Dog beer collaboration , and checked in to see how everything was going at the Snooty Cooter . Otherwise, things are settling down after ALL THE SHENANIGANS that Carnival brings.

(Note: behold a post/rant from my blogger in crime, Tom. I also posted a little something about this in the Gambit this week. This month's new Where Y'At also has my more in depth article on this subject. - Nora)  "It shall be unlawful for any person to carry or drink from any opened glass container in or on any public right-of-way, including any street, sidewalk, park or alley within one block of a Mardi Gras parade route, two hours before the published beginning time of the parade, during the parade, or within one block of the published disbanding area of the parade within two hours of the published or actual ending time of the parade, whichever occurs later."

So, I can't link the content to Beer Advocate February issue #85 , but look! My article on Bayou Teche is in it.

OMG, Mardi Gras, y'all. Recovering and doing some writing. We mostly drank Sierra Nevada in cans and the NOLA Brewing beers available (Blonde, Brown, Hopitoulas) during parades, with the notable exception of Mardi Gras day itself, when we were outside the Avenue Pub for Zulu and Rex. Check out this beer list! Yum! I enjoyed the Bluebird Bitter especially. More stuff coming up soon, as soon as I put myself back together!

Been fully neglecting my duties as faithful beer blogger while... chasing down info that I can blog about. Here's some quick info: Went to the Northshore this past Saturday to check out Abita, Covington, and Chaunkta. Was warmly welcomed by all breweries and had the opportunities to talk to brewers at Covington and Chafunkta. Lots of changes coming up for those two... one, which has just been announced publicly  is that Chafunkta just got their permit to brew and serve beer approved by the Commissioner of the LA ATC! NOLA Brewing had a Superbowl party that I was able to swing by and try Bayou Teche's new crawfish season beer (in big bottles) - Saison D'Ecrevisses. I only got a little sip but it was pretty good. Looking forward to seeing this come out on the market. NOLA also just got the can design for MechaHopzilla approved, so that is a go! Those will be some high-test cans of beer. In conclusion, Super Gras.  Be merry and safe! And dr...

Louisiana breweries have been getting some great press in the new year! Read about a Bostonian beer blogger's experience in New Orleans, especially at NOLA Brewing. Brenton Day AKA the Ale Runner updates us on what Andrew Godley and Parish Brewing are looking to accomplish in 2013. Jeremy "Beer Buddha" Labadie does his annual 2013 Mardi Gras roundup. NOLA.com explores the Old Rail's current bureaucratic limbo. Very cool to see more and more people talking about craft beer! A couple other items of note: NOLA Brewing is going to release Irish Channel Stout YEAR ROUND !  There will be an "Abita on the Avenue" pub crawl on Saturday that will feature several different kinds of very special cask ales. I want to try the Wooden Indian IPA, the Cask Conditioned Restoration Ale, and the ESB. ESB on cask! I hope it lives up to my expectations. It starts at the Avenue Pub at 3:30pm. I hope everyone turns out to support MORE CASK ALE in New Orleans! Ste...

Finally had the opportunity to try the collaboration ale that NOLA Brewing and Stone Brewery were brewing a few weeks ago.  Mitch Steele from Stone was up along with Jason and Sean to eat, drink, and be merry before, during, and after the launch. We actually had a great time at NOLA Brewing on Friday- we went there with a camera crew and interviewed Dylan (Lintern, VP) and Melanie (Knepp, Head of Brewing Operations) about NOLA Brewing in general and about the process of the collaboration. Everyone I spoke to was just so stoked about the whole process of brewing- brewing together, pitching in, trading ideas and war stories, and just plain working hard and having fun. The brewing of this beer was definitely a labor of love. (Side note: was able to finally get my hands on my beloved Flambeau Red, since I had to punk out of the Krewe de Brew bar hopping kickoff last weekend.  Hooray! It's still freaking delicious- hoppy and drinkable and tasty and balanced.) On release day, ...

Exciting news for all you have been awaiting the release of this years's Flambeau Red Ale by NOLA Brewing.  This hoppy red ale is released only at Carnival time, so it is only fitting that it be debuted just prior to the Krewe du Vieux parade on Satruday, February 4. The Krewe du Brew Bar Crawl is set to begin promptly at 1:00pm starting at R-Bar (1431 Royal St). From R-Bar the Bar Crawl will then head over to Balcony Music Club (1331 Decatur St) at 2:30. After Balcony Music Club the Bar Crawl will meet at Turtle Bay (1119 Decatur St) at 3:45. Then to end the Bar Crawl everyone will meet at Molly's at the Market (1107 Decatur St) at 5:00. Each bar will be serving the Flambeau Red for $3.00 a pint during our hour there. The Krewe du Vieux Parade starts at 6:30 so everyone will be in perfect position. The "Mardi Gras on Fire" theme of the crawl pays homage to the imagry evoked by the name of the beer. Flambeau are lighted torches that would be carried during ni...

Hey, I've been too busy drinking beer at Mardi Gras and parades to blog about doing so, which is a real shame. I am attending Top of the Hops this weekend and will report back on that... Also, hats off to the Avenue Pub for keeping craft beer a-flowing through the parade season! Muses Thursday and Mardi Gras day I was so happy to have access to that delicious beer. The Avenue also is now busting into some amazing post-Mardi Gras beers that are delicious. I also tip my hat to Cork & Barrel, who provided me with several delicious canned beer choices, including but not limited to, Fuller's London Pride! How awesome is that? I part with a final recommendation: if you have the chance to try NOLA Brewing's latest beer, Flambeau Red, on cask, DO IT. DOOOOOOOOOO ITTTTTTTTTT. God, that's good stuff. Perhaps the best cask ale I've had this side of the Atlantic.

Hey, check out this article that the Beer Buddha wrote for the Gambit. It covers the Quarter, the CBD, Uptown, Mid-City, and Metarie. Here are but a few words of wisdom. In the end, what you like is all that matters, but I hope my list will introduce you to some new places or new beers to try. Right now the beer scene in New Orleans is burgeoning. Searching out new beers and drinking establishments can be quite the adventure, so have fun! Cheers and Happy Mardi Gras! Also, his Top 10 tips for successful and good karmic beering HERE . And finally, his suggestions for canned beer which is easy to transport and legally drink on the streets. Check 'em all out. Good work, Buddha! May I be fortunate enough to ride your coattails!