Shreveport’s craft beer scene has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Once a city with little to offer beer enthusiasts, Shreveport now boasts a thriving craft beer culture. Great Raft Brewing played a pivotal role in revitalizing the local beer landscape, paving the way for other breweries to establish themselves.
Beer lovers visiting Shreveport now have multiple options to explore. The city is home to several acclaimed craft breweries, each offering unique flavors and experiences. From Flying Heart Brewing & Pub to BeauxJax Crafthouse, these establishments have become popular destinations for both locals and tourists alike.
The craft beer renaissance in Shreveport extends beyond the breweries themselves. The city now hosts various beer-related festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating the art of brewing. Additionally, numerous bars and restaurants in the area have expanded their beer selections, featuring an impressive array of local, domestic, and international craft brews.
History of the Shreveport Craft Beer Scene
Shreveport’s craft beer scene emerged relatively recently compared to other cities. For many years, the area lacked local breweries and craft beer options.
The landscape began to change in 2009 when some homebrewers started experimenting in their garage. This laid the groundwork for Shreveport’s first commercial craft brewery.
In 2013, Red River Brewing Company officially opened, marking the beginning of Shreveport’s craft beer industry. This milestone introduced locally-made craft beer to the community.
Great Raft Brewing followed soon after, opening its doors with the goal of elevating Louisiana’s beer culture. The brewery quickly became a cornerstone of Shreveport’s growing craft scene.
As interest in craft beer increased, more breweries entered the market. The Seventh Tap Brewing Project and Flying Heart Brewery and Pub expanded options for beer enthusiasts.
Today, Shreveport and neighboring Bossier City boast several craft breweries. These establishments have transformed the local beer landscape over the past decade.
The rise of craft beer has also sparked new events and festivals in Shreveport-Bossier. These gatherings celebrate the area’s evolving beer culture and showcase local brews.
Guide to Shreveport’s Breweries
Shreveport boasts a thriving craft beer scene with several local breweries offering unique and flavorful brews. Each brewery has its own distinct atmosphere and signature beers.
Great Raft Brewing
Great Raft Brewing, established in 2013, is Shreveport’s oldest craft brewery. Located at 1251 Dalzell Street, it features a spacious taproom with around 20 beers on tap.
The brewery offers a diverse selection of year-round and seasonal beers. Popular options include:
- Reasonably Corrupt: A black lager
- Southern Drawl: A crisp pilsner
- Commotion: A pale ale
Great Raft provides brewery tours and hosts various events throughout the year. Beer enthusiasts can enjoy flights of 4-6 beers to sample different brews.
The Seventh Tap Brewing Project
The Seventh Tap Brewing Project is a newer addition to Shreveport’s craft beer scene. Known for innovative and experimental brews, this brewery pushes the boundaries of traditional beer styles.
Some of their notable creations include:
- Creature of Habit: A New England IPA
- First Brunch: A breakfast stout
- Milk Maid Stout: A sweet and creamy milk stout
The taproom offers a rotating selection of beers, allowing visitors to try new and exciting flavors with each visit.
Flying Heart Brewing
Flying Heart Brewing & Pub, located in nearby Bossier City, combines craft beer with a full-service restaurant. The brewery offers a range of house-made beers alongside guest taps from other local and regional breweries.
Popular Flying Heart brews include:
- Louisiana Amber: A smooth, malty amber ale
- Black Heart Ale: A dark and robust porter
- Firehouse Blonde: A light and refreshing blonde ale
The brewery’s pub atmosphere makes it a great spot for both beer tasting and casual dining.
Utility Brewing Company
Utility Brewing Company focuses on creating approachable craft beers using locally-sourced ingredients when possible. The brewery’s taproom offers a rotating selection of house-made beers.
Some of Utility’s popular brews include:
- Crosscut Pale Ale: A balanced and hoppy pale ale
- Red River Red: A malty red ale
- Shreveport Common: A crisp and refreshing kolsch-style beer
The brewery also serves wood-fired pizzas, making it a popular spot for both beer and food enthusiasts.
Strange Brew
Strange Brew is a unique addition to Shreveport’s beer scene, operating as a nanobrewery. This smaller-scale operation allows for more experimental and limited-release beers.
The brewery focuses on creating small batches of diverse beer styles, including:
- IPAs with unique hop combinations
- Fruit-infused sours
- Barrel-aged stouts
Strange Brew’s taproom offers a constantly changing lineup, giving visitors the opportunity to try new and innovative beers with each visit.
Exploring the Types of Craft Beers
Shreveport’s craft beer scene offers a diverse range of styles to suit every palate. From crisp lagers to bold imperial stouts, local breweries craft unique flavors that showcase their artistry and innovation.
Lagers and Pilsners
Lagers and pilsners are popular choices for those seeking refreshing, easy-drinking beers. These styles are known for their clean, crisp profiles and subtle flavors.
Local breweries often put their own spin on these classic styles. Some incorporate regional ingredients to create unique taste experiences. Pilsners may feature a slightly higher hop presence, adding a pleasant bitterness to balance the malt sweetness.
Many Shreveport taprooms offer lagers and pilsners as approachable options for newcomers to craft beer. These styles pair well with a variety of foods, making them versatile choices for dining out or relaxing at home.
Sour Fruited Beers
Sour fruited beers have gained popularity among craft beer enthusiasts in Shreveport. These tart and tangy brews often incorporate local fruits to create complex flavor profiles.
Brewers use various souring methods, including wild fermentation or the addition of lactobacillus bacteria. The result is a refreshing, acidic beer with fruit-forward notes.
Common fruit additions include berries, citrus, and stone fruits. These beers can range from mildly tart to intensely sour, appealing to different taste preferences.
Sour fruited beers are excellent choices for hot Louisiana summers, offering a thirst-quenching alternative to traditional styles.
Imperial Stouts
Imperial stouts are bold, high-alcohol beers that showcase rich, roasted malt flavors. Shreveport breweries have embraced this style, creating robust offerings for those who enjoy intense beer experiences.
Local variations often incorporate unique ingredients like coffee, chocolate, or vanilla. Some brewers age these stouts in bourbon barrels, adding layers of complexity to the final product.
Creature of Habit, an Imperial Brown Ale, is a notable example of a high-alcohol, malt-forward beer from the area. It demonstrates the creativity of local brewers in crafting strong, flavorful brews.
Imperial stouts are typically enjoyed in smaller servings due to their high alcohol content and rich flavors.
Specialty Brews
Shreveport’s craft breweries excel in creating unique specialty beers that push the boundaries of traditional styles. These experimental brews often combine unexpected ingredients or brewing techniques.
Milk Maid Stout is one such specialty beer, incorporating lactose for a creamy, sweet finish. Other examples might include fruit-infused IPAs, barrel-aged sours, or beers brewed with local honey or spices.
Specialty brews allow brewers to showcase their creativity and attract adventurous craft beer enthusiasts. These limited-edition offerings often create excitement in the local beer community.
Many taprooms feature rotating taps dedicated to specialty and seasonal brews, encouraging repeat visits from curious beer lovers.
Community and Events
Shreveport’s craft beer scene thrives on community engagement and exciting events. Local breweries offer immersive experiences, while venues like Brewniverse host gatherings that bring beer enthusiasts together.
Brewery Tours
Great Raft Brewing provides guided tours of their facility every Saturday. Visitors can learn about the brewing process, sample fresh beers, and gain insight into the local craft beer industry.
Flying Heart Brewing & Pub offers private tours by appointment. These tours give a behind-the-scenes look at their brewing operations and end with a tasting session.
The Seventh Tap Brewing welcomes groups for educational tours. Participants can see the equipment up close and understand the steps involved in crafting their unique beers.
Brewniverse Events
Brewniverse, a popular craft beer shop, hosts regular tasting events. These gatherings allow patrons to sample new and rare beers from local and national breweries.
The shop organizes “Meet the Brewer” nights, where local brewers discuss their craft and share their latest creations. These events foster connections between beer makers and enthusiasts.
Brewniverse also holds seasonal beer festivals, showcasing a wide range of craft beers. These festivals often feature live music, food trucks, and interactive brewing demonstrations.
Provisions Kitchen Collaborations
Provisions Kitchen, a local eatery, frequently collaborates with area breweries for beer pairing dinners. These events match specially crafted dishes with complementary local beers.
The restaurant hosts “Tap Takeover” nights, where a single brewery’s beers are featured alongside a curated menu. These events highlight the versatility of craft beer in culinary applications.
Provisions Kitchen also works with breweries to create limited-edition beers inspired by their menu items. These unique collaborations demonstrate the creative synergy between Shreveport’s food and beer scenes.
The Best Brewing Experiences
Shreveport’s craft beer scene offers unique taproom environments, diverse food options, and an array of local brews. Several standout breweries provide exceptional experiences for beer enthusiasts.
Best Breweries for Seating and Ambiance
The Seventh Tap Brewing Project boasts a spacious taproom with ample seating. Their industrial-chic decor creates a welcoming atmosphere for patrons to relax and enjoy their brews.
Great Raft Brewing features a cozy indoor area and an outdoor patio perfect for socializing. The taproom’s warm lighting and wooden accents contribute to its inviting ambiance.
Flying Heart Brewing & Pub offers a charming setting in a renovated fire station. Their outdoor seating area provides a pleasant spot to sip craft beers on warm Louisiana evenings.
Best Breweries for Food Options
Great Raft Brewing partners with local food trucks, offering a rotating selection of cuisines to complement their beers. This variety ensures fresh dining options for frequent visitors.
Flying Heart Brewing & Pub serves a full menu featuring wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and appetizers. Their kitchen uses local ingredients to create dishes that pair well with their craft beers.
The Seventh Tap Brewing Project allows outside food, encouraging patrons to bring meals from nearby restaurants. This flexibility caters to diverse dietary preferences and enhances the taproom experience.
Best Breweries for Beer Variety
Great Raft Brewing stands out for its wide range of year-round and seasonal offerings. Their taproom typically features 12-15 beers on draft, including popular staples and experimental brews.
The Seventh Tap Brewing Project excels in creativity, offering unique flavor combinations and styles. Beer enthusiasts can explore their ever-changing tap list, which often includes limited releases and collaboration brews.
Flying Heart Brewing & Pub maintains a balanced selection of traditional styles and innovative creations. Their rotating taps ensure repeat visitors always find something new to try.
Craft Beer Resources and Learning
Shreveport offers various resources for craft beer enthusiasts to deepen their knowledge and skills. From homebrewing supplies to educational opportunities, the city provides avenues for both novice and experienced beer lovers to explore the craft.
Homebrewing Supplies and Tips
Local homebrew shops in Shreveport stock essential equipment and ingredients for aspiring brewers. These stores often carry specialty grains, hops, yeast strains, and brewing kits. Many offer expert advice on recipe formulation and troubleshooting common brewing issues.
Experienced homebrewers in the area frequently share tips through local clubs and online forums. These resources can be invaluable for newcomers looking to perfect their brewing techniques.
Shreveport’s homebrew community often organizes swap meets, allowing brewers to exchange ingredients and equipment. These events foster a collaborative environment and help reduce costs for hobbyists.
Educational Resources
Craft beer education in Shreveport extends beyond homebrewing. Local breweries occasionally host tasting sessions and beer appreciation classes, teaching participants about different beer styles and flavor profiles.
Some establishments offer beer and food pairing workshops, helping enthusiasts enhance their culinary experiences. These events typically feature local chefs and brewers collaborating to create unique pairings.
Beer-focused newsletters from local breweries and bottle shops keep subscribers informed about new releases, upcoming events, and industry trends. These publications often include educational content on brewing processes and beer history.
Online courses and webinars, while not specific to Shreveport, provide additional learning opportunities for those seeking more in-depth knowledge of brewing science and beer styles.
Pairing Beer with Local Culture
Shreveport’s craft beer scene intertwines with its vibrant local culture, creating unique pairing opportunities. The city’s culinary traditions and lively atmosphere provide an ideal backdrop for beer enthusiasts to explore complementary flavors and experiences.
Local Cuisine Pairing
Shreveport’s distinctive cuisine offers excellent beer pairing possibilities. Spicy Cajun dishes like gumbo and jambalaya complement hoppy IPAs, balancing heat with bitterness. For crawfish boils, a crisp pilsner or wheat beer cuts through richness while enhancing flavors.
Food trucks often park near local breweries, serving up gourmet burgers and tacos. These casual bites pair well with amber ales or pale lagers. Barbecue joints throughout the city offer smoky meats that match perfectly with robust porters or stouts.
Local breweries frequently collaborate with chefs to create beer-infused dishes, highlighting the versatility of craft brews in cooking.
Bourbon Street and Beer
While Bourbon Street is primarily associated with New Orleans, its influence extends to Shreveport’s beer culture. Local brewers often age beers in bourbon barrels, creating complex flavors that appeal to both beer and whiskey enthusiasts.
These bourbon barrel-aged beers pair exceptionally well with desserts like pecan pie or bread pudding. Some breweries offer tasting flights featuring both bourbon and beer, allowing patrons to compare and contrast flavors.
Live jazz performances at local taprooms evoke the spirit of Bourbon Street, creating an immersive experience for beer drinkers. This fusion of music and craft beer highlights Shreveport’s unique cultural blend.
The Future of Craft Beer in Shreveport
Shreveport’s craft beer scene is poised for growth in the coming years. New breweries are expected to open, expanding the city’s craft beer offerings and fostering a more vibrant beer culture.
Existing breweries like The Seventh Tap and Flying Heart Brewing & Pub will likely continue to innovate, introducing unique flavors and styles to the local market. This creativity will help attract more beer enthusiasts to the area.
Craft beer festivals and events are anticipated to increase in frequency and scale. These gatherings will provide opportunities for brewers to showcase their products and for consumers to explore new tastes.
Local bars and restaurants are projected to expand their craft beer selections, featuring more taps dedicated to Shreveport-made brews. This support will be crucial for the sustainability of local craft breweries.
Collaborations between breweries and other local businesses may become more common, resulting in limited-edition beers and special releases. These partnerships could strengthen the community’s ties to the craft beer industry.
As the craft beer culture grows, beer tourism could become a significant draw for Shreveport. Brewery tours, tasting rooms, and beer-focused experiences may attract visitors from neighboring cities and states.
