On Saturday, January 25, Dixie Brewing Company will open its doors for the first time since 2005. Dixie's rich history as a brewing company began in 1907 in Downtown New Orleans, but due to the destruction of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Dixie was forced to move elsewhere. Following 14 years of out-of-state production, Dixie's homecoming to New Orleans gives locals many reasons to celebrate. Located just eight minutes from the French Quarter at 3501 Jourdan Road, the 85,000 square foot brewery is the culmination of a long-term multimillion project designed to catalyze economic growth and job opportunities in New Orleans East. Through close collaboration with city leaders like Mayor Cantrell and Councilwoman Nguyen, Dixie's new site aims to bring a newfound vitality to the neighborhood's business scene, hoping to draw tourists and locals alike to experience Dixie's 112 year history firsthand.
Dixie brews and packages almost 100,000 barrels of beer every year, emphasizing a commitment to using local and fresh ingredients. Upon opening, the brewery will offer its flagship Dixie beer, along with six new beers, including three new IPAs, coffee and chicory stout, and a raspberry white ale. Visitors at Dixie can experience the brewing process at various stages, whether it be through guided and self-guided tours, beer tastings, or the second floor mezzanine, which provides sweeping views of the 100-barrel brew house, cellar, and packaging areas.
However, Dixie's appeal goes far beyond just beer. The family friendly space offers ample opportunities for entertainment, including a museum, taproom, outdoor beer garden, bocce ball courts, and walking path. After a full day of fun, hungry visitors can enjoy an abundance of Cajun Creole food like "Trash Grits" and the Original Crawfish Cubano Sandwich at the brewery's full service kitchen, lead by award winning chef, Micah Martello, whose menus New Orleanians may have tasted at Pythian Market and St. Roch Market.
Visitors shouldn't miss the opportunity to win a VIP Brewery experience, which Dixie is giving away to one lucky winner and five friends in order to celebrate the site's grand opening. The prize includes a private tour with Dixie's brew master, lunch from Fete au Fete, free custom sample boards, and a $200 gift card to Dixie's merchandise store.
Dixie Brewery will be open Wednesday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. For more information on Dixie Brewing Company, go to DixieBeer.com.