USA, LA: Red River Brewing Company sells first beer in Sheveport

Red River Brewing Company, one of two craft breweries in northwest Louisiana, sold its flagship beer for the first time on October 24 at Rotolo’s Pizzeria in Shreveport, reports Shreveport Times.

After receiving their state license earlier this month, Red River founders Jared Beville, Beau Raines and Robert McGuire have been busy brewing for the launch of their flagship beer Louisiana Hay Ryed. The American wheat ale is now available on tap at Rotolo’s Pizzeria, 1409 E. 70th St.

John-Scott Thompson is a fan of craft beer, but after moving to Shreveport a few years ago was disappointed in the lack of craft beer. A home-brewer, he often orders his preferred beers online but was pleased with Red River’s Louisiana Hay Ryed.

“It’s light with a little bit of spice, and it’s not too strong,” Thompson said. “Some craft beers are brewed at like 8 and 9 percent, and when you take a sip, the alcohol just hits you and this doesn’t do that. A lot of craft brews that I find brew a higher alcohol content beer, so this is a good balance.”

McGuire said it was humbling to watch people drink his product.

Established in 2009, Red River Brewing plans to roll out their beer at other area restaurants and bars in the coming months.

“We’re probably going to stay just here for a few weeks and kind of gauge the demand and make sure we can meet the demand before we roll out in subsequent locations,” Beville said.

Another northwest Louisiana craft brewery, Great Raft Brewing, received its state license earlier this month and launched its flagship beer Reasonably Corrupt last week at Zocolo Neighborhood Eatery in Shreveport. Great Raft’s beer will be available at other establishments in November.

25 October, 2013