Southeast Louisiana locavores have much to rejoice about. Weekly farmers markets, forward-thinking restaurants, gourmet grocery delivery, and the like make it all too easy to source food from the surrounding region.
Those on the hunt for local libations don’t have to search for long either, and we’re not just talking about the fridge in your garage. No, we’re talking about the garage of Hammond, Louisiana, resident Zac Caramonta, where a love of craft beer and a DIY sensibility evolved into a home brewing operation.
In 2011, as ambition outgrew garage space, Caramonta and wife Cari established Gnarly Barley Brewing, which is now housed in a 10,500-square-foot facility in Hammond, complete with a two-vessel, thirty-barrel brew house, hot and cold liquor tanks, four fermentation vessels, a bright beer tank, and the passionate, go-getter attitude that has propelled the microbrewery from the beginning.
As of May 2014, Gnarly Barley’s two flagship beers can be found on taps around the state. Snatching its name from the Louisiana state dog, the Catahoula Common offers a similar form to California Common beers. Though it’s a fine sipper all year, the medium body and fruity flavor profile will delight imbibers most during humid Louisiana summers. The Radical Rye P.A. delivers on the daring promise of its name. Malty and bold, this India pale ale smacks of peppery spice and ample hops.
Other offerings include the Korova Milk Porter and the Hoppopotamus IPA; both brews earned Gnarly Barley early rave reviews when the Caramontas debuted their homebrews at the 2011 New Orleans on Tap festival.
Craft beer lovers can explore the whole operation for themselves, as the Gnarly Barley facility is open for tours on Saturdays at 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm. A $5 entry fee will grant guests a special Gnarly Barley pint glass and access to two free samples of a genuine Tangipahoa taste.
The brewery is located at 1709 Corbin Road. For directions, a full list of brews, and information on upcoming events, visit gnarlybeer.com.
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