NOLA Brewing, New Orleans’ only local brewery, is releasing its second seasonal ale — 7th Street Wheat — with two debut events this week. The first event will take place tomorrow night, Thursday, July 8th at the Maple Leaf Bar, and the second will be Friday, July 9th at the Barley Oak in Mandeville.
I love beer. Good beer. And NOLA Brewing is definitely a good beer. My personal favorite brew is their Brown Ale, though I believe the Blonde is their best seller. The other day, I had the chance to taste the 7th Street Wheat and it’s delicious. I believe my first reaction was, and I quote, “that’s the bomb.” Yes, I still use that phrase. Don’t judge me.
I’m pretty adventurous with my beer selection, and I’ve had just about every fruit-flavored beer you can imagine (I am a girl) but what I don’t like about those kinds of beer is that sometimes they don’t taste like beer at all. I often find that inclusion of fruity and floral flavors can overpower the taste of the beer. Fortunately, the 7th Street Wheat is a complex and flavorful beer, but its still a beer. It’s light, with just enough citrus to make it cool and refreshing. Like I said, it’s the bomb.
According to the brewery, the new ale, which was named in honor of the 7th Street wharf across the street from the brewery, is an American style wheat beer complimented by the herbal addition of lemon basil. Like all other NOLA Brews, the 7th Street Wheat is a handcrafted ale, created to compliment local cuisine and to offer retreat from the hot New Orleans summer.
7th Street Wheat will be available through October in slim kegs and draft packs at various locations throughout Louisiana. But, I’m telling you, don’t miss the NOLA Brew Crew tomorrow at the Maple Leaf. There will be $3 drafts and music by The Trio (who will take the stage just before 11 pm). If you can’t make it, head to the Northshore Premier Party on Friday, July 9 from 6-9pm at the Barley Oak.
