NOLA Spirit

When anyone travels to the Big Easy they always comment on the lifestyle of the natives and how the culture seems to be completely intermingled with the city’s renowned gastronomic prowess.  Enter NOLA, New Orleans Lager and Ale, another addition to the natives’ never-ending search for the perfect libation. 

N.O.L.A., a very convenient moniker for the upstart brewery, is still in its pre-pubescent stage as a business and as a force in the market.  Founders Kirk Coco, a former US Navy Surface Warfare Officer, and Peter Caddoo, a long-time brewmaster, came together to offer the newest of craft beers (a choice of german inspired blond ale or a bit bolder brown ale for those looking for a little more depth and body) brewed in the southeastern Louisiana area.  For those familiar with the frosty beverage scene in the area, there is a model that Coco and Caddoo can reference for building a unique, hip beer brand in New Orleans in the form of Abita.

N.O. Lager & Ale (hmmm, interesting brand nickname) is in its infancy, but with a fiercely loyal consumer base in this area and a spot-on marketing mix, the greenest of microbrews is destined for success.  

Currently, the new brasseurs are showcasing their wares at special events to introduce the product to the market, but I am sure that a broader-based campaign is in the works as they iron out the upstart kinks and identify the sort of investment necessary to get the locals educated on a new offering at the local watering hole.

With a hip brand mark, two dedicated visionaries, assistance from a local brand consultancy (Fabre, Smith & Coco) and a uniquely loyal consumer base, New Orleans Lager & Ale may be the next up and coming brand from the Mississippi delta region.  It will be interesting to see how they craft not only their beer, but their brand as well.

And as Kirk and Peter would say, laissez la bonne biére verser!