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NEW ORLEANS — What nature doesn't do to us will be done
by our fellow man. The venerable Dixie Brewery is still standing
after the horrendous force of a Category 5 hurricane —
but barely. After the rains and wind subsided and the waters
receded, the scavengers moved in to administer what might have
been the coup de grace to the old brewery.
Classic copper brewing vessels were cut up and removed for
scrap. Copper wiring was stripped from the building. The old
cedar tanks used for fermentation and storage were disassembled
and spirited off. The remaining building looks like something
pounded into post-WWII European rubble. The brewery's cache
of a century's worth of breweriana has been lost to the elements
and the scavengers.
Owners Joe and Kendra Bruno, who purchased the brewery in
1985, are heartbroken but determined to bring the only privately
held regional brewery back to some semblance of its former
glory.
To mark the occasion of the brewery's 100th anniversary of
October 31, 2007, and to draw attention to the brewery's plight,
Joe and Kendra hosted a Halloween party at the brewery attended
by former employees, Dixie friends and distribution accounts,
and a gaggle of media from around the country. The Brunos’
plans for the brewery include a smaller brewhouse and a beer
garden on the roof to take advantage of the fabulous view
of the New Orleans skyline.
Meanwhile, brewing of the Dixie beers is being accomplished
at the Huber Brewery in Monroe, Wis., under the supervision
of continuing Brewmaster Kevin Stuart, who has been employed
by Dixie since 1987. The new Dixie beers are being distributed
by Distinguished Brands International out of Littleton, Colo.
The Dixie Lager and Jazz Amber Light are exceptional. “I
must tip my hat to Kevin,” said Jeff Coleman, president
of Distinguished Brands. "He tirelessly traveled between
New Orleans and Wisconsin to ensure that Jazz, Dixie and Voodoo
were absolutely perfect and available in time for Halloween
and to kick off the 100th anniversary celebration."
Meanwhile, the Brunos continue their efforts to bring one
of America's true brewing legacies back from a near-death
experience. Those with a passion for our country's brewing
history hope that they will be successful. With Mardi Gras
only months away, secure your stash of Dixie Voodoo now and
toast the determination of the Brunos’ commitment to
saving a true legacy of our brewing heritage. |
