SIPS: Gnarly Barley beer

Back in May, the latest addition to the Louisiana brewery scene debuted its beers in New Orleans, and started offering tours of its Hammond-based facilities in July. The brewery, which began operations in 2011, has since found a following across south Louisiana, and its beers have recently popped up on tap in several Baton Rouge bars and restaurants.

Gnarly Barley Brewing in Hammond has developed about six beers so far, including an English-style IPA, milk porter and a light lager called Catahoula Common. It’s a smooth and tasty lager with an ale-like bite at the end. If you’re in the mood for something stronger, the Radical Rye IPA has a spicy kick of rye and a malty finish.

So far, the Gnarly Barley beers are only available on tap. Locally, you can find them at the Bulldog, The Chimes and The Chimes East, Portico, The Pelican House, Red Star and a handful of other bars and restaurants.

In October, Slow Food Baton Rouge called on the brewery to be the featured beer in its annual Slow Food Fall Heat, pairing it with competing dishes from local chefs. With that kind of attention, expect Gnarly Barley’s reach and popularity to grow, making it another shining brew in Louisiana’s growing brewery scene. gnarlybeer.com