Port Orleans Brewing Company - Dorada

For a cerveza named Dorada, it’s no surprise we’re greeted by a bright golden color, topped with a spritely cap of off-white foam. In the 19th century, German and Austrian immigrants brought their brewing culture with them to Mexico and points south, with beers like pilsner and Vienna lager becoming the norm, and ultimately evolving into the loose style embraced today as Mexican lager. Port Orleans’ example presents the characteristic aromas of lightly toasted malt with a dash of sweetness, overlaid by some spicy, floral, and grassy hops with a light touch of citrus. On the palate, look for the malts to form a lightly toasty and crackery center that comes through with the mild graininess and wisp of sweetness we expect for the style. Herbal and lightly citric and floral hops offer a low to moderate bitterness that easily keeps this brew in balance until the finish, which is nicely crisp and dry. For pairing options, it’s hard to say no to Mexican dishes, whose spicy elements will play well with the beer’s crisp palate and herbal hop notes. ¡Salud!

Port Orleans was founded in 2017, in a somewhat unlikely partnership of investors headlined by retired Saints offensive lineman Zach Strief. He had long felt that New Orleans needed more great beer bars, and when he was approached by his father-in-law Tommy Discon and his friend Ricky Thomas, owner of Blue Runner Foods, with the idea to open a brewery, Strief jumped right in, opening a new chapter in his life as his NFL career was coming to a close. In his words, “Ultimately I wanted something that was in New Orleans, that I could be hands-on, that I could go to and see people and thank people for coming. And now I'm very into it.”

The venture really took off fast, and within four months their 30-barrel system was in full swing supporting well over 100 taps across multiple local bars and restaurants, and their canning line was producing beer for retail sale. Additionally, their attached tasting room – which was designed to reflect the ambiance of old-world New Orleans hangouts, drawing inspiration from the city's port heritage – was bringing in the locals.

The brewery has also been involved in philanthropic endeavors, including the creation of Gleason IPA to raise money for retired Saints safety Steve Gleason’s work to support those with ALS, and the launching of POB United during the pandemic to cook meals for those unable to buy their own – leading to over 100,000 meals given away in six months. The brewery currently cans four year-round beers and several seasonals in addition to a wide array of smaller-batch draft and taproom offerings. For more info on their beers and tasting room, check them out at portorleansbrewingco.com.