Each year, beer weeks take place across the country to celebrate the culture and community of craft brewers. The Brewers Association has assembled American Craft Beer Week (ACBW), the self-proclaimed “mother of all beer weeks,” each May. It is an exciting opportunity for small and independent craft brewers and the community (hey, that’s you!) to celebrate the growing beer culture in the U.S. It is a great opportunity for everyone – from those just starting to learn about beer, to enthusiasts, to hard core beer geeks – to toast the week and celebrate the exciting American brewing scene.

The craft beer revolution started in America, and ACBW is a great opportunity to step back, reflect on and celebrate what we’ve accomplished across the country. Here at home, there are several opportunities to visit better beer retailers and celebrate some of the unique brews coming from Shreveport and greater Louisiana. See the list below, and check local brewery and retailer websites and social media for more information.

Monday, May 12
Frank’s Pizza Napoletana, 5 p.m.: Great Raft Brewing Invasion at Frank’s. Great Raft is kicking off ACBW by releasing its first two collaboration beers they brewed with Bluejacket (Washington, DC) in March 2014. They are introducing an imperial schwarzbier called “Nobody’s Darlin’” and a rye lager called “Disaster Proof.” These one-off releases will be poured alongside four other Great Raft Brewing beers, including their latest release, “Make Believer,” a session IPA. Find more details at GreatRaftBrewing.com.

Tuesday, May 13
Rotolo’s Bossier: Abita Bourbon Street Series release. Rotolo’s is tapping a Baltic porter aged in Pappy Van Winkle barrels. They will also feature a number of craft beer specials. Check out the Rotolo’s Bossier Facebook page for more details.

Thursday, May 15
Frank’s, 6 p.m.: Abita double pin night. Frank’s will tap a pin of Abita Imperator Black IPA and a pin of Citra-hopped Jockamo IPA, along with the Abita Baltic porter aged in Pappy Van Winkle barrels.

Great Raft Brewing, 4-8 p.m.: Ki’Mexico food/beer pairing at Great Raft. Great Raft will be tapping the remaining kegs of its two collaboration brews with Bluejacket. These will be included as part of a Ki’Mexico food and beer pairing. Enjoy suggested pairings of 5+ Great Raft beers with tacos and more.

Rotolo’s S’port and Bossier: Red River new pint glass give-away. Receive a free pint glass with your first Red River Brewing Co. purchase.

Get out there and support your local breweries and the growing craft beer scene in Shreveport-Bossier City.