Daily Archives: February 8, 2012

Today we are featuring Glen Abbott, a freelance travel writer/photographer based in New Orleans. He covers motorcycle touring for Harley-Davidson’s HOG magazine, and writes a weekly column on New Orleans life and culture for www.nolavie.com. You can follow Glen on his blog at www.TravelinGringo.com.

You might not realize it from a stroll down Bourbon Street, but there’s more to New Orleans’ drinking scene than just Hurricanes, Hand Grenades, and Huge Ass Beers.

Locals and insiders know the city offers some high-quality alternatives to the mass-produced swill offered by mega-brewers and distillers – unless that’s what you’re looking for, of course (and lots of people must be, judging from the staggering amount – pardon the pun – of such beverages consumed here).

But if you’re looking for a break from the craziness, cacophony, and chaos of the French Quarter, here are a couple of suggestions, each just a short cab ride away: one is a microbrewery tour, the other a craft rum distillery. Both are places you can still get your drink on – through generous sampling opportunities – and you just may learn something in the process, if you haven’t already destroyed too many valuable brain cells.