Abita SOS

For over twenty years, Abita has been the beer of choice for Louisiana's celebrations. Crawfish boils and LSU football games are just two of the events bettered by an ice cold Abita. In the wake of the BP fustercluck, Abita has established a fund to provide assistance in this most troubling time. Working in conjunction with the Louisiana Seafood Marketing Board, the fund will divert resources to bolster and eventually revitalize Louisiana's coastline and all who make their living plying those waters for shrimp, crabs, and oysters.

But even better for you, a major source of the fund's revenue will come from sales of a new beer. As the press release explains and this Police song sings:

Abita SOS, A Charitable Pilsner

The centerpiece of the fundraising effort is a new charitable beer created by Abita. The brew, called SOS – A Charitable Pilsner, will generate 75¢ for every bottle sold. In addition, related retail merchandise (hat, tee shirt, lapel pin, decal and car magnet) will be sold and 100% of the net proceeds will also go to the SOS Fund.

“Abita SOS is a message in a bottle. It is a distress signal we’re sending out all across the 41 states where Abita is sold. It is going to raise awareness and money,” says David Blossman, President of Abita.

The 22-ounce brew bears hand drawn iconic images of all the aspects that make the Gulf of Mexico so unique. Illustrations like those of pelicans, fish, shrimp and fishing boats are arranged in the pattern of the timeless distress symbol: S-O-S. Marsh grass and a symbolic pair of white “shrimp boots” also are highlighted in the beautiful design.

Abita began brewing SOS several weeks ago and now ages in holding tanks as it finishes the brewing process. It is expected to hit the markets in mid July. The beer is an unfiltered Weizen Pils made with Pilsner and Wheat malts. It is hopped and dry hopped with Sterling and German Perle hops. It has a brilliant gold color, a sweet malt flavor and a pleasant bitterness and aroma. The brew is 7% alcohol by volume.

Abita SOS merchandise is available for purchase immediately at a special website created for the fund, SOS.abita.com. Online donations can also be made directly to the fund.

Thank you Abita for making great beer and giving back.