NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Kingfish Cider is the largest dedicated cidery in Louisiana and the first and only taproom in the Jefferson Parish. The Jefferson Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) gave financial support through the JEDgrow Loan Program for leasehold improvements, fixtures, equipment, and working capital; and helped with locating property in the community. After four years of development and work, Colleen Keogh, owner and operator, opened the doors on May 20, 2021.
“After visiting cideries and trying craft cider in Austin, Texas, I decided to open Kingfish because there was nothing like it in Louisiana. It was an eye opening experience,” said Keogh, “I chose the name ‘Kingfish’ after Huey P. Long’s nickname because I wanted to give the cider a Louisiana spin with our history, because cider is not an inherently southern drink. My goal is to be Louisiana’s cider.”
In the taproom, there are house made craft ciders on tap including, but not limited to, Prohibition (dry perry, made from pears), Huey Perry (medium dry perry), Uncle Earl (hopped dry apple cider), Blanche (dry apple cider)–all named for historic Louisiana figures connected to Long. Keogh also brews seasonal flavors as well, such as Blaze Starrberry (semi-dry apple cider made with Ponchatoula strawberries), and Caledonia (Huey Perry base with White Oak Farms blueberries from Loranger, Louisiana). Also featured are mixed drinks made with locally distilled spirits. Charcuterie boards with a curated selection of local cheeses and meats can also be purchased and paired with different ciders.
In March of 2023, Keogh and Kingfish entered NOLA On Tap with some of the cidery’s selections winning third place in “Craft Beer Companies Critic’s Choice–Specialty Beer” and tied for second place in “Craft Beer Companies–Fan Favorite–Specialty Beer.”
“NOLA On Tap is where it all began for me. I competed in home brewing for two years before opening the business. It gave me the feedback I needed to propel me forward,” said Keogh. “These wins are very important for Kingfish and me, and they mean a lot to me, personally.”
As a microdistillery, Kingfish is limited to brewing 12,000 gallons per year, but Keogh is moving forward with plans to change to manufacturing and distribution licensing with no limit.
Kingfish Cider
355 Iris Avenue, Suite A
Old Jefferson, LA
504-273-7868
kingfishcider.com
Hours:
Thursdays 4-9 p.m.
Fridays 4-9:30 p.m.
Saturdays 1-9 p.m.
Sundays 1-6 p.m.
