There will be something new on tap at Cajun Field on Saturday for UL Lafayette’s first home football game of the season: Ragin’ Cajuns™ Genuine Louisiana Ale.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s stadium is one of nine locations where the craft beer will initially be served. Ragin’ Cajuns™ Genuine Louisiana Ale is the result of a partnership between Bayou Teche Brewing and the University.

UL Lafayette already has a successful beverage and food line that includes Ragin’ Red®, a custom blend of seasonings; Ragin’ Cajuns Strong Championship Blend coffee, produced by Mello Joy; and the Ragin’ Cajun Burger, which is sold exclusively by local Sonic Drive-Ins.

“We were looking for a product that would be suitable for tailgating before Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns athletic events. A craft beer is the perfect fit,” said Aaron Martin, director of the University’s Office of Communications and Marketing. “The ale’s slogan is French, ‘ça va mieux avec des amis,’ which means ‘It goes better with friends.’ That’s so appropriate because it reflects the hospitality of the Cajun and Creole cultures in Acadiana.”

Ragin’ Cajuns™ Genuine Louisiana Ale is only available on tap now; a bottled version will be introduced in time for the University’s 70th Homecoming celebration on Saturday, Oct. 31.

Karlos Knott, president of Bayou Teche Brewing, said it was inspired by a staple ingredient that’s grown in Louisiana: rice. Other ingredients are barley and multiple additions of German-grown, noble hops. The combination, he said, is “a magnificent balance of hop bitterness, taste and aroma.”

Bayou Teche Brewing’s flagship product is LA 31 Bière Pâle, a pale ale. Its beers are distributed throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and in New York.

Ragin’ Cajuns™ Genuine Louisiana Ale began flowing Thursday at seven local establishments:

• Mellow Mushroom on Johnston Street;

• Deano’s on Bertrand Drive;

• Legends on Bertrand Drive;

• Walk-Ons Bistreaux and Bar on Kaliste Saloom Road;

• The Tap Room in River Ranch;

• Pogie’s Pour House in Carencro, Louisiana; and

• Fat Pat’s Bar and Grill on Westmark Boulevard.

It will also be poured Friday during Downtown Alive!, a popular music series in Lafayette. The beer will be sold at additional establishments in the next few weeks.

Martin said part of the proceeds of the new craft beer’s sales will be used to support the University’s academic, research and athletics programs.

UL Lafayette has allowed beer to be sold during football games at Cajun Field since 2009. Today, more than 30 universities allow beer sales in their football stadiums.

Beer had been sold for many years at UL Lafayette basketball and baseball games prior to 2009.

Ragin’ Cajuns™ Genuine Louisiana Ale will be sold by Schilling Distributing Company, the official beer distributor of Ragin’ Cajuns® Athletics.

Photo by Doug Dugas/UL Lafayette