NEW ORLEANS – NOLA Brewing & Pizza Co. announced the return of its popular King Cake + Craft Beer pairing experience, back for two intimate sessions this Carnival season: Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. After selling out last year, the event returns with limited seating and a thoughtfully curated tasting format that begins with a savory pizza pairing before moving into four king cake and beer matches.
Guests will begin the experience with a savory first course of two different NYC-style pizza tastings, designed to ground the palate and set the stage for the sweeter, more complex king cake and beer pairings that follow. From there, the evening unfolds into a guided tasting of four distinct king cakes sourced from standout New Orleans bakeries and paired with four handcrafted beers brewed on site. But the experience goes well beyond tasting. Over the course of nearly two hours, guests are guided through the full arc of King Cake history, from its European roots to its evolution into a defining Mardi Gras tradition, including the bakers and cultural moments that helped shape it along the way. The result is a a rare opportunity to walk away not just well fed, but genuinely informed about why king cake became such an enduring institution of Carnival season.
NOLA’s pizza program reflects the same thoughtful approach that defines its brewing. Introduced in 2020, the brewery’s NYC-style dough is built around a naturally fermented organic sourdough starter, developed in-house and paired with water chemistry modeled after New York City. The result is a crust with structure, balance, and subtle complexity, an approach that helped shape a new standard for pizza in New Orleans while remaining rooted in restraint and process rather than trend.
Special Hosts
Matt Haines — Author of “The Big Book of King Cake”
New Orleans–based writer Matt Haines will guide guests through the rich history and traditions behind King Cake, sharing the story of how this iconic pastry came to define Mardi Gras culture.
Derek Lintern — Brewmaster, NOLA Brewing
Award-winning Brewmaster Derek Lintern will walk guests through each beer pairing, explaining the brewing decisions and flavor profiles chosen to complement the wide range of King Cake styles.
Doug Walner — Co-Owner, NOLA Brewing & Pizza Co.
Co-Owner Doug Walner will introduce the pizza selections and discuss how the savory opening course completes the overall tasting experience.
Event Details
What: King Cake + Craft Beer + Pizza Pairing Experience (Guided Tasting)
When:
• Tuesday, Jan. 27, — 7:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, Feb. 3, — 7:00 p.m.
Where: NOLA Brewing & Pizza Co., 3033 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans
Tickets: $28 per person (includes all tastings)
Seating: Extremely limited; advance purchase required
“This is an experience that connects food, beer, and tradition in a way that feels distinctly New Orleans,” said Walner. “You leave with a deeper understanding of king cake, a better appreciation for thoughtful pairings, and a sense of how all these elements work together.”