The American South means a lot of things, to a lot of people. But one thing is for certain—there’s no place like it in the world. 

For his first feature in Good Beer Hunting, freelance journalist Owen Racer wrote about this place, its people, and how beer fits into it all. During a year as a resident of New Orleans, Owen tapped into the food and drink scene, researching its illustrious history, shared traumas, and steps towards the future, often through the unexpected lens of beer. In our conversation, he discusses why Lager is so specifically tied to both the culture and the climate of the Gulf Coast, what misconceptions beer still faces in the area, and the hurdles that have held the beverage back, until now.

In this episode, Owen and I talk about his process and emotional connection of reporting as an outsider and temporary resident of an area beloved by many and misunderstood by even more. You’ll hear about the surprises he faced, the Southern hospitality he felt, and, of course, the beers he drank. Let’s hear about his year on the Gulf, and how it changed him for years to come.