A few years back I took a trip to New Orleans. It was less than a year after Hurricane Katrina, and the area was what I would call still freshly devastated. Windows on downtown buildings were still boarded shut, houses everywhere were still abandoned, and almost everywhere you turned there was a look of desperation on peoples faces. Just as a visitor, there were times where I had an overwhelming feeling of helplessness. I wanted to help my fellow man, but with circumstances as epic as that, what could one person really do?

I'm sure I was never alone in that thought process. My bet is that countless others wanted to do the same, but really had no idea where to even start. Leave it to a craft brewery such as Abita Brewing Company to not only step up and try to help their own community, but also provide a way for the rest of us to contribute as well in the form of Restoration Pale Ale.

The idea behind it is rather simple. Buy a beer, help the cause. Money from each beer purchased goes into a hurricane relief fund. Many of us look at that has a win win situation. Not only do we get beer in our hands, but we also get to help out a bigger cause.

As far as beer reviews go, this one will be a little different. Restoration Pale Ale is a pretty decent example of the style. Everything from it's clear and golden coloration, to the bright white head, as well as the sharp pine and citrus aromas and flavors are all absolutely in the realm of acceptable. It is highly sessionable, and going through several of them on a hot summers afternoon could happen in the blink of an eye. Yes, I completely nutshelled the review, and I offer no apologies for doing so.

Will Restoration Pale Ale blow you away on any ''technical'' beer levels? No. Not at all. But here is a case where you need to step back and see the bigger picture here. By tossing one or two back, you not only get to enjoy a good drinking beer, but you also get to contribute to a more than worthwhile cause. And on those grounds alone, I suggest that everyone go out and grab two handfuls and then some. The people of New Orleans thank you in advance, and you can thank me later.