Jim Patton (February 24, 1953—October 23, 2012) was an anthropologist and craft beer brewer.
The first Abita Beer debuted on July 4 that same year in New Orleans and Mandeville, Louisiana.
Patton was instrumental in creating many of the recipes for the beers that Abita still produces today.
[2] Patton sold his share in the Abita Brewing Company in 1997 and co-founded the Zea Rotisserie and Brewery where he was also the brewmaster.
Patton was also interested in wine making and worked for wineries in California and Oregon.