Originating from the home of Zac and Cari Caramonta, Gnarly Barley Brewery began in a cramped garage, surrounded by two fat cats and a halfpipe. Zac started homebrewing initially as an investigation into the brewing process after being exposed to exceptional craft beer. He soon set out to make beers that were just as excellent as those that had first inspired him. The Korova Milk Porter and the Hoppopotamus IPA, two of Gnarly Barley's homebrews, had their festival premiere in 2011 at New Orleans on Tap Beer Festival. Zac and Cari set out to create a craft brewery after receiving positive feedback through local beer festivals and making many friends in the local brewing community. In 2014, their vision was realized in a 14,000 square foot facility in Hammond, Louisiana.

Gnarly Barley was the recipient of a 2017 Louisiana Lantern Award for demonstrating excellence in manufacturing and outstanding service to their community. The Brewers Association named Gnarly Barley among the top 50 fastest-growing craft breweries in 2017 and 2018. Current distribution in South Louisiana includes the Northshore, Greater New Orleans area, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Houma, Lake Charles, and Alexandria. Gnarly Barley was recently named the 2023 Louey Award winner for Louisiana Attraction of the Year.