Gluten free beer. Is there any hope?
Before I got diagnosed with Celiac disease, I was an admitted total beer snob. Loved the microbrews. Hated the cheap, mass produced, over advertised, tastes like water…well, you get my point. I still wish I had some inkling of my diagnosis beforehand and I would have savored over one final Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA.
So I did what most people in my shoes probably did. Went to the liquor store with fingers crossed and hoped for a miracle. “Do they even make gluten free beer?” (keep in mind this was five years ago). So I scan the shelves and there it is…Red Bridge beer made with sorghum. Gluten free. Grab a six pack. Go home. Open one up. Take a sip. Oh boy…this is not good. The other five beers stayed in my fridge for years to come. So I did what any sensible person would do. I switched to Vodka!
But there is hope
Lately, there has been good news coming out of the gluten free beer market. I have since tried a handful of other beers. Some not drinkable, but some very drinkable. Now, admittedly, my expectations and taste buds have changed. Whenever I think I have found a decent beer, I will let somebody else try it who still has their senses, and nine out of ten times, they respond with empathy that this is what I’m stuck with. But I’m ok with that. Hey, you gotta play the cards dealt to you.
The best gluten free beer I have found so far has been New Grist. Nice flavor, good aroma, decent aftertaste. And there are more and more coming to the market as the brewers realize that the demand for gluten free beers is just going to get stronger. Finding them can be the problem as my local stores only carry a few of the brands but hopefully that will improve with time as well.
And the best news of all? Dogfish Head is coming out with a gluten free beer in December. It may not be a 90 Minute IPA, but in my eyes, it will be even sweeter.
charlienyc
228 days ago
Things are improving for us. Here’s a great write up on the Gothamist website, 4 Gluten-Free Beer Alternatives For The Swilling Celiac Sufferer: http://gothamist.com/2011/10/03/beer_month_gluten-free_alternatives.php
The Gluten Dude
228 days ago
Have not heard of Estrella, but will need to check it out. And I’ve had the Green’s and it is quite tasty (and strong!).
Alex
208 days ago
A lot of people feel the same way about New Grist, although others complain it’s too fruity or light. You should really give Estrella Daura a try as soon as you can…I’m in the process of building a website and mobile application to help people find gluten free beer and Celiac friendly restaurants around the world.
The Gluten Dude
208 days ago
I wish I could buy the gluten free beers online. My local stores only carry a few of the basic ones.
liz
109 days ago
Have you tried Bard’s? I really like that one. I also tried Estrella and really enjoyed it! Have you found the Dogfish yet?
The Gluten Dude
109 days ago
Can’t stomach the Bards…sorry. Can’t find Estrella near me…heard it’s great. And no Dogfish yet either. Supplies are indeed limited for gluten free beers around me. Bummer.