Introduction
Beer is one of the most popular drinks around the world. From light lagers to dark stouts, there’s a beer style for every palate. But what if you’re looking for gluten free beer? Gluten free beer can be just as delicious and unique as regular beer, but it requires some extra knowledge to find the right kind for you. This article explores the best gluten free beer and provides tips on how to find the perfect beer for your taste.
First, let’s define what gluten free beer is. Gluten free beer is any beer that is brewed without wheat, barley, or rye and does not contain any trace amount of gluten. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye, and it can cause digestive distress in those who are allergic or sensitive to it. Gluten free beers are made with ingredients like sorghum, millet, buckwheat, corn, or rice instead of traditional grain-based ingredients.
Now that we know what gluten free beer is, let’s explore some of the benefits of drinking it. Gluten free beer can help people who have a gluten sensitivity or allergy reduce their risk of adverse reactions. It can also provide an alternative to those who are looking for a lighter beer option. Finally, gluten free beer can be a great option for those who want to support local breweries that make gluten free beer.
Review of Top 5 Gluten Free Beers
Now that we’ve explored the benefits of drinking gluten free beer, let’s take a look at some of the top brands on the market. Here are five of the best gluten free beers available:
Brand 1: Omission Lager is a light and crisp beer with a clean finish. It is crafted from malted barley and features a light hop aroma. Omission is a great option for those who are looking for a gluten free beer with a traditional flavor profile.
Brand 2: New Planet Off Grid Pale Ale is a hoppy pale ale with a bold flavor. It is brewed with sorghum and brown rice syrup and has a citrusy aroma. The beer is gluten free certified and is a great choice for those who enjoy IPAs and pale ales.
Brand 3: Bard’s Original Sorghum Malt Beer is a light and refreshing beer with a sweet malt flavor. It is brewed with 100% malted sorghum and has a slightly fruity aroma. Bard’s is a great choice for those who are looking for a gluten free beer with a classic flavor.
Brand 4: Redbridge Lager is a full-bodied lager with a smooth finish. It is brewed with sorghum and has a malty flavor. Redbridge is a great option for those who are looking for a gluten free beer with a robust flavor profile.
Brand 5: Lakefront New Grist Ginger Style Beer is a unique gluten free beer with a spicy ginger flavor. It is brewed with sorghum and has a light body. New Grist is a great choice for those who are looking for a gluten free beer with a distinctive flavor.
How to Find the Best Gluten Free Beer for Your Taste
Now that we’ve reviewed some of the best gluten free beers on the market, let’s explore how to find the perfect beer for your taste. Here are three things to consider when choosing a gluten free beer:
Consider Alcohol Content: The alcohol content of gluten free beers can range from light lagers to stronger ales. Consider your preference for alcohol content when selecting a gluten free beer. If you prefer lighter beers, look for gluten free lagers. If you prefer stronger beers, look for gluten free ales.
Consider Flavor Profile: Gluten free beers come in a variety of flavors, from light and crisp to bold and hoppy. Consider your flavor preference when selecting a gluten free beer. If you prefer lighter beers, look for gluten free lagers. If you prefer bolder flavors, look for gluten free ales.
Consider Regional Availability: Gluten free beers are becoming increasingly popular, but they may not be available in all areas. Consider the regional availability of gluten free beers when selecting a beer. If you live in an area where gluten free beers are not widely available, you may need to order online.
Gluten Free Beer Tasting Guide
Now that you know how to find the best gluten free beer for your taste, let’s learn how to properly evaluate a beer. Here is a step-by-step guide to tasting gluten free beer:
Set Up a Tasting Table: Before you begin, set up a tasting table with glasses of beer and printouts of the tasting notes. Make sure the glasses are filled to the correct level and the beers are at the ideal serving temperature.
Evaluate Aroma: Start by evaluating the beer’s aroma. Take a deep breath and note any scents you detect. Is it fruity, floral, or earthy? Does it smell sweet or bitter?
Evaluate Color: Next, evaluate the beer’s color. Note any differences between light and dark beers. Is the beer clear or cloudy? Does it have a reddish hue or a golden hue?
Evaluate Taste: Now it’s time to evaluate the beer’s taste. Take a sip and note any flavors you detect. Is it sweet, sour, or bitter? Does it have a malty flavor or a hoppy flavor?
Evaluate Mouthfeel: Finally, evaluate the beer’s mouthfeel. Is it light and crisp or full-bodied and creamy? Does it have a dry finish or a sweet finish?
Take Notes: As you evaluate each beer, take notes or use a rating system to keep track of your findings. This will help you remember which beers you liked and which ones you didn’t.
The Benefits of Drinking Gluten Free Beer
Now that we’ve explored the basics of tasting gluten free beer, let’s take a look at the benefits of drinking it. Here are three benefits of drinking gluten free beer:
Health Benefits: Gluten free beers are made without wheat, barley, or rye and do not contain any trace amounts of gluten. This makes them a great option for those who are allergic or sensitive to gluten. Gluten free beers can also provide a lighter option for those who are looking to reduce their alcohol intake.
Social Benefits: Gluten free beers can be a great conversation starter and can help bring people together. They can also be a great way to introduce others to the world of craft beer. Plus, they’re a great option for those who want to support local breweries that make gluten free beer.
Environmental Benefits: Gluten free beers are often made with ingredients like sorghum and millet, which are more sustainable than traditional grain-based ingredients. By drinking gluten free beer, you can help reduce your carbon footprint and support more sustainable farming practices.
Breweries Making the Best Gluten Free Beer
Finally, let’s explore some of the breweries making the best gluten free beer. Here is a list of popular breweries that make gluten free beer:
- Omission Brewing Company
- New Planet Beer
- Bard’s Tale Beer Company
- Redbridge Brewery
- Lakefront Brewery
- Ground Breaker Brewing
- Green’s Brewery
- Dogfish Head Brewery
- Hamm’s Beer
- Ghostfish Brewing Company
Expert Tips on Pairing Gluten Free Beer With Foods
Now that we’ve explored some of the best breweries making gluten free beer, let’s learn how to pair these beers with food. Here are some expert tips on pairing gluten free beer with food:
Basic Pairing Principles: The basic principles of pairing food and beer still apply to gluten free beer. Look for complementary flavors and aromas, such as sweet and sour or malty and hoppy. You can also look for contrast, such as sweet and bitter or light and heavy.
Choosing the Right Beer for the Dish: When pairing food and beer, consider the weight and intensity of both the food and the beer. Light foods pair best with light beers and heavy foods pair best with heavy beers. Also consider the flavors and aromas of the beer and the food. Match similar flavors and aromas, or look for complementary flavors and aromas.
Experiment and Have Fun!: Most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun! Don’t be afraid to try different combinations and find what works best for you. There are no wrong answers when it comes to pairing food and beer, so have fun and be creative!
Conclusion
Gluten free beer can be just as delicious and unique as regular beer, but it requires some extra knowledge to find the right kind for you. This article explored the best gluten free beer and provided tips on how to find the perfect beer for your taste. We also discussed the benefits of drinking gluten free beer and explored popular breweries making the best gluten free beer. Finally, we learned about expert tips on pairing gluten free beer with food. So next time you’re looking for a gluten free beer, you’ll know exactly what to look for.
