If there’s one demographic of beer enthusiasts my heart goes out to, it’s those suffering from Celiac Disease, a condition that occurs when the digestive system is unable to process gluten, which happens to be a by-product of barley, wheat and rye. Let’s face it: That just sucks. So, what’s a sufferer to do? There are an increasing number of gluten-free options available, but not many that can satisfy a beer geek’s palate.
Enter Green’s Quest Gluten-Free Tripel Blonde Ale, featured in DRAFT’s July/Aug issue. Green’s swaps out traditional brewing grains for millet, sorghum, buckwheat and rice, and the result is fantastic. Fruity lemon and grape scents mingle with white pepper for a lively aroma. Soft grainy notes storm the tongue and stretch out as apple, pear, white pepper and hints of wood braid a delicate flavor profile. Despite its 8.5% ABV, this beer washes back smooth—and despite its gluten-free status, it’s a beer worthy of everyone’s consideration. If you suffer from Celiac Disease, give this beer a spin.
What’s your favorite gluten-free option?
Posted on Tuesday, July 19th, 2011
CHRIS!
I agree that Green’s Tripel Blond Ale is the best GF beer sold in TX. However, I have astonishing GF beer-in-TX news and hope you can help bring it to fruition.
As you may know, TX only permits the sale of beer that has received federal label approval from USA TTB.
Within the last year or so, USA TTB, ceded to the FDA regulation of sorghum brewed beers. USA TTB now restricts its approval to malt brewed beers.
Before USA TTB took that position, 3 sorghum brewed beers had already been approved in TX. Those are Bard’s, Redbridge, and Green’s.
In my opinion, Bard’s and Redbridge are swill. Green’s is potable…clearly the best of the 3.
Meanwhile…there are 2 European beer certified as gluten free that are brewed from barley malt rather than sorghum…and one of them has already received necessary approval from USA TTB!
Chris…that beer is Estrella Damm Daura! USA TTB confirmed by phone a couple of days ago that EDD has received federal approval. And so…the only remaining question is whether application must be made by Estrella…etc.
Any assistance would be hugely appreciated. Jane hefti
jhefti@aol.com
512.422.6001