Pretty much all beers, ales, and lagers contain gluten.  Those pesky grains are just so excellent at creating beer that I would say 99%+ of all beers on the market contain gluten.  Here is a bit of good news…manufacturers of beer are realizing that this market is growing larger every year and they are rushing to answer our need.  Large breweries, like Anheuser-Busch have answered the call with Redbridge (a gluten-free beer that I liken to Killian’s) and small breweries are also bringing to market artisan gluten-free varieties as well.  Speak up when you go to your local brew pub and let them know that you would purchase a gluten-free beer if it was available. 

A warning about the gluten-free beers available: some of them taste terrible.  I am a “regular” beer drinker which I consider puts me in the “average joe” category that I like beer that isn’t too strong (like Guiness) or bitter.  I used to drink Killean’s, wheat beers, an occasional flavored beer (like pumpkin in the fall or berry in the summer) and I enjoyed a good Corona with lime on a hot summer day. 

As with all foods, everyone has different tastes so it is important to keep an open mind and try a variety.  For example, when I first went gluten free I bought a six pack of Redbridge and a six pack of New Grist and shared them with my gluten-free siblings.  I was the only one who liked Redbridge and no one liked New Grist.  However I had a party a few months later and one of my non-gluten-free guests really liked the New Grist (I sent the last unopened bottle home with her).  I have heard “Temptation” is a good choice as well, although it may be a bit pricey (I haven’t been able to find it at my local grocery stores as even Whole Foods stopped selling it).

I have found for the days I want more of my “Corona experience”, I take my Red Bridge and add about 50% water and a slice of lime to create a lighter beer…it works for me and stretches out the enjoyment.

Other brands on the market (I have not found them in the Ann Arbor area) are:

• Bard’s Gold
• Green’s Discovery Amber Ale
• Green’s Endeavour Dubbel Ale
• Green’s Quest Tripel Ale
• Sprecher Brewing Mbege
• Sprecher Brewing Shakparo

As you are no doubt aware, an open mind and sense of adventure will serve you well in your gluten-free journey.  Raise your gluten-free beer in a toast to those wonderful breweries looking out for us and helping us to enjoy a good bottle of beer from time to time.  Cheers!

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