I had never been much of a beer drinker so not being able to enjoy a beer on a gluten free diet isn’t a hardship for me. I can imagine that it would be much more difficult for someone who enjoyed a beer now and again.
This past weekend, I happened to be in the Liquor store picking up some wine [thank goodness I can still drink wine, I would find that difficult!] and noticed some Gluten Free beer on the shelf. There were actually a couple of different brands; I had not heard of either of them and asked the associate filling up the shelves, if he knew anything about either of the brands. He said that he had tasted the New Grist, as it is something they do in the store whenever a new product comes in. He did report that he liked it but found it very light, especially if you are a beer drinker.
I was curious so I thought I would pick some up to try – I was hoping that I could find a refreshing alternative to wine for the summer and he did say that it is really not a beer drinker’s beer. So it had to be my kind of beer!
I threw the New Grist in the fridge when I got home and by the time we were having dinner, it was nicely cooled. I was quite surprised. I liked it! Like I said, I don’t generally like beer; this was much smoother, and not as bitter as I remember beer to be. It was not as foamy as most beer tends to be but that was good for me, It was quite refreshing and very similar to a cider with a slight sweetness to it.
I quite liked New Grist, maybe I will try the other brand sometime, but for now I will stick to this one. Perfect for a summer evening on the patio. Yes, I am already thinking [hoping for] summer! 🙂
New Grist is a pale colored beer brewed by Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee, Wis. and is made from sorghum and rice.
Are you a beer drinker, have you found a Gluten Free beer that is similar to regular beer? Would love to hear what brands you like.
Cheers!
I just tried Green’s Tripel Blonde Ale. It was quite good. I am actually a homebrewer, and just recently went GF, so I’ve been missing beer a lot. This one has a light cidery sweetness, like you mentioned, but it’s got a pretty full body and a nice hoppiness.
Kate, thanks for stopping by. Yes, it is much more like a cider, must be why I like it! 🙂 Unfortunately, there isn’t a large variety here for beer drinkers.
Beer is one of the reasons it would be hard for me to be gluten-free 🙂 This one does sound yummy for a summer bevvie though.
Yes, I thought it would be very nice for summer! 🙂 It really isn’t that difficult being gluten free, although as I mentioned, I am lucky I can drink wine with no problem!
Canada: Burlington ON Better Bitters makes a “beer” called Nickel Brook that I find is a great beer substitute. Large cans (473mL for $2.95)
Quebec also has a GF “beer” called La Messenger?. Hard to find.
In Canada you have to find an LCBO store unless you have access to the larger Beer Stores.
Hi Barb, Yes, I think those were in the store as well, I was going by the recommendation of the clerk. Will have to try it soon! Thanks 🙂