We were contacted by DK with a very simple request:
I’m looking for beer that is gluten free. Available in Wisconsin
As far as I know, the only nationally available gluten-free beer is A-B’s Redbridge, which I mentioned in my reply.
But, neither Ron nor I live anywhere near the middle of the country.
How about it Hop Talk readers? Do you live in Wisconsin? Have you noticed gluten-free beer in your local beer store? If so, let us–and DK–know about it in the comments.
Al,
Lakefront New Grist, brewed in Wisconsin and should be available, has won gold at GABF the last two years.
First time as an experimental beer, before they created a gluten free category.
Sprecher Shakparo Ale is also from Wisconsin and also gluten free (bronze at GABF – I liked it better than New Grist, but I liked Redbridge better than either).
Many brewers of gluten-free beers will ship directly to you. Here’s a list with links to their sites: http://celiacdisease.about.com/od/glutenfreefoodshopping/tp/GlutenFreeBeers.htm
Obviously that’s going to depend on State laws. Not all of them allow alcohol to be shipped direct. That said, I don’t know Wisconsin’s law on that.
Green’s is newly distributed by Merchant du Vin, so it may be widely available. It’s Belgian. I haven’t tried it yet, but bought a bottle just to see.
I think a UK brewed GF beer (or 2?) has been imported to the USofA – over here (UK) it’s known as GFA (gluten free ale – did I say the name was innovative) the other beer is called GFL, it’s a lager, I’ll leave you to work out the name ;~) Anyway, I think GFA is known as “Toleration” in the US, it’s brewed & bottled by Hambleton Brewery, Thirsk, Nort Yorkshire. & it’s not too bad – slightly unusual rummy flavour, but quite pleasant & drinkable.
More info at B.United’s site that links from here – http://tinyurl.com/3yxbl3
cheers
Mike
Betwixt Beer, Wirral, UK.
Thanks all. I hope this information has been useful to DK.
Hey Al –
Some more notes on this… there are quite a few bars that DK can look up and find that stock New Grist, Redbridge, and Shakparo. Each website has some sort of locator, though most require a little legwork, too. Found that out while doing some research for the next issue of a gluten-free magazine – lots of GF beer info in the June issue. http://www.glutenfreemag.com.
Thanks for the tip.