Ringing in the New Year with Gluten free alcohol

It’s time to celebrate the New Year coming in and if you have celiac, you may feel as though your options are limited. That is no longer true; especially for beer drinkers. There are many options of hard alcohol, wine, champagne, not to mention, ciders, and beer as well.The list keeps increasing each year; so be wary as some manufacturers are no longer making their gluten-free versions and others have added gluten-free options.  A good rule of thumb is to always check before purchasing, and to also be mindful when you decide to try a new selection by making sure that they are labeled gluten-free and are made in a plant that is well aware of the cross-contamination issues that are such a dilemma for celiac’s. To stay informed, feel free to check out their websites and to contact them via e-mail or phone. Here is a comprised list of gluten-free ciders and beer from around the world.  To be clear, I myself have not tried all of these beers and ciders, but I am very excited that we do have so many options now.  I am very excited to start trying them all and as I do try them I will update you with my own honest unbiased opinion on them.  Which goes without saying, as I find these new options of gluten-free cider and beer I will update this post.  As it is, I set out to when I set out to write this article for the Sacramento Gluten-Free Food Examiner, each day I would research and find new options.  It was actually exhausting, but quite eye opening.  I loved the fact thatthere were so many varieties, and that many of them can be found right in our own backyard.  So check this post periodically for updates.  And always remember whenever traveling, keep your list handy.

Here is a list of gluten-free ciders and beers: 



1. The California Cider Company

Ace Cider is California’s first commercially produced and distributed cider, is taking advantage of the blossoming national “hard” cider market with a distinctive California cider made in a specially-designed micro cider mill in Graton, just outside Sebastopol. The California Cider Company (CCC) is benefiting from Sonoma;s tradition of providing high quality Gravenstein and other varities of apple juice. Ace Apple, CCC’s flagship brand is made with 100% pure, local apple juice giving it a fresh, natural taste, and setting it apart from most other brands (not using 100% juice). Ace Cider is gluten-free!

Ace Perry Cider is a new premium fermented cider. It is made from a base of 100% local apple juice. Pear juice is added to give the cider it’s distinctive pear taste.
Ace Apple Honey is made with 5% Sonoma wildflower honey and 95% pure Sonoma County apple juice. Ace Apple Honey has a pronounced honey bouquet with a smooth texture, a rich brown color and dry finish.
Ace Berry Cider is a mixture of raspberry, blackberry and strawberry juice added into their fermented apple cider. The resulting cider has a delicious fruity taste. It is extremely refreshing, lightly carbonated and a healthy, exhilarating alternative to the heaviness of beer or the high alcohol content of wine.
Ace Joker Cider is a new premium champagne like cider. It is light in color with a 8% alcohol content.

2. Fox Barrel

Our award winning ciders are hand crafted from freshly pressed apple juice in California’s Sierra Foothills. We hand blend each batch, ensuring the highest quality product that bridges the gap between craft beer and fine wine.

Our 100% natural ciders are gluten free with no artificial colors or flavors. Whether it’s our natural ingredients, our attention to detail or the great taste, you'll favor Fox Barrel ciders.

3. Green Mountain Beverage Company

Woodchuck Draft Cider All varieties of Woodchuck are naturally gluten free. Since Woodchuck has always—and only—been made from apples (not wheat, barley or rye) we’ve never had gluten in any of our ciders. We take Celiac Disease seriously and have had all our ciders tested by an independent lab and are careful to maintain a completely gluten-free facility. America’s #1 Selling Premium Draft Cider, is the perfect accompaniment when friends get together to have fun. Crisp, light and refreshing, each Woodchuck style combines the tradition of English and Irish hard ciders with an All-American spirit of refreshment which delivers maximum drinkability.

Cider Jack is a bold, crisp, hard cider. It’s a refreshing change and perfect for any occasion year round. Made from fermented apple juice it has a bold taste that’s easy to drink. It has a crisp, refreshing edge that’s lighter than beer. Cider Jack® is available in the original Apple style and Raspberry. Naturally Gluten Free.

4. Fish Brewing Company - Spire Mountain Ciders

Apple Cider from the natural sweetness of famed Washington apples comes this delightful hard cider. Pleasant, light and with a snap of champagne effervescence, each glass is like a bite of crisp liquid apple; perfectly balanced with the right tartness

Spire Mountain Pear Cider is festive and light, Spire Mountain Pear Cider is alive with delicate flavor. A blend of Bartlett, Bosc and Anjou pears gives this hard cider a gentle zest. Complimented by a soft sprightly sparkle, the scent of sunny orchard beckons from every glass.

Spire Mountain Dark & Dry Apple Cider

Savor this refreshing glass of complexity. Dark & Dry Apple Cider’s assertive tartness is pleasingly balanced by a hint of molasses and brown sugar. More rounded and intricate than it’s sister ciders, this potion will appeal to beer aficionados, wine devotees, and cider enthusiast alike.

5. Doc's Draft® Hard Apple Cider

This cider is semi-dry and wonderfully effervescent with a remarkably fresh apple nose. Its crisp, fruit forward taste and a clean, refreshing finish, have won our cider countless awards and praise.

Doc's Draft® Hard Pear Cider

A traditional cider hand crafted from a select blend of apples and pears. Intense aromas of ripened pear dance from the glass. The taste is light and crisp with a clean, dry finish. (5.5% alcohol).  Winner: Silver Medal - Hudson Valley Wine Competition
Doc's Draft® Framboise
Fresh raspberries are added to Doc’s Draft Hard Apple Cider and re-fermented to create a delicious spin on traditional cider. We think you’ll agree that you can really taste the fresh fruit used in making this cider.

6. Original Sin
Is a 6% alcohol cider, made from domestic Granny Smith Apples. Light and crisp with a smooth finish. Original Sin contains no artificial flavors or colors, and is sorbate, and gluten-free. They offer Original and Pear ciders.

GLUTEN-FREE BEER IN THE UNITED STATES

1. Bards tale:
Dragon’s Gold – Bard’s Tale Beer, USA – Golden amber with light white head, with the aroma and taste characteristics of a satisfying, finely crafted wheat beer. This beer is crafted with pure water, premium sorghum, hops and yeast, combined with buckwheat, natural honey, corn and rice. This is Real Beer for Real People.
Tavern Ale – Bard’s Tale Beer, USA – Soon to be on the market, another finely crafted offering from the makers of Dragon’s Gold.
Seasonals are in the preliminary stages – keep your eyes open for these!

2. Redbridge Beer (Anheuser-Busch)

Redbridge is a rich, full-bodied lager brewed from sorghum for a well-balanced, moderately hopped taste. Redbridge pours a deep honey gold, with a creamy, eggshell head that settles like a gauzy veil over the surface. Effervescent bubbles rise through the glass in a constant stream. Initial aromas are of light malt and a tempered, gentle nuttiness. Some florals rise in the nose. The tongue interprets flavors that echo as a softened pale ale, without the characteristic grassy, earthy flavors of more intense cultivars of sorghum. Cascade hops are not initially prominent in the foreground, but provide a lingering, bitter presence at the back en

Redbridge and the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) will partner to increase awareness of the Celiac Disease. Please check back again later for more information about this exciting and important partnership.

9. Lakefront Brewery - New Grist

Lakefront Brewery's New Grist, brewed from sorghum, hops, water, rice and gluten-free yeast grown on molasses, won an award for "Most Promising New Option and Excellence in its Range of Flavors" at the 2006 Gluten Free Beer Festival.

10. Sprecher Brewery

This award-winning Milwaukee microbrewery now offers two gluten-free beers: Mbege Ale and Shakparo Ale. Both are African-style beers brewed with sorghum and millet, originally conceived in an effort to provide a traditional African-style beer for Milwaukee's African World Festival.










11. Ramapo Valley Brewery

Did you know that Ramapo Valley Brewery is the only Kosher brewery in the United States and the only brewery certified Kosher for Passover. Ramapo has several excellent and unusual beers, our "Gluten Free" is one of the countries only truly Gluten Free beers, making it possible for people with Celiac's to drink safely.

Brewed in its own brew house, there is no chance of "Cross Contamination".

Our blue ribbon Honey Beer, the Passover Honey Lager is a unique honey-based, gluten free, brew using dedicated equipment that insures the integrity of the beer. People with celiac sprue who normally cannot tolerate glutens in their diet can enjoy this brew without any risk of discomfort. Nevertheless, the great, refreshing flavor can be enjoyed by anyone. This innovative brew is made with neither barley, nor wheat. The main fermentable is amber honey. Molasses is used for flavor, nutrients and color. Bright golden in color, the taste naturally has notes of honey and hop. Noble hops add a touch of bitterness to balance the honey sweetness. This beer is Kosher certified for Passover.  Ramapo Valley Brewery's gluten-free honey lager took first prize in the 2006 Gluten Free Beer Festival. The gluten-free beer is brewed in its own house, ensuring freedom from cross-contamination. Six-packs are available online (for shipping within the U.S.) at Internet Wines.

12.  Old Hat Brewery in Lawton, MI – Bee’s Knees – Dry honey taste with a Pilsner Hop Finish. Very light head, similar to a Vienna but with honey. Try this one with a lime on those hot summer days. Gluten-free.  Hops - Saaz A.B.V. 5.2%

13. New Planet Beer Company – Boulder, CO. Made in small batches by great beer meisters, it has all the character and none of the drawbacks. Plus, a portion of our proceeds goes to ecosystem conservation.








IMPORT GLUTEN-FREE BEER

1.  Steinke Beer (Argentina) Cream Ale style made with corn. It is soft and full bodied. It has the characteristic sediment craft beers fermented in the bottle, achieving a natural gasification of fine bubbles. Persistent foam.

Bock style beer bright brown. Its aroma reveals the roasted corn which is conferred by its coloration. Steinike Bock with 5% vol. alcoholic beer is a soft foam.

2. Billabong Brewing Company – (Australia) With the assistance of the WA Department for Agriculture and Food, and under the guidance of the WA and Australian Coeliac Societies, we have developed a starting range of three Certified Gluten Free beers – a “Blonde” (4.5% abv), a Ginger Beer (4.5%) and an Apple Beer (5.0%). And most recently our Australia's Pale ale (5.1% abv) Further beer styles are in development, including a Mid Strength and a dark Ale , next year should see some darker, richer beer styles being added to our list.

3. O'Brien Brewing  (Australia)

Gluten Free does not mean taste free. Our beers are full-bodied, naturally brewed beers, using traditional craft brewing techniques. They are preservative free with no artificial colourings.

Our Beers have been described by Beer Judges and Master Brewers as:

• offering "a real choice, and the non-coeliac may not even notice it is a gluten-free beer";

• being "A classic Australian lager....anyone can enjoy this!";

• having "clean, dry fermentation character" and "pleasant hop character"; and

• offering "very good drinking"

O'Brien Brewing' proud manufacturer of Australia's first Gluten Free Beer. O'Brien Brewing is a producer of premium beers for the Australian and international markets.

4. Glutaner (Netherlands) is a premium beer with an alcohol content of 5.2%. It can be compared to a premium lager. This brew is based on sorghum and Teff is an important ingredient as well. 100% gluten-free. It is brewed in a gluten-free environment using only gluten-free ingredients. After the beer is brewed one of the things

5. Green's  (U.K.)

Inspired by strong European beers and developed to a closely guarded secret recipe, the specialist beers are brewed with a strong body, crisp taste and a refreshing flavour, losing none of the taste but all of the allergens.

Where as most conventional brewing practices employ either Isinglass or gelatine based products in the clearing process, Green’s only uses natural tannins, which as well as giving them an attractive hazy body, makes them suitable for both Vegetarian and Vegan diets.  Green’s beers DO NOT contain any of the following allergens or products thereof: Gluten, Crustaceans, Eggs, Fish, Peanuts, Soya beans, Milk, Lactose, Nuts, Celery, Mustard, Sesame seeds, Sulphur dioxide and sulphites.

6. BiAglut (Italy)

Americans prefer their beer freezing, the British prefer it at any time of socialization, Spaniards prefer it as an aperitif and, in Italy, is a classic with pizza. Many traditions for a single passion: BiAglut together with experienced master brewers beer made 76, a clear gluten for real connoisseur.

7. Nick Stafford's Hambleton (U.K.)
GFA and GFL - the best selling British brewed gluten free beers in the world!Hambleton Ales' GFA and GFL deliver the full flavour and satisfaction expected from British ales in a gluten and wheat free formulation. A tawny ale with aromas of Cascade, Liberty and Challenger hops and specially prepared dark sugars providing full bodied initial sweetness giving way to pronounced fruit and hop character with a strong citrus finish.

A Pale lager style beer with an initial fullness complemeted by a fruit character, dervived from East Kent Goldings and Continental Styrian hops, finishing with bitterness and citrus notes. Uniquely balanced and best served chilled.

8. Fine Ale Club - Against the Grain (U.K.) - Britain's favorite Gluten -free Bitter (certified well below Codex standard 20ppm) smooth, creamy, good head and full flavoured. Indistinguishable from normal beer. Supplied to Harrods for their "Truly British" promotion in Autumn 2005 and blue rosette winner for taste at the Chesterfield CAMRA festival February 2006. Against the Grain won GOLD in the speciality bottled beers section at North of England "Oscars" organised by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA).

9. St. Peter’s Brewery Co. Ltd. G-Free (U.K.) G-Free™ was launched in August 2007. A clean, crisp, gluten free ale with a pilsner lager style finish and aromas of citrus and mandarin from American Amarillo hops. ABV: 4.2%





10.  Strongbow (U.K.)

is a crisp, premium imported cider from the U.K. which delivers maximum refreshment in an authentic, traditional English recipe.

11.  B.C.’s Gluten-free Pilsner Beer – (U.K.) Aroma is light and citrusy, with a sweetish note, some green apple, a touch of tropical fruit and possibly a little sweetcorn. In the mouth it is clean and smooth, with relatively low carbonation. Flavours are again surprisingly fruity - pineapple, apricot and passionfruit, plus a little lemon. Again there is a touch of green apple but nothing too serious. Hop content is enough to give it a reasonable but comfortable level of bitterness. It also has a syrup-like sweet note, though the body is otherwise fairly thin. Finish is fruity, leaving a slightly cloying, bittersweet aftertaste

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE GLUTEN-FREE BEER?

Have you had a chance to try some gluten-free beer? Did you like it? Share your gluten-free beer experiences and advice.