First Draft: Glutenberg Beer

Publisher's Note: Today's post is the first in an new, occasional series covering the growing variety of gluten-free beers, ciders and meads.

By Chris Betz

I first heard of Glutenberg last year after the Canadian brewer swept the World Beer Cup, medaling in all three places in the Gluten-Free Beer category. Based in Montreal, Quebec, Glutenberg is a 100% gluten-free brewery. The brewery has broadened its reach beyond several New England states and recently found distribution throughout New Jersey. Here's my take on their award-winning beers, Blonde (Bronze), American Pale Ale (Silver) and Red (Gold), which are available in 16 oz. cans in the U.S.:

Glutenberg's three award-winning beers are available in New Jersey and
three New England states (Photo courtesy Glutenberg/Facebook)

Blonde (4.5% ABV): Crisp and dry, this brew is thirst quenching while maintaining an interesting profile. There are nice citrus notes in both the aroma and taste. This beer should delight drinkers that are new to the world of beer as well as those with more experienced palates. Glutenberg's Blonde will not overwhelm lighter foods like chicken or salmon dishes.

American Pale Ale (5.5% ABV): Nicely hopped, this beer has a strong malt backbone with caramel notes. The color and aroma are true to the American Pale Ale style, though the head quickly dissipated with minimal to no lacing left in the glass. Well balanced, the Pale Ale will pair well with gluten-free pizza, Mexican food or a cheeseburger on your favorite gluten-free roll.

Red (5% ABV): This beer is a game-changer. When I poured this into a glass, I was surprised by its dark appearance, thick frothy head and complex aroma. The taste didn't disappoint: there were rich roasted flavors along with the mild sweetness of molasses and caramel. Pair this full-flavored beer with BBQ, steak or pork.

Overall, Glutenberg impresses by incorporating nontraditional beer ingredients like corn, quinoa and chestnuts to give a complex full-body brew. The unpleasant sorghum taste found in many gluten-free beers is pleasantly absent, since that grain isn't an ingredient. People with Celiac Disease can enjoy this knowing that it is a truly gluten-free beer. Hopefully, even more is in store from this upstart brewery - that Belgian Double available only in Canada would be most welcome.

Chris Betz has traveled the world in pursuit of unique and rare beer. Since being diagnosed with Celiac Disease he has a new challenge: exploring the world of gluten-free beer.