Generally, gluten-free versions of lager brands from global producers, used a process that was complicated, expensive and stripped out a lot of the flavour from the beer.
But things have dramatically changed in recent years and it’s time to give gluten-free beers another try, in fact they’ve got so good you might not even realise you’re drinking a gluten-free beer at all because many breweries have amended a core-range beer to also be gluten-free.
New brewing and fermentation products that strip out the gluten without dramatically changing the flavour or body of the beer have allowed smaller independent breweries to begin brewing great tasting, full-flavoured gluten-free beers.
The choices have exploded and you can now get gluten-free beers in a variety of styles from indie brewers across the UK, here’s my pick of what’s available.
Thornbridge – Lukas Helles 4.3% ABV
Thornbridge’s German-style Helles lager is an homage to traditional Bavarian brewing techniques and a recipe it has tweaked and improved over many years, most recently to make it gluten-free while retaining all of the flavour. It’s bright, snappy and dry with a delicious pale malt character of crackers and grain.
Kirkstall – Virtuous Session IPA 4.5% ABV
A crisp and bitter West Coast-style session IPA, Virtuous is gluten-free and vegan, with aromas of grapefruit peel, lemon and lime on the nose. The flavour is more citrus and tropical fruit, with hints of pine and blueberry – all backed up by a light malt base and zippy carbonation.
Birmingham Brewery – Stout Brummie 4.8% ABV
This creamy nitro stout uses oats to add superb mouthfeel and body while remaining gluten-free. With all of the smooth richness you’d expect from a stout, it’s got a great aroma and dryness from the Noble hops used, which balance out the creamy body. A unique and delicious GF stout.
Jiddler’s Tipple – Everyday Pale Ale 3.8% ABV
Jiddler’s Tipple is an eco-minded and carbon-negative brewery from north London making some superb beers in a variety of styles. Its Everyday Pale Ale uses a fruity combo of American Citra, Amarillo and Mosaic hops for big fruit-basket flavours and a satisfying, moreish finish. At a sessionable 3.8% ABV, it’s a beer you can drink any day, guilt-free.
Williams Bros – Joker AF 0.5% ABV
This alcohol-free version of Williams Bros flagship Joker IPA is also gluten-free yet manages to pack in heaps of hoppy flavour and a bitter-sweet bite. A real testament to the skill of the Williams Bros brewers this is a beer that delivers great flavour without the gluten or the alcohol.
- Neil Walker is a beer sommelier and Head of Communications at SIBA, the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates, who recently launched the much-heralded Indie Beer campaign. The campaign seeks to make it easier for customers to discover beer from genuine independent breweries and you can find out more via www.indiebeer.uk
