Celebrating Craft Beers: A Tasting Journey Through Gluten-Free Ales
As the leaves change and the air grows crisp, there’s no better time to explore a selection of delicious gluten-free craft beers. From light and refreshing lagers to hoppy IPAs, these brews not only cater to those with gluten sensitivities but also offer vibrant flavours that everyone can enjoy. Join us as we dive into the tasting notes of eight unique gluten-free beers that promise to excite your palate this season.
Jiddlers Tipple ~ Hop & Cold IPA 5.5%
Hop & Cold IPA is a refreshing brew that combines the drinkability of a pilsner with the hop-forward character of an IPA. This cold IPA is fermented with lager yeast, creating a super-clear finish. Bursting with fruity flavours, expect a delightful fruit salad medley of gooseberry, melon, pineapple, guava, peach, grapefruit, and mango from the harmonious blend of Nelson Sauvin, Citra, Ekuanot, and Galaxy hops.
Interesting Fact: This beer showcases the versatility of cold fermentation, which traditionally is used in lagers. By using lager yeast in an IPA, brewers achieve a clean and crisp profile while allowing the hop flavours to shine through, resulting in a unique and enjoyable drinking experience.
Food Pairing Suggestions: The refreshing profile of Hop & Cold IPA pairs beautifully with grilled chicken marinated in lime and cilantro. The bright citrus notes in the beer complement the zesty marinade, enhancing the overall flavour. Alternatively, enjoy it alongside a fresh mango salad topped with avocado and chili for a vibrant, light meal.
Abbeydale ~ Wavebreaker 4.5% Pacific Pale Ale
Wavebreaker continues the journey of globetrotting pale ales, offering a golden malt base that supports a wave of flavours from New Zealand hops. With Superdelic, Nectaron, and Riwaka Hop Kief, this beer presents a delightful combination of red fruit and tropical notes, culminating in a zesty finish that’s incredibly satisfying.
Interesting Fact: The use of Hop Kief, a concentrated form of hop, amplifies the aromatic and flavour profile of this pale ale. This innovative technique captures the essence of the hops more intensely, leading to a more robust beer experience.
Food Pairing Suggestions: The fruity and zesty notes of Wavebreaker pair excellently with a spicy Thai green curry. The sweetness of the tropical flavours will balance the heat, creating a harmonious pairing. For a lighter option, consider enjoying it with grilled shrimp tacos topped with fresh salsa, where the beer enhances the vibrant flavours.
Overtone ~ Das Model 5.5% Kölsch
Das Model is an homage to both the iconic German Kölsch style and the precision of electronic music. This gluten-free Kölsch offers a refreshingly crisp and clean profile, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a light, sessionable beer.
Interesting Fact: Kölsch beers are traditionally fermented at cooler temperatures, which contributes to their clean taste and dry finish. This brewing style, combined with a focus on gluten-free ingredients, allows those with sensitivities to enjoy a classic beer style without compromise.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy Das Model with a light salad topped with grilled chicken and a lemon vinaigrette. The beer’s crispness will enhance the fresh flavours of the dish. Alternatively, pair it with a charcuterie board featuring mild cheeses and fresh fruit, allowing the beer to cleanse the palate between bites.
Siren Craft Brew ~ Existential 4.8% XPA
Existential is a beautifully light extra pale ale that delivers a delightful array of hop flavours. With prominent notes of tropical fruits and fresh citrus, complemented by subtle hints of peach, apricot, and nectarine, this XPA is perfect for those looking for a balanced and flavourful beer.
Interesting Fact: This XPA utilizes an enzyme to break down gluten to below 20ppm, making it accessible for those with gluten sensitivities. This innovative approach allows brewers to create delicious gluten-free beers without sacrificing taste.
Food Pairing Suggestions: The tropical and citrus notes of Existential pair beautifully with fish tacos topped with mango salsa. The sweetness of the mango will complement the beer's fruity profile. For a vegetarian option, try it with a quinoa salad featuring roasted vegetables, where the flavours will harmonize nicely.
Moonwake ~ Leith Helles 4.0% Lager
Leith Helles is a modern take on the classic European lager style. With eight weeks of conditioning, this beer achieves an impeccably clean and sessionable finish, making it a refreshing option for any occasion.
Interesting Fact: The Helles lager style originates from Germany and is known for its malt-forward profile balanced with a subtle hop bitterness. Moonwake’s commitment to quality brewing ensures that this lager remains true to its roots while being gluten-free.
Food Pairing Suggestions: This Helles lager pairs wonderfully with pretzels and mustard, highlighting the beer’s malty character. For a heartier option, enjoy it with roasted chicken and vegetables, where the clean finish will enhance the meal’s flavours.
Hackney Church ~ Chihuahua 4.5% Mexican Lager
Chihuahua is a vibrant Mexican lager that packs personality into every sip. Brewed with a hint of corn and lime, this beer is perfect for warm days and casual gatherings.
Interesting Fact: The addition of corn in the brewing process not only adds a subtle sweetness but also contributes to the beer's light body and refreshing character. This style is inspired by traditional Mexican lagers, known for their drinkability and flavour.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair Chihuahua with fish tacos garnished with lime and cilantro. The beer’s crispness and slight sweetness will complement the flavours beautifully. Alternatively, enjoy it with a refreshing guacamole dip and tortilla chips for a perfect snack.
Brass Castle ~ Disruptor 7.4% NEIPA
Disruptor is a devilishly drinkable New England IPA that showcases a medley of hops, including Mosaic, Simcoe, Ekuanot, and Citra. Expect big fruit aromas and maximum juiciness with a soft, pillowy mouthfeel.
Interesting Fact: The haze in NEIPAs comes from the use of oats and wheat in the grain bill, creating a creamy texture and mouthfeel. This style is known for its fruity aroma and minimal bitterness, making it a favourite among craft beer enthusiasts.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy Disruptor with spicy Asian dishes like Pad Thai, where the fruitiness of the beer complements the heat. For a milder option, pair it with creamy mac and cheese, allowing the beer to cut through the richness.
Brass Castle ~ Hoptical Illusion 4.3% Pale Ale
Hoptical Illusion is a dry-hopped pale ale featuring Comet and Citra hops, delivering intense grapefruit and citrus flavours. This beer is a delightful blend of hop character and drinkability, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
Interesting Fact: The use of Comet hops, known for their unique grapefruit flavour and aroma, adds depth to this pale ale. These hops were initially developed in the 1970s and have since gained popularity among craft brewers for their versatility.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair Hoptical Illusion with a citrus-marinated grilled chicken salad. The beer’s citrus notes will enhance the dish’s flavours. Alternatively, enjoy it with a spicy sausage pizza, where the beer’s bitterness can balance the richness of the toppings.
As you explore this selection of gluten-free beers, you'll find that each one offers a unique flavour experience perfect for autumn gatherings. From crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs, these brews are not only accessible to those with gluten sensitivities but also deliver delicious flavours that everyone can enjoy. Cheers to the delightful world of craft beer!