Wheat beers are wonderful. Many varieties use up to 70% wheat, which is a considerable amount. Rye beers are also very good. I’ve had beers that are 40-60%, and it adds a really nice spicy quality to the brew. Both of these types are beer are certainly worth a try. If you have not been drinking some wheats and ryes, start doing so today. You won’t be sorry. I earnestly entreat you to drink these beers.
I cannot say the same for some other types of brew. Specifically, I’m talking about the gluten free varieties of beer that are showing up in ever increasing amounts. Here’s the deal: even wheats and ryes utilize certain percentages of barley, both for the husks and the tastes. But to exclude barley altogether borders on madness. If you have to be gluten free, then I understand and sympathize with your plight. In fact, Green’s makes some gluten free beers that are the best of the bunch. Would I drink it on a normal basis? No! Would I drink it if I were gluten free? Yes!
Simply stated, there just aren’t that many good gluten free beers out there. I don’t know that I would say any of them are good. Maybe I would describe one as more tolerable than another…but good? Who knows, maybe some good ones will come out in the future? My encouragement is this: if you are not gluten free, pass these beers up. Find a barley based beer that has millet, spelt, or whatever other grain, and try it. But, at this point, more gluten free beer is not an experience that I see on my horizon. If you’re still thinking about trying that sorghum beer, be my guest…don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Having tried two of these beers, I’d agree with you. However, of you’re limited to these beers because of dietary restrictions, they are a blessing. The two I had, Redbridge and the Bard’s Tale weren’t bad and if that’s all you could have I could see getting used to them. Of the two, I liked the Bards a little better but the Redbridge can be more easily found.
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I know they are a life-saver for some….but I’d drink something else if I found out I had gluten issues. Actually, I’d jump off a building.
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I dont have gluten allergy but I have allergy to barley.. what do you fellows recommend? i am looking for other beers without barley.
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