Coors Peak: The Certified Gluten-Free Innovation
For a brief period, Coors Peak represented a significant innovation in the mainstream beverage market. Unlike many early attempts at gluten-free beer, which were often based on sorghum and criticized for their distinctive flavor profile, Coors Peak took a different approach. To achieve a taste closer to a traditional lager, the brewers at MillerCoors used a base of brown rice and brown rice malt, supplemented with pea protein for body and texture. This brewing method was a direct response to consumer demand for a quality gluten-free beverage.
During its time on the market, Coors Peak featured two main styles: the Copper Lager and the Golden Lager. It was proudly marketed as naturally gluten-free "from grain to glass" and received certification from the Gluten Intolerance Group. This certification was a crucial assurance for individuals with celiac disease, who need to be certain about the gluten-free status of their food and drink. The launch was focused on specific markets, notably Seattle and Portland, before a wider rollout could occur.
Key Ingredients of Coors Peak
- Brown rice malt: A key component used instead of traditional barley malt, providing a sweet, roasted backbone.
- Brown rice: A naturally gluten-free grain, forming the primary base of the brew.
- Pea protein: Added to give the beer more body and substance, countering the thinness often found in other gluten-free alternatives.
- Hops: Used for flavor balance and a subtle hop character.
- Caramel sugar: Provided a malty character and sweetness, particularly in the Copper Lager.
The Discontinuation of Coors Peak
Despite its innovative approach and certified status, Coors Peak was not on the market for long. Customer feedback and market performance likely led Molson Coors to discontinue the product around 2016. The company has since explored other wellness-focused beer innovations, such as Coors Pure, which was also eventually discontinued. The competitive landscape for gluten-free products has also changed dramatically, with numerous craft and dedicated gluten-free breweries entering the market. This broader market evolution may have also contributed to the decision to phase out Coors Peak.
What to Drink Now? Alternatives for the Gluten-Free Beer Lover
Since Coors Peak is no longer available, those needing or preferring a gluten-free beer must seek other options. The market is now rich with alternatives, each with a different brewing process and flavor profile. It is crucial to distinguish between certified gluten-free beers and "gluten-removed" products, which may still contain trace amounts of gluten and are not safe for individuals with celiac disease. Always look for a "certified gluten-free" label for certainty.
Coors Peak vs. Modern Alternatives
| Feature | Coors Peak (Discontinued) | Redbridge (Anheuser-Busch) | Glutenberg (Dedicated GF Brewery) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredient(s) | Brown rice, brown rice malt, pea protein | Sorghum | Millet, quinoa, buckwheat, corn |
| Availability | Not available (discontinued ~2016) | Widely available (in many markets) | Available in many US markets and online |
| Flavor Profile | Generally described as closer to traditional lager, less like sorghum beers | A distinct flavor profile often associated with sorghum-based beers | Offers a range of styles (IPA, Blonde, Stout) with diverse flavors |
| Certification | Certified Gluten-Free by the Gluten Intolerance Group | Certified Gluten-Free | Certified Gluten-Free by the Gluten Intolerance Group |
Other Gluten-Free and Gluten-Removed Options
- Certified Gluten-Free Beers: A growing number of craft breweries specialize in certified gluten-free brews. Brands like Glutenberg, Ground Breaker, and Ghostfish offer a wider variety of styles, from IPAs to stouts.
- Gluten-Removed Beers: Some breweries use an enzyme (like Brewers Clarex) to break down gluten proteins in barley-based beer. These products are typically labeled "crafted to reduce gluten" and are not safe for celiacs, as they can still elicit an immune response. An example is Omission Beer.
- Hard Seltzers and Ciders: For those who cannot find a suitable certified gluten-free beer, alternatives like hard seltzers, hard ciders, and gluten-free canned mixed drinks are widely available and safe. Brands like Coors Hard Seltzer are labeled gluten-free.
For more detailed information on gluten-free living and a list of certified products, visit the Gluten Intolerance Group website at https://www.gluten.org.
Conclusion
While Coors Peak was once a highly anticipated certified gluten-free beer, it is no longer available on the market. The innovative approach of using brown rice instead of sorghum initially set it apart and addressed a need in the gluten-free community. However, its discontinuation paved the way for other companies to enter the market. Today, consumers have a much wider array of certified gluten-free beers to choose from, along with safe alternative beverages like hard ciders and seltzers. For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it remains essential to check for a certified gluten-free label, as products like Coors Light and gluten-removed beers are not safe for consumption.
