Understanding the Term 'Small Beer'
Before diving into the gluten question, it's helpful to clarify what 'small beer' refers to. Historically, small beer was a low-alcohol brew made from the "second runnings" of the mash—the leftover grain from brewing a stronger beer. This process created a milder, less intoxicating beverage that was a staple drink for all ages in medieval times, often consumed as a safer alternative to contaminated water. Today, the term is used by some craft breweries to denote a modern low-alcohol beer, often 2.8% ABV or less, that delivers full flavour without high alcohol content. The existence of a "small beer" label does not inherently make it gluten-free, as traditional brewing methods still involve gluten-containing barley.
The Gluten-Free Small Beer IPA from Small Beer Brew Co.
For those specifically asking about the Small Beer brand, the answer is a reassuring yes for their IPA. Small Beer Brew Co., based in London, has confirmed that its Organic IPA cans are naturally gluten-free.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: Unlike some beers where gluten is removed later, this IPA is naturally gluten-free due to the ingredients and careful brewing process.
- Low Gluten Levels: Lab analysis showed the beer contains less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, well below the 20 ppm threshold required for 'gluten-free' labeling in the UK.
- Organic Ingredients: The beer is brewed with organic British-grown barley and other organic ingredients.
Gluten-Free vs. Gluten-Reduced: A Critical Distinction
This is the most important part of the puzzle for those with coeliac disease or severe gluten intolerance. Not all beers labeled as being suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals are the same, and the difference can have health implications.
How Gluten-Free Beer is Made
There are two primary methods for producing beer for a gluten-free diet:
- Using Naturally Gluten-Free Grains: This method involves brewing with alternative, naturally gluten-free grains such as sorghum, millet, buckwheat, rice, or corn. Because gluten is never introduced, there is no risk of cross-contamination from the base ingredients, and this is considered the safest option for celiacs. Brands like Ghostfish Brewing Company and Ground Breaker Brewing follow this approach.
- Using Enzymes to Reduce Gluten: In this process, traditional gluten-containing grains like barley are used, but a specific enzyme (such as Brewers Clarex®) is added during fermentation. This enzyme breaks down the gluten proteins into smaller fragments. The finished product often tests below the 20 ppm gluten-free threshold, allowing it to be labeled 'gluten-free' in regions like the UK and EU, or 'gluten-reduced' in other areas, such as the US.
Some authorities and health professionals raise concerns about the latter method. While tests can show very low gluten levels, the effectiveness of the enzyme is debated, and some highly sensitive individuals may still react. For this reason, many coeliacs prefer beer made from naturally gluten-free grains.
How to Verify Your Small Beer IPA
Just because a beer is labeled 'small' or 'low-alcohol' doesn't mean it's gluten-free. To ensure a beer is safe, follow these steps:
- Always Check the Label: Look for explicit 'gluten-free' certification or wording. Many brands, including Small Beer Brew Co., will state this clearly on their cans.
- Confirm the Brewing Method: If a beer is labeled 'gluten-reduced' or 'crafted to remove gluten', proceed with caution if you have coeliac disease. If the label mentions barley as an ingredient, it likely underwent the enzyme process.
- Ask for Information: At a pub or restaurant, ask the staff for confirmation. In retail, look up the brewery's website for specific product details, like on the Coeliac UK guide.
Other Gluten-Free IPA Options
The market for gluten-free beer is growing, with many options available beyond the small beer category:
- Ghostfish Brewing Company: Offers a range of 100% naturally gluten-free beers, including IPAs, using alternative grains.
- Siren Craft Brew: Produces a session IPA called Lumina that is gluten-free.
- BrewDog: Offers a gluten-free version of their popular Punk IPA, made by using an enzyme to reduce gluten content.
| Feature | Naturally Gluten-Free Beer | Gluten-Reduced Beer |
|---|---|---|
| Base Grains | Sorghum, millet, rice, buckwheat, etc. | Traditional barley, wheat, rye |
| Process | Brewed entirely with gluten-free ingredients | Brewed with gluten-containing grains, then treated with an enzyme |
| Gluten Content | Contains no gluten from the start | Contains < 20 ppm gluten in finished product |
| Risk for Celiacs | Generally considered safe, minimal risk | Some highly sensitive celiacs may still react; caution is advised |
| Labeling | Labeled 'gluten-free' | May be labeled 'gluten-free' (EU/UK) or 'gluten-reduced' (US) |
Conclusion
While the answer to "Is small beer IPA gluten-free?" depends on the specific brand, for the Small Beer Brew Co. IPA, the answer is yes, it is naturally gluten-free. However, this is not a universal rule for all small beers or IPAs. For anyone needing to avoid gluten, the key takeaway is to always check the product label for specific 'gluten-free' certification and to understand the distinction between naturally gluten-free and gluten-reduced brewing methods. Opting for beers made with naturally gluten-free grains provides the safest choice for those with coeliac disease, while those with milder sensitivities may tolerate gluten-reduced options after careful consideration. The increasing availability of high-quality gluten-free beers means that avoiding gluten no longer means forgoing a flavorful IPA.
