What beer has no barley in it? Your guide to gluten-free brews

According to Coeliac UK, beers labeled gluten-free must contain 20 parts per million or less of gluten. For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it is essential to know what beer has no barley. Many breweries are creating barley-free beers using alternative grains.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines grains used in gluten-free beer, such as sorghum, rice, and millet. It discusses the difference between naturally gluten-free and gluten-removed products and lists breweries specializing in barley-free recipes. The article also provides a brand comparison and covers the flavor profiles.

Key Points

• Sorghum beers: Have a clean flavor and are common alternatives to barley.

• Millet and buckwheat: Used for complex flavors.

• Dedicated breweries: Look for breweries like Holidaily and Ghostfish to avoid cross-contamination.

• Naturally gluten-free vs. gluten-removed: True barley-free beers use naturally gluten-free grains.

• Flavor variety: Different grains result in various styles, from light lagers to stouts.

• Certification is key: Always check for 'certified gluten-free' labels.

Brewing Without Barley: The Rise of Gluten-Free Beer

Traditionally, beer production used barley, which contains gluten. This made regular beer unsuitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Innovation led to a new type of beer made without barley. These 'naturally gluten-free' beers use alternative grains. It's important to choose beers brewed with alternative grains, rather than those with gluten removed, which may pose risks.

Alternative Grains in Beer Production

Naturally gluten-free beers get their fermentable sugars from grains without gluten. Each ingredient affects the final product's flavor.

Sorghum

Sorghum is often used in barley-free beer, especially in the US and Africa.

• Brewing: Brewers use malted sorghum or sorghum syrup.
• Flavor: It has a fruity and sweet taste with a clean finish.
• Examples: Bard's Gold Lager uses 100% malted sorghum. Redbridge Gluten-Free Lager is another sorghum-based beer.

Rice

Rice lightens the body and creates a dry finish.

• Traditional Use: Many breweries have used rice alongside barley for lighter lagers.
• Gluten-Free Use: Craft brewers use rice with sorghum or millet for refreshing lagers.
• Examples: Lakefront Brewery's New Grist is a sorghum and rice pilsner.

Millet and Buckwheat

Millet and buckwheat add depth and flavor.

• Millet: Adds a nutty, sweet character.
• Buckwheat: Known for earthy and nutty flavors.
• Examples: Holidaily Brewing Co.'s BuckWit Belgian and Glutenberg Blonde Ale use these grains.

Quinoa

Quinoa has been used by some brewers.

• Benefits: Quinoa offers sweetness and nutrients.
• Example: Meli is a quinoa-based beer.

Comparison of Barley-Free Beer Options

Feature	Sorghum-Based Beers	Millet/Buckwheat-Based Beers	Rice-Based Beers (GF)
Flavor Profile	Fruity, crisp, and slightly sweet.	Nutty, earthy, and complex.	Light, clean, and dry.
Body	Medium-bodied, similar to lager.	Can range from light to robust.	Often light-bodied.
Examples	Bard's Gold Lager, Redbridge.	Holidaily BuckWit Belgian, Glutenberg Blonde Ale.	New Grist Pilsner, Heads of Noosa Japanese Lager.
Best For	Classic, refreshing lager experience.	Unique and complex flavors.	Light and refreshing beer.

Breweries Dedicated to Barley-Free Beer

Some breweries focus on naturally gluten-free beer to avoid cross-contamination.

• Ghostfish Brewing Company: The first gluten-free brewery in Washington State, using millet, buckwheat, and rice.
• Holidaily Brewing Co.: A certified gluten-free brewery in Colorado using local, gluten-free grains.
• Glutenberg: This Montreal brewery makes award-winning beers with millet, buckwheat, corn, and quinoa.
• Ground Breaker Brewing: This 100% gluten-free facility in Portland, Oregon, uses alternative grains.
• Dos Luces Brewery: This Denver brewery makes historical Chicha and Pulque styles from corn and maguey.

Conclusion: Enjoying Barley-Free Beer

Finding a delicious beer without barley is easier with gluten-free brewers. A range of flavors exists, from sorghum lagers to buckwheat ales. When choosing a barley-free beer, check the label to ensure it's certified gluten-free and made in a dedicated facility. This ensures a safe and enjoyable product..

Source: Siren Craft Brew Guide to Gluten Free Beer: [https://www.sirencraftbrew.com/blogs/news/gluten-free-beers]

Frequently Asked Questions

What replaces barley in beer?

Sorghum is a common replacement for barley in gluten-free beer, providing a base for a clean finish.

Are all gluten-free beers barley-free?

No. Some beers labeled 'gluten-free' use barley. Truly barley-free beers use sorghum, rice, or millet.

Which brands make beer without barley?

Holidaily Brewing Co., Ghostfish Brewing Company, and Glutenberg are some breweries that make barley-free beer. Bard's and Redbridge also offer barley-free options.

Does beer without barley taste different?

Yes, the flavor profile can differ. The grain used, such as sorghum or buckwheat, provides a distinct taste compared to barley beers.

Is sorghum beer a type of beer with no barley?

Yes, sorghum beer uses sorghum instead of barley, making it a gluten-free option.

Can I drink gluten-removed beer with celiac disease?

For celiac disease, it's safer to choose beer made with naturally gluten-free ingredients. Some may react to gluten-removed beers.

What are some lesser-known grains in barley-free beer?

In addition to sorghum, rice, and millet, some brewers use quinoa and corn.