For some, the simple pleasure of a cold pint triggers gut-wrenching pain. People with celiac disease can’t digest the gluten proteins found in barley, the grain of choice for brewing (and the only grain for brewing, if you ask a purist). Even so, tradition hasn’t stopped breweries from trying celiac-friendly ingredients like sorghum, millet, and brown rice. Lakefront New Grist Pilsner-Style Ale, the first certified gluten-free beer in the country, is dry, very sweet, and a touch tart, akin to hard cider. Epic Glutenator is just as sugary, with an added burst of citrusy hops, while Dogfish Head Tweason’ale has a cloying sweetness and tinge of fruity tang. All three are wildly creative, but not as full-bodied as beers labeled “crafted to remove gluten.” These contain barley, but have less than 20 parts per million of gluten. Two Brothers Prairie Path Golden Ale is brisk, expertly balanced, and 100 percent beer purist-approved.
***Lakefront New Grist Pilsner-Style Ale and Epic Glutenator Available at The Root Cellar, 7699 Montgomery Rd., (513) 984-4111
Dogfish Head Tweason’ale Available at Party Town, 6823 Burlington Pike, (859) 371-4466
Two Brothers Prairie Path Golden Ale Available at Whole Foods Market, 2693 Edmondson Rd., (513) 531-8015***
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