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Alcoholic beverage drinking for celiac's
has always been tough going. Not knowing what one
can drink that won't set off an allergic reaction.
(Celiac disease is a disease of the small intestine,
which requires the person to eat no products which
contain gluten.) This makes it hard for celiac's to
be able to enjoy the great taste of beer, since the
majority of most beers contain a wheat product in
them.
Gluten-free is going mainstream. Glutens are components
of most cereal grains, including those generally used
to make beer. And the intake of glutens for those
who suffer from this disease can cause all kinds of
health problems.
Redbridge is manufactured with sorghum instead, leaving
the finished product completely free of that nasty
gluten. Redbridge is o.k., too, but not as good as
Bard's. Redbridge pours with a light auburn color
and has a slightly astringent if unremarkable aroma.
Very different from the funky aromas often found in
sorghum based beers.
Sorghum gives Red Bridge a somewhat sweet taste without
losing the flavor and character of beer. In my opinion,
inability to give up beer should no longer be an argument
against adopting a gluten-free diet, especially for
those who must do so because of Celiac disease. Sorghum
and buckwheat based beers are available, but remain
very much a specialty product. Most specialists now
consider all distilled forms of alcohol safe to drink,
provided no colourings or other additives have been
added, as they might include gluten ingredients. Sorghum
has been used for centuries to make beer and other
alcoholic beverages in Africa and Asia. However, barley
malt is usually added that renders those beers unsafe
for people with Celiac disease.
Sorghum is the primary ingredient in the beer from
the makers of the nation?s top-selling full-calorie
and light beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. Sorghum
is a safe grain for those with wheat allergies.
All in all, it’s not bad. It’s easy-drinking
and quite refreshing and would probably make a good
session beer, depending on the ABV, which isn’t
listed.
I found this little pocket guide called Clan Thompson
2007 Celiac Pocket Guide to Gluten-Free Beers, Wine
& Spirits (Gluten-Free Alcoholic Beverages), I
found it at the Gluten-Free Mall. The little pocketguide
runs $5.75 and can be easily carried with you when
you go out to dinner, or for a night on the town.
I would highly recomend you getting the guide, as
I have found it extremely helpful, and know that you
will too.
Here is a picture of Clan Thompsons Book:
Celiac Pocket Guide to Gluten-Free Beers, Wine &
Spirits
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