At last! Gluten-free beers that don’t leave you with a bad taste in your mouth
We asked a drinks expert to put the leading brands to the test
ANYONE fancy a gluten-free beer? While it might not sound particularly appealing, for many people who need to avoid gluten for their gut health, if they crave a crisp pint then it’s pretty much all that’s on offer.
Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye that can cause a host of digestive issues.
And while normal beer contains just a fraction of the gluten found in bread, for example, its main ingredient of grain malted barley is enough to potentially trigger serious problems.
It’s no lie that gluten-free beers have always tasted a bit, for want of a better word, weird — lacking the bitter edge of the real thing.
But no longer, as breweries have developed an enzyme, called Brewers Clarex, that can be added to break down the gluten.
Sophie Medlin, a consultant dietician and director of the City Dietitians clinic in London, says: ‘It’s been really good to see all the new gluten-free beers on the market. The fact there’s such a wide number means people also have a choice and can find one they like.’
So in a bid to discover the best, Magazine has enlisted the help of drinks expert Aidy Smith, host of Amazon TV series The Three Drinkers to try some gluten free beers and give his expert opinion on their taste.
1
Peroni Nastro Azzurro Gluten-Free Lager.
5% ABV, €10.95 for four 330ml bottles, Supervalu
A traditional lager. Peroni calls this offering ‘a crisp and refreshing beer crafted with passion and flair’.
Aidy’s verdict: ‘A somewhat bland lager that is noticeably different to the original. It has the same citrus taste of regular Peroni that makes it such a popular beer, but it is lighter and also has a slightly bitter after-taste.’
Closeness to normal beer: 5/10
2
Daura Damm Gluten-Free Lager. 5.4% ABV, €9.50 for four 330ml bottles, Supervalu
A traditional lager. Daura says: ‘Daura Damm is the world’s most-awarded gluten-free beer.’
Aidy’s verdict: ‘A sweet, malty beer that could easily be the real deal. However, despite the prizes it has won, Daura Damm just doesn’t seem to have enough flavour. I’m not sure it’s something I’d buy myself.’
Closeness to normal beer: 7/10 3
Brewdog Punk IPA GlutenFree. 5.4% ABV, €7.29 for four 330ml cans, carryout.ie
A hoppy pale ale with caramel and tropical fruit flavours. Brewdog says: ‘This light, golden classic has been subverted with new-world hops to create an explosion of flavour.’
Aidy’s verdict: ‘A malty beer with tastes of liquorice and dark chocolate. This is a powerhouse of flavours. You would be shocked to discover it has no gluten. One of the best gluten-free beers I’ve tasted.’
Closeness to normal beer: 8/10
4
Stella Artois Gluten-Free.
4.6% ABV, €3.25 for a 660ml bottle, carryout. ie
A traditional lager. Stella Artois says:
‘Our brewmasters have removed the gluten, and with the same flavourful taste with a clean finish to be savoured by all.’
Aidy’s verdict: ‘I’m surprised at how similar this is to the normal Stella Artois. There are lemon, hops and pinetasting notes there. If you like the original
Stella Artois, you’ll enjoy this as well.’
5
Gipsy Hill Bandit Pale Ale.3.4% ABV, €2.50 for a 330ml can, diceys.com
A light pale ale. Gipsy Hill says: ‘It’s got zips of citrus zest with a soft, piney bitterness.’
Aidy’s verdict: ‘It’s on the lighter side with flavours of lemon rind, peach and apricot. I would never have guessed it was gluten-free — it tastes exactly how a pale ale should. A safe bet; my only criticism would be that it was a little bland.’
Closeness to normal beer: 7/10