Check out this news about GF beer!

[Rags]

^BC-Anheuser-Busch-Sorghum Beer,0331

^Anheuser-Busch now offering sorghum beer for drinkers with wheat allergies

^By JIM SALTER=

^AP Business Writer=

ST. LOUIS (AP) — People with wheat allergies who have stayed away from beer now have a new option.
Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. on Wednesday introduced Redbridge, which the com-pany called the first nationally available sorghum beer. Starting Wednesday, Redbridge is available in restaurants and stores carrying organic products.
Sorghum is the primary ingredient in the beer from the makers of the na-tion's top-selling full-calorie and light beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. Sor-ghum is a safe grain for those with wheat allergies. Anheuser-Busch is also mar-keting the beer as an alternative for those who choose wheat-free or gluten-free diets.
Brewmaster Kristin Zantop said that in addition to sorghum, the beer is made with imported hallertau and domestic cascade hops.
Anheuser-Busch said it worked closely with the National Foundation for Ce-liac Awareness in developing Redbridge. Celiac disease is a disorder that can cause damage to the intestines when anything is consumed containing gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and oats.
An estimated 3 million Americans have been diagnosed with celiac disease, prompting an increased demand for gluten-free products.
At least three smaller brewers make gluten-free beer in the U.S. Lakefront Brewery Inc. of Milwaukee, Wis., makes New Grist out of sorghum and rice. Ramapo Valley Brewing in Hillburn, N.Y., makes Passover Honey Beer by adding hops to honey and molasses. Bard's Tale Beer Co. in Kansas City makes Dragon's Gold.
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On the Net:
Anheuser-Busch: www.anheuser-busch.com.
National Foundation for Celiac Awareness: www.celiaccentral.org.
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Freed from Gluten, July 2006

[John]

Wow! Mainstream GF beer with national distribution? I wouldn't have imagined it would be financially feasible, but I guess a powerhouse like Anheiser Busch thinks they can pull it off! More power to 'em

[isto]

My husband bought me some Redbridge for our July 4th picnic. I cheated and had one last night. I was really impressed! My husband is more of a "beer afficianado" than me, and he was also surprised by the taste. He expected it to taste weak or watery, but it actually tasted good. It tasted like "real" beer. I know it is real beer, but I mean barley-containing beer.

The price was reasonable for a "specialty" beer, or so he told me. It averaged out to about $1.25 a bottle. We have found it, so far, at Walmart and Giant Eagle.

If you have the opportunity, I suggest you try it!

[sanj]

I'm not abig drinker but I bought a sixpack of the three beers available in the US.. I opinion is by far Redbridge is the best..... I used the New Grist for fried onion rings!!!

[nancw]

I had the good fortune to try Bard's Tale when I was back east last week. I've also had New Grist and Redbridge. As a long-time beer drinker and afficianado (pre-GF, of course), I have missed beer more than most everything else I can no longer ingest. The urge to drink beer doesn't happen as often as it used to pre-GF and pre-children (oh, it's beer:30? Let's have a beer!), but when it does, it hits hard. Like at a pro baseball game, and you know there is no such thing as a GF beer on-site. I have hope that Redbridge will become that mainstream, high visibility/availability GF beer.

In order of preference:
#1 Redbridge - most balanced overall; full-flavored and nice color. Also priced nicely compared to others.
#2 Bard's Tale - drinkable and not too light or sweet. Tastes much better ice-cold.
#3 New Grist - thin, too sweet and kinda nasty because of the sweetness. I feel like I'm going into instant carbo-overload.

Beer....yum!
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Nance

gluten, dairy, soy, rice, yeast and 99% grain-free