Today, we're excited to dive into the basics of gluten-free beer—what it is, how it's made, and why it's becoming such a popular choice for many beer lovers. We'll take a closer look at the brewing process that sets gluten-free beers apart from traditional brews, highlighting the unique ingredients and techniques used to create these delicious alternatives. Along the way, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about gluten-free beer to help you better understand its benefits, taste profiles, and who can enjoy it safely.
Plus, we’ll showcase our very own carefully crafted range of gluten-free ales, designed to deliver full flavor without compromising on quality. Whether you’re new to gluten-free beer or a seasoned enthusiast, this guide will give you everything you need to know about this refreshing category of craft beer.
Content
What Goes Into Gluten-Free Beer?
Gluten-free beer is made without using traditional grains like barley, wheat, or rye, which contain gluten. Instead, it uses naturally gluten-free grains such as sorghum, millet, rice, corn, buckwheat, or quinoa. These grains are safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Hops, yeast, and water—core ingredients in any beer—are naturally gluten-free and still used to provide flavour, fermentation, and body.
Some gluten-free beers may also include fruits, spices, or other ingredients to enhance flavour, as long as they’re gluten-free. It’s important to note the difference between gluten-free and gluten-reduced beer. Gluten-reduced beers are made with traditional gluten-containing grains but use special enzymes to lower the gluten content. These are not safe for people with celiac disease. Only beers brewed entirely without gluten ingredients are truly gluten-free.
Our Gluten Free Range
Hoop - American Pale Ale - 4.8%
Introducing Hoop, a deliciously refreshing gluten-free Pale Ale that packs a punch with its perfect balance of Cascade and Chinook hops.
The gluten-free brew features Cascade hops, bringing a bright and zesty citrus kick, while Chinook hops add a pleasant resinous pine note. These flavors are beautifully balanced by the subtle biscuity notes from the malt, making this gluten-free Pale Ale smooth and satisfying from start to finish.
Eclipse - Stout - 3.9%
Eclipse is the exciting newest addition to our core range, and we’re thrilled to offer it year-round in both cans and kegs. This stout is your classic, no-nonsense brew crafted for those who appreciate bold, rich flavors without any fuss. With deep, indulgent notes of dark chocolate and freshly roasted coffee beans, Eclipse delivers a full-bodied experience that’s both satisfying and complex. Its strong malt backbone provides a smooth and balanced foundation, perfectly complementing the intense flavors while ensuring a drinkable and enjoyable finish.
Golden Ale - Cask Series - 3.5%
Our cask gluten free beer Golden Ale is perfectly balanced at 3.8%. Lightly hopped with Cashmere, providing subtle citrus notes, a light effervescence which ends with a smooth bitterness. This showcases premium ingredients with a nod to some of our own favourite traditional cask beers.
Golden Ale is available occasionally in our taproom and at a limited number of select bars.
What is gluten-free beer?
Gluten-free beer is beer that is brewed without ingredients that contain gluten, such as barley, wheat, or rye. Instead, it uses gluten-free grains like sorghum, rice, millet, buckwheat, or corn.
How is gluten-free beer different from regular beer?
The main difference lies in the ingredients. Regular beer typically contains gluten-rich grains like barley, while gluten-free beer uses alternative grains that naturally do not contain gluten. Some gluten-free beers also undergo additional testing to ensure they meet strict gluten-free standards.
Is there a difference between "gluten-free" and "gluten-removed" beer?
Yes. Gluten-free beer is made without any gluten-containing ingredients from the start. Gluten-removed (or gluten-reduced) beer is brewed with traditional grains like barley, but then treated with enzymes to break down the gluten.
Only gluten-free beer is considered safe for people with celiac disease, as gluten-removed beers may still contain traces of gluten.
Is gluten-free beer safe for people with celiac disease?
Gluten-free beer brewed with certified gluten-free ingredients and tested to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten is generally considered safe for people with celiac disease. Always check labels and consult your healthcare provider
What does gluten-free beer taste like?
Gluten-free beer can have a wide range of flavors, from light and crisp to hoppy or malty, depending on the style and ingredients. While some people notice a difference compared to traditional beers, many find gluten-free options just as enjoyable.
Conclusion
If you’re curious about gluten-free beers, now is the perfect time to explore the wide variety of flavors and styles available. Whether you’re avoiding gluten for health reasons or simply looking to try something new, gluten-free beers offer delicious options without compromise. Be sure to check out the impressive range from Full Circle Brewery—they’re crafting some of the best gluten-free ales that prove great beer doesn’t need gluten. Cheers to discovering your new favorite brew!
