Sorghum Beers for the Wheat Allergic

Filed in archive Food Allergies on December 23, 2006

Just because you have wheat allergies, it doesn't mean that you can't drink beer. Although beer is traditionally made from wheat, Anheuser-Busch Cos. on Wednesday introduced Redbridge, a brew made from sorghum. According to the manufacturers, this sorghum beer is an excellent alternative for those with wheat or gluten sensitivities as sorghum is gluten-free.

Redbridge is sold at restaurants and stores carrying organic products. I suppose the demand is not yet enough to sell them at more mainstream outlets, but at least it's a start.

If not Redbridge, there are three other gluten-free beers available on a local level:

• U.S. Lakefront Brewery of Milwaukee: b>New Grist out of sorghum and rice.


• Ramapo Valley Brewing of Hillburn, N.Y.:Passover Honey Beer made from hops, honey and molasses.


• Bard's Tale Beer Co. in Kansas City makes Dragon's Gold.

Cheers!