New Gluten-Free Beer Quenches Palates of Celiacs Nationwide

As a 24-year-old celiac, it was a glorious day in my life when Anheuser-Busch released Redbridge, a gluten-free, sorghum-based beer created specifically for adults who maintain gluten-free or wheat-free diets.

Throughout the years of college that I could drink legally, it was a constant struggle to go out on the town with my friends and repeatedly explain why I couldn’t drink beer. People accused me of being a snob and having taste buds that were too classy to drink beer. I hated going to happy hours because there was rarely a time when there were drink specials other than beer.

As time went on, several gluten-free beers became available, all of which I loved and drank on many occasions. My only complaints were that they were too expensive and not available at local bars, liquor stores or supermarkets.

With Redbridge, Anheuser-Busch has changed it all.

Redbridge is the first nationally available sorghum beer. Sorghum is considered a safe grain for people with celiac disease and those allergic to wheat. It is primarily grown in the United States, but is also found in Africa, Southern Europe, Central America and Southern Asia. Sorghum beers have been brewed and sold internationally for years and are quite popular among African nations.

According to Anheuser-Busch, Redbridge is a “hearty, full-bodied lager” that is brewed using imported Hallertau and domestic Cascade hops. It is made with sorghum and has a moderately hopped taste. 

“We set out to create a fine, hand-crafted specialty beer made without wheat or barley,” said Angie Minges, product manager, Anheuser-Busch, Inc.  “We’ve made Redbridge nationally available to make sure adults who experience wheat allergies or who choose a gluten-free or wheat-free diet can enjoy the kind of beer that fits their lifestyle.”

Redbridge is brewed at the Anheuser-Busch Merrimack, N.H., brewery. Redbridge contains 4.8 percent alcohol per 12-ounce serving.  It will be available in 12-ounce, six-pack bottles.

“Brewing a beer made with sorghum was an exciting process,” said Kristin Zantop, brewmaster, Anheuser-Busch, Inc.  “We use only the highest quality ingredients to brew Redbridge as is the case with all our beers.  Sorghum is the primary ingredient.  We then use the lager brewing process using imported Hallertau and domestic Cascade hops without adding wheat or barley to give Redbridge its rich, hearty taste.”

The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness is proud to have worked closely with Anheuser-Busch on development of Redbridge and is thrilled to have the company be a sponsor of events nationwide. At each NFCA event, Anheuser-Busch will display Redbridge and have samples available for everyone to taste!!

Also, Redbridge is available at bars, restaurants, supermarkets and liquor stores nationwide, so make sure to go out and get some!! The more people that request the product, the more places will stock it!!

Thank you to Anheueser-Busch for developing a product that brightens the lives of so many people with celiac disease and allows those frequent bar patrons to enjoy a beer that is priced the same as most of the others!