Wheat Free and Gluten Free Beer Review – Redbridge Beer
January 12, 2009
The Brew Club is always willing to try new beers and review them for our readers, no matter what they are. Now, going into this latest beer review, there are two things to note about this beer.
- This gluten free beer is from the people who bring you Budweiser. While The Brew Club is not a ‘craft beer only website’, anytime we review something by Anheuser Busch we get some flack. OK, that’s fine, but remember we’re not just a craft beer site!
- More importantly, Redbridge beer is wheat free and gluten free. This is a definite first for me personally, as well as for The Brew Club!
The label reads that the RedBridge beer is “Beer made from Sorghum”, which is a different type of grain that is safe for people to consume who otherwise need to avoid products containing wheat or gluten. I’m really not too sure what to expect! Can this Redbridge beer be good enough to purchase and enjoy voluntarily, rather than only out of necessity due to having a dietary restriction? Will I ever bring a six-pack of this gluten-free beer to a party just because??? Will I ever even be invited to a party? Let’s see!
First, the beer is a very light amber color – very, very very light depite the redness that seems to appear in the picture. It looks very pale to me but reminds me a little of the color of a light Marzen. When poured, Redbridge did create a big foamy head in my glass (root beer float style), but that went down really quick leaving only a slight foam ring around the perimeter of my beer glass. Swirling the beer around in my glass leaves a touch of lacing, but that doesn’t really cling to the glass in any way special. The Redbridge beer is really, really clear as well – nothing floating around in there, and not much in the way of carbonation at all.
The beer smells OK. I’ve never smelled a beer made from Sorghum before, so I don’t have a comparative basis to go on here. I’d say it smells sweet, floral even, and again reminds me a bit of a Marzen type of beer. My nose didn’t seem to miss the gluten! I you didn’t read the label, I don’t think anyone would mistake this beverage as anything but some kind of beer – the point I’m trying to make is that the scent is familiar - It smells like beer.
How does Redbridge gluten free beer taste? Granted, I blasted all of the carbonation out of the beer during my preferred beer pour, but I have to say starting with the mouthfeel that this beer felt like thick water in my mouth. No burn, and no bite except the teeniest tiniest hop bite at the veeeeeerryyy end of the finish. So, the Redbridge beer is smooth, no doubt. Mouthfeel is watery, the body is on the thin side I would say, it certainly is not as satisfying as other beers I’ve had recently, but again I’d love to compare it to another gluten free beer.
The taste overall is plain – as I drink more of it, I keep thinking that people might like this wheat free and barley free beer if they want something without much character I guess. Sometimes, ‘a beer’ will do, and this could fit the bill. It isn’t bad, but as someone who does not have ciliac disease or otherwise have to follow a wheat free or gluten free diet, I am doubtful that I would have this beer again unless I was just craving that ‘beer flavor’ for some reason. Still, if someone bought one for me I’d gladly accept!
That said, I think that this Sorghum beer is perfectly acceptable in how it tastes, and despite its wateriness and lack of character its still a vast improvement over the regular ‘Bud’ if that’s what you’re comparing to. It just isn’t something I would buy for the heck of it. (Liz might though – oh, she DID buy it!) Having later tried the Bard’s Tale Sorghum based beer, I thought it was much better overall than the Redbridge.
On the other hand, if you do follow a restricted diet because of dietary or religious reasons, the Redbridge from Anheuser Busch is not bad at all, and I don’t think anyone will be screaming in horror when they drink it, and even though I’m a little hard on it, I’m actually not screaming in horror as I type this. I think its much better than the regular Bud, and I would venture to say its better than any of the other beers that The Brew Club has ranked below two stars! That’s pretty good – it just isn’t for me! The Redbridge just isn’t interesting enough, or tasty enough for me to get it again.
Rating: 
I’m not trying to steal Redbridge’s thunder here, but we crafted a gluten free beer list that you might want to consider if you are on a wheat-free diet and want to have a beer. Obviously, please check the labels – due diligence applies!
- Bard’s Tale Beer Company – ‘The Original Sorghum Malt Beer’ Their site needs Flash to enter.
- Greens Beer – Made with Millet, Rice, Buckwheat and sorghum.
- Lakefront Brewery – Their website boasts ‘New Grist is the first beer brewed without malted barley or any gluten-containing products to be recognized as beer by the U.S. Government.”
- Ramapo Valley Brewery has a beer that is gluten-free and also cool for Passover.
- Sprecher Brewery has a couple of beers that are gluten-free also.
In addition, the people over at glutenfree.com claim to stock over 650 various gluten-free products. Might be worth checking out.
So there you have it! Do you enjoy a gluten free beer? What is is it? Why not let us know what you think about it by commenting below! Join the conversation!
Posted in 2 Star Reviews, All Brews Reviewed, American Beers, Lager
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January 13th, 2009 at 11:31 am
That’s right! I did buy this brew! =P
I tried this beer yesterday… and I liked it. I thought it was pretty flavorful and not a heavy beer. Couldn’t really pinpoint what exactly it tasted like, but to me it was definitely a decent beer. Not sure if I’d buy a six pack or anything like that, but if I was somewhere and they offered me this brew I’d definitely take it.
January 13th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
I’ve not had Red Bridge but I have had some of Green’s stuff and found it fairly lack luster as well. My wife actually liked it, so I guess there issues of preference also. Here is what I thought of it. http://thankheavenforbeer.com/2008/12/18/middle-of-the-week-review-greens-quest/
Michael Reinhardt’s last blog post..Do you want to brew?
February 10th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
I won’t blast you for reviewing a Anheuser product. I’ve written about the American Ale (the review was like yours…good for Bud, bad for pale ale).
It bugs me when folks buy and consume beer strictly based off price (you know…the “I only drink expensive beer” type) or craft name. I’ll give the stuff a try sometime.
Nate’s last blog post..Home Beer Brewing: Vertical Integration, Hops
February 20th, 2009 at 12:45 am
Would really like a weat free gluten free beer,Readbridge was not the one, I bought a case for 33 bucks because bars in my area did’nt carry it in order for me to at least taste it. When I tased the beer I was really upset that I had a hole case. it was horrible!!! Guess I will keep drinking woodchuck hard cider.
April 5th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
The redbridge beer is the best thing that came around…if you have celiac and want to enjoy a good chicken wing or barb-b-que. My first try of it wasnt so pleasant either, but if you chill it quite well it certainly does beat having no beer so I am thankful for it. I guess you have to acquire a taste for it, but anyway
April 6th, 2009 at 9:48 am
I HAVE NOT TRIED ANY OTHER GLUTEN FREE BEER, BUT FOR REDBRIDGE. THEY ARE VERY HARD TO FIND. I GUESS THE LIST IS A GOOD IDEA…IF I COULD FIND THEM. I AM MUCH MORE INTERESTED IN FINDING A GLUTEN FREE RAISED DONUT FOR A PRICE THAT I COULD AFFORD. SO I GUESS I’M OKAY WITH THE REDBRIDGE AT THIS TIME. I USUALLY AM RESOURCEFUL ENOUGH TO MAKE IT WORK FOR ME. MY CONCERN RIGHT NOW IS WHETHER IT CONTAINS HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, AS MANY BEERS DO. I WAS UNABLE TO FIND OUT WITH THE SITES THAT I VISITED. THANKING ALLWHO DEVELOPE GLUTEN FREE PRODUCTS.
April 30th, 2009 at 1:31 am
So as a long time beer connoisseurs with a recent celiacs diagnosis in the household, Redbridge fit the bill. While no O’dell’s or New Belgium, we are more than thrilled to have something drinkable and no doubt tolerable. If you don’t have Celiacs or a wheat allergy, celebrate it and enjoy the vast variety of beers that you have at your disposal.
To all you micro producers with a knack for experimentation, we might be a limited audience, but the loyalty we will return could be priceless.
May 10th, 2009 at 10:22 am
I was diagnosed with celiac sprue when I was 28 yrs old. its been almost 25 years since I have been able to drink beer. But now that I have found the Redbridge beer I can now enjoy that unique beer flavor. There are a couple of other Gluten free beers on the market (Bard’s and Greens beer) but I thing the Redbridge is best. I agree that it definitly does not compare to to a malt beer. Thanks Anheuser Bush. I wish I could find it a more places. I went to buy some last night and the store owner said that a guy came in the day before and bought all 3 cases that they just brought in to thier cooloer.
May 11th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
I am looking for a wheat-free non-alcoholic beer. Does such a crazy thing exist?
May 15th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Bethann,
Beers do not contain HFCS. Some brewers like Miller use Corn Syrup but its not HFCS. I have brewed for 10 years and never seen this in a product before. Redbrige does contain corn though. It is milled and mashed with the rest of the ingredients.
June 5th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
I did’nt know what to expect and was pleasntly supprised.like others i thought it did not have much body but tasted like beer . Had a little burp ,not much carbonation. No where did it say that their was any alcohol in it so i guess it does not. I will buy it again if i have no adverse reactions to drinking it.
June 6th, 2009 at 11:43 am
Peter, I’m glad you liked it. I am pretty sure however that this beer DOES have alcohol, although I neglected to check the bottle for the amount when I did this review.
So, enjoy, but keep in mind this is a gluten-free beer, NOT an alcohol-free beer.
Cheers!
Scott-TheBrewClub’s last blog post..Beer Review – Rolling Rock
June 20th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Scott,
Just wanted to leave a note to thank you. I’ve been battling with an undiagnosed severe gluten allergy for years. Turns out I didn’t test positive on blood work for Celiac’s – but I still have it.
Last weeks test confirmed it for me and my first thought was a selfish one: “Crap, I can’t have anymore beer”. On a hunch I searched today for gluten free beer. I was shocked when I saw there were some and started searching for reviews on the brands mentioned.
I am happy to have found your site, your insight and all the comments here. Now, I have never been hip enough to a ‘real’ beer drinker. My beer of choice was Miller Lite. Scoff if you want, but I loved it and there was no reason to try others after I graduated from the 80’s/early 90’s brew pub mentality, and just wanted a good lite beer with not a lot of calories ; )
I’m racing out tomorrow to buy me some Redbridge. I plan to buy a whole case, despite earlier comments, and drink it REAL cold – because of a comment above.
Thanks, for giving me hope that I will find a beer I can drink and like, and for doing this review. You rock! I’ll lift the first one to you in a toast – Cheers!
Stephanie
June 20th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
No Stephanie, YOU rock! Thanks so much for the thoughtful comment – it means a lot.
I gave this a relatively low rating beer only because as a ‘beer reviewer’, I get the opportunity to try many beers and I’ve definitely had better. However, it certainly wasn’t a bad beer either!
I’m happy you found us, and I do hope you’ll stop in again and let us know what you think of it once you’ve tried it! Cheers!
June 20th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
My Dad was just diagnosed with Celiac’s this last week. It’s been so hard for him since he’s been diabetic for about 35 years also (one more crappy diet thing). He just started drinking beer about 3 or 4 years ago and enjoys one once in awhile. It just hit him today that he couldn’t enjoy a cold one any more, bringing his mood a little further down. My sister and I did some research and I’m glad that I found this website. It seems like this beer would be to his liking and it’s available in his area! Thanks for reviewing it and making it possible to bring a little bit of light into his new dark discovery.
July 4th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Due to a recent wheat allergy and also having tried numerous wheat free and gluten free beers, i.e. Green’s, Bards tail and New Grist.
I was extremely happy to have found New Bridge.
New Bridge compared to the other wheat free and gluten free beers taste the BEST!
What I mean by this is New Bridge does not have the overwhelming sour after taste, or strong Sorghum flavor that Green’s, Bards tail and New Grist have.
New Bridge is smooth and refreshing, which is what I enjoy about drinking beer.
It is lite, but still has a nice texture, good color and a pleasant smooth taste.
I will take the smooth taste of New Bridge any day over the sour taste of other wheat and gluten free beers.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
I found out 3 months ago that I had celiac..i drank mostly beer all my life..so I am glad i found gluten free beer..do not care for Redbridge..New Grist is better for me because it is a lighter beer..smoother tasting not so bitter…this 2 are the only ones I found in our stores…
July 11th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
I’ve seen some of the New Grist stuff recently. I can tell you that the Green’s stuff is Belgian and that Toleration is from England. These are becoming increasing visible in a lot of stores. However, you’ll still generally have to find a beer store that carries a nice selection.
Michael Reinhardt’s last blog post..Ten Fidy: Oskar Blues
July 21st, 2009 at 8:07 am
I’ve been making the rounds of gluten-free brews since my wife was diagnosed with Celiac late last year. She was a Guinness fan pre-diagnosis, so Redbridge just didn’t work (I could hardly finish a bottle).
Those who prefer American lagers might not be as disappointed by Redbridge but should also check out Bard’s Tale. We both found that Green’s (especially the double-dark) and the Lakefront New Grist are better bets for those who were closer to the craft-beer end of the spectrum. Still need to try the Sprecher — we didn’t see any stocked in Milwaukee restaurant-pubs, though many did carry New Grist.
July 25th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
After finding out I had celiac, I wasn’t able to drink beer for two years. I was a stout drinker, guinness, tadcasters oatmeal stout, and a lot of craft breweries. Although this is a light beer, it was heaven to finally taste beer again. Even if it wasn’t thick and creamy. Until you go without for a few years you shouldn’t be so harsh. Wine is fine, but any beer is better!!
July 31st, 2009 at 12:12 pm
I had some Redbridge over the weekend, and i thought it was great. I hadn’t had a beer for over 2 years. It kinda reminded me of a Sam Adams, one of my favorite beers. I agree with Mark. Wine is fine, but beer is better!!!
August 2nd, 2009 at 11:02 am
Replying to hourofthestar:
I have just accidentally found a gluten-free / alcohol free beer in Germany. So it does exist and here’s the link to the manufacturer.
I hope you can find a way to order some!
http://www.residenz-bier.de/article.php3?id_article=8
August 3rd, 2009 at 11:16 pm
i am 31 years old and have had celiac my whole life ,always wishing i could drink a cold one with my buddies but not being able sucked so i was ecstatic when La mesagere a gluten free beer from quebec started popping up in liquor stores a couple years ago(i am canadian).La messagere is rather lacking taste wise and rather expensive $18 cdn for a 6 pack.Recently some liquor stores have been carrying new grist which i found to be twice as good and cheaper $13 cdn a 6 pack. I have heard about redbridge for years never being able to get my hands on one until my parents came back from buffalo on the weekend.I must say it is the best celiac friendly beer i have had and i hope to see it here in canada soon. i
August 15th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
I was diagnosed with Celiac 11 years ago. Prior to that I was a dark beer drinker. Personally, I think Bard’s is the best on the market. But, I’m dying for a gluten-free oatmeal stout. Are there any homebrewers experimenting with that? You can get certified gluten-free oats, and I’m wondering if there’s a recipe out there that’s either been converted for GF, or could be converted. I don’t know the first thing about home-brewing. I’ve never tried it, but I’d be willing to give it a go so that I could taste a real dark beer again. I miss dark beer!
Jennifer´s last blog ..Missing Ship Mystery Takes Strange Twist
August 15th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Jennifer, thanks for sharing – that’s an interesting question. I imagine there would be a lot of happy people if more types of beer could be made gluten-free. We get some homebrewers on here from time-to-time, perhaps some will chime in.
Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Brooklyner Weisse by The Brooklyn Brewery
September 4th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Thanks so much for doing the gluten free list. I love beer and a very recent Celiac diagnosis is making me miserable. I’ll have to give your list a try-if I can find it. I’m with Jennifer on the oatmeal stout and I’d consider brewing myself if I could come up with something as tasty as Boddingtons (draft ofcourse since the cans are crap). Keep up the good work!
September 6th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
I was thrilled to be told about RedBridge on the first night of starting my gluten-free diet. I had ordered wine (instead of my usual beer) with dinner at this brewpub, and as I was ordering my gluten-free bacon-cheeseburger (no bun, no sauce), the waiter told me what to buy and where I could find it. I went out the next day and bought it and it really is similar in taste to what I had favored before (Henry Weinhards Belgian Ale) and am now set to be real serious about this gluten-free lifestyle.
October 3rd, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Scott,
Thank you so much for posting the list of gluten-free beers!!!!! And to everyone for posting your opinions and advice.
Being a import/craft beer drink beer drinker it has been a major bummer to find out I could no longer enjoy having beer, especially if at a cookout or sporting event where it is part of the “norm”… and having to explain why no longer having a beer is also not fun.
I am eager to try them out and will post a review!
October 3rd, 2009 at 10:32 pm
I hope you do Joan! Sometimes its hard to find more than one or two gluten free beers in an area, but at least its something. I noticed that Redbridge is sporting a new label these days as well.
Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Dogfish Head Punkin Ale – Beer Review
November 30th, 2009 at 11:50 am
I am having an allergic reaction when drinking beers, manefested by a migraine. In checking options i tried RedBridge. Unfortunately, I did get a migraine, which leaves me to believe that my allergy is not wheat, but perhaps the malted barley. Has anybody experienced this and if so, any options?
November 30th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Hi Victoria,
Redbridge is made from sorghum and is not only wheat free, but also gluten free which rules out malted barley. Have you, by any change had appetizer with the Redbridge, that could have triggered a gluten induced migraine?
December 6th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
st. peter’s sorghum beer is by far the best gluten-free beer i’ve had. expensive but definitely worth it:
http://www.stpetersbrewery.co.uk/
December 26th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
It’s all very fine, but where do we buy this wonderfull product in DENMARK? we could only get GFA and now that is gone …HELP?
January 4th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
do you make a gluten free alchol free beer i am an alcholic and celiac
January 20th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
First, thanks for reviewing this gluten-free beer. I have celiac (sprue) and for many years could not drink beer at all because most of the traditional ingredients (wheat, barley, malt) contain gluten. But recently I noticed Redbridge being sold at the Whole Foods and HEB grocery stores here in Austin. I tried it and liked it, and have been buying it ever since. No doubt, it’s not as good as “real” beer, but for people like me who can’t drink the real stuff, it’s just fine and goes well with food. The ingredients are simple: water, fermented sorghum, hops, and yeast. It’s a little pricey at about $8.50 a six-pack, but because it’s made and distributed by Anheuser-Busch, it’s not hard to find, at least around here. Again, the best thing is, I’ve been drinking it for several months and found that I can tolerate it in my diet without any apparent side effects. (I’m also going to look for some of the other gluten-free beers I saw mentioned in other comments . . . thanks!)
January 20th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
Thanks Joe, and thanks for commenting. As I’ve said, the beer isn’t bad, and if its the only type of beer you can drink, well, it could be worse I suppose. Please let us know how the other gluter free beers are when you try them!
January 23rd, 2010 at 10:05 pm
I am Canadian and love my Redbridge Beer, too bad it’s not available here!!!! I enjoy my trips to Idaho every summer to camp…. and the first thing I do is stalk my cooler with Redbridge. I’ve tried Les Meserage and Bards Tale ale and just no comparisson, so just so you know its worth every penny enjoy. Save some for me!!!!
February 5th, 2010 at 10:37 am
tried it for the first time at a gluten free pizzeria it is absolutely a delite please tell me where i can purchase it besides restaurants i looked in several stores and cannot find it basically i never was a beer drinker but i certainly enjoyed it alot and thought how good it would be on a hot summer day to have one while my daughter is having her corona and my sonin law his heiniken hopefully i can get it i live in nassau county ny it you can send me it i would like that as well the only problem is i hardly can afford gluten free food let alone beer but i have to purchase these gluten free stuff on occasion to treat myself please help..it was excellent tasting
February 5th, 2010 at 11:16 am
Barbara, we’re in NJ and I see the Redbridge beer almost everyplace, so I don’t see why it wouldn’t be available to you. Check around and don’t be afraid to ask the manager to get it for you. Its made by Anheuser-Busch (bud people) so it should be the easiest Gluten free beer to get.
Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Bud Select 55
February 20th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
My husband was just diagnosed with Celiac 2 days ago. Those first 2 days have been spent looking for gluten-free beer more than food. The best vaiety we found was at BevMo for those of you who have it. They have Bards, Redbridge, 3 varieties of Greens and St Peters. My husband also found Grist at Whole Foods. He has tried the Greens, Redbridge and Grist and says he like them in that order. Says he will have occasional Greens due to price but would have Redbrige on daily basis though says its a little weak for his usual taste. He still has Bards and St Peters and the dark Greens to try, so I will comment when he tries those.
February 20th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Teri, thanks for stopping in, and yes, please let us know what your husband thinks of the other beers when he tries them. Lots of people are curious about these beers.
Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Southern Tier Porter