Gluten free Greene King beers – United Kingdom
There is a plethora of gluten free beer to be bought, but I remember when the only choice a celiac friend of mine had was from the certified gluten free brand Mongozo. Many years later, a visit to Spain opened my eyes to other gluten free beers. Damm’s Daura label is one of the most famous and has been tested as being below 20ppm by the Spanish National Research Council. Damm has another beer, their Free Damm, which is both certified gluten free and contains 0.0% alcohol. Ideal for those who want to avoid alcohol.
During a subsequent visit to the United Kingdom I was surprised to see how widely available gluten free beers were. If you have recently been to a pub in the United Kingdom then chances are that you have been to one owned by the Greene King company. They are one of the largest pub chains in the United Kingdom. They also make their own beers, including the two gluten free ones featured here.
These beers can be bought at the supermarket chain Tesco. You don’t even need to go to the bigger Tesco Extra or Superstore for them. I found these at the smaller Tesco Express stores. I’ve also tried the Crabbies alcoholic ginger beer (£1,95/$2,59 for a half litre bottle), but I much prefer the non-alcoholic version of that. As far as gluten free beers go, you can’t taste the difference. There are of course differences in brands and beer styles, but as far as with or without gluten, I have yet to taste it. Maybe it’s me, let us know.
The gluten free Old Speckled Hen (make sure to buy the right one as they also have a non-gluten free version) costs £2,30/$3,05 for a half litre bottle and is my favourite of the two. It is a premium ale and certified gluten free. According to the brewery it pairs well with quality British foods like premium pies and sausages. For me, it is just the right beer to unwind as it is easily drinkable. The Greene King IPA (again, make sure to buy the right one as they also have a non-gluten free version) is £2,10/$2,79 for a half litre bottle. Like the Old Speckled Hen it is certified gluten free and displays the Coeliac UK’s crossed grain symbol.
Both beers are made like their original gluten-containing counterparts, but an “innovation” in the brewing process results in all gluten being removed. The gluten free beers are also isolated from the gluten beers in order to keep them gluten free.
Gluten-free Indian Pale Ale with official logo!
Crips & refreshing label from the back.
Old Speckled Hen Arnoud’s favourite gluten-free beer out of these two!