A big thank you to Roland Thiemann, Head of Innovation at Tribe Breweries for taking the time for this interview about Gluten Free Beer.
1. How does the brewing process for Gluten Free Beer differ from the normal brewing process?
Instead of barley or wheat that regular beers are made from, we only use grains that are naturally Gluten Free. All Wilde beers are brewed from 100% pure white sorghum grain, that means it’s gluten free and non-GMO (a GMO is a genetically modified organism, we stay away from these). We only use premium kettle hops and filtered water.
2. Do any of the major Australian Breweries Brew Gluten Free Beer? When was the first Gluten Free Beer Brewed in Australia? How many Gluten Free Beers are Brewed in Australia?
Yes, they have. Gluten Free Beer is a very fast-growing category and so we are seeing many craft and major Australian brands jump on the bandwagon, including Hahn. The first gluten-free beer was produced by Australian craft brand, O’Brien back in 2005 and now there are over 5 varietals on the market.
3. Over the past 10 years has there been an increase in the number of Gluten Free Beers Produced in Australia?
We have seen the category grow exponentially over the past 10 years, with research telling us that now one in 70 Australians have Coeliac Disease and another 7% of the population report being gluten intolerant. However, we are a nation of beer drinkers, so it was only a matter of time before breweries caught up to the demand and started producing delicious, GF beers to accommodate this. Globally, the whole market is expanding as well, with a valuation of $651.6 million USD by 2023.
4. How many different beers does Wilde produce?
Wilde currently has two different beer varietals on the market including Wilde Pale Ale and Wilde Lager. Both beers use sorghum instead of barley and are 100% Gluten Free, vegan and certified FODMAP friendly.
5. Are there any possible benefits from drinking Gluten Free Beer?
Even if you are not Coeliac or on a FODMAP diet, that are definite benefits to opting for a GF beer like Wilde. What many people don’t realise is that wheat alternatives like sorghum actually have many great health benefits and is highly nutritious, with good amount of iron and less pressure on the gut. In addition, since sorghum is drought resistant and demands significantly less water than other grains, it actually is the better choice to support Australian farmers.
6. For those people who might not have tried Gluten Free Beer does it taste similar to regular beer?
Every GF beer you try will have a different taste, texture, and mouthfeel. But overall, with advancements in brewing technology, it is very easy to find great GF beers that taste just like regular beer. The team at Wilde have been working for over a year now to refine our recipe so that our beers have excellent head retention and mouthfeel, without compromising on flavor.
7. Importantly where can people get Wilde Beer?
The Wilde range is available to purchase at leading retailers including Liquorland, First Choice and Dan Murphy’s.
