A New Frontier in Beer: New Planet Beer
A New Frontier In Beer
By Jules Marie
When Pedro Gonzalez learned he had Celiac disease and needed to give up gluten, he worried that he’d never again get to enjoy his favorite beverage, beer. But in- stead of wallowing in self-pity, he took matters into his own hands and started brewing his own 100 percent gluten-free craft beer. Combining two mega trends in the food and drink world today – craft beer and gluten-free everything – Gonzalez’s New Planet Beer Company is one of the only brewers in America making truly gluten-free beers and ales.
New Planet’s first brew was made by Gonzalez in a farm- house kitchen in 2009. Named Tread Lightly, it was released to rave reviews. The rest is history, as this start-up nano-brewery, supported by friends and family, is already selling in 45 states and continuing to grow.
[more…]“We start with zero gluten in our ingredients and we end up with zero gluten in our brews,” Gonzalez says. “We have challenges other breweries don’t have so we’re constantly evolving. We’re unique. We even label our beer with a nutrition panel, ingredient information and a gluten-free statement for total transparency.”
New Planet offers five brews: Pale Ale, Blonde, Raspberry, Amber and a seasonal Belgian Ale, with a Brown Ale to be released in the fall.
“Think of our beer as a true craft-style beer that just hap- pens to be 100 percent gluten-free. We don’t really take out anything. Instead of using malted barley, wheat or rye, which are standard brewing ingredients but all contain gluten, we use 100 percent gluten-free grains. Our base grain is sorghum and we add other brewing adjuncts like brown rice, corn, molasses, honey and anything we can to create flavor and texture,” says Peter Archer, marketing director for New Planet Beer.
New Planet had the honor of serving beer at the finish line of the 2013 Boulder Half Ironman, marking the first time a gluten-free beer has ever been poured at an Iron- man, which, according to Archer, is a very good thing, as gluten has been shown to increase inflammation. Athletes trying to speed recovery may want to avoid those gluten-laden finish line libations.
Gluten-free craft beer is gaining in popularity for people diagnosed with Celiac disease, IBS, gluten intolerance or for anyone wanting to choose a gluten-free diet for athletic performance reasons.
Check out New Planet Beer at your favorite restaurant, bar or liquor store. Or taste it at the brewery (the tasting room is open Fridays) at 6560 Odell Place, Unit D.
This article originally appeared in Boulder Lifestyle Magazine, September 2013.
