Beer: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Style: American-style Pale Ale
Brewing location: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co, Chico, CA
Originating country: USA
Alcohol by Volume: 5.6%
Ingredients: Yeast: ale yeast; Hops: Magnum, Perle, Cascade; Malts: two-row Pale, caramel; water
Format tested: 12 oz. bottle purchased in Los Angeles, CA
Beeradvocate rating: 91/100
Ratebeer rating: 96/100
Test kit: E-Z Gluten
Miscellaneous
- It is the best selling pale ale in the US, and the second best selling craft beer after Sam Adams Boston Lager
- The brewery is solar-powered with 10,000 photovoltaic modules covering its rooftops and parking lot
- Sierra Nevada is the largest buyer of organic hops in the US
Test result photo
Test result
Very high positive at 20 parts per million (ppm), meaning it is well over 20 ppm. Though standards vary from country to country, according to the FDA, "In order to use the term 'gluten free' on its label a food must meet all the requirements of the definition, including that the food must contain less than 20 ppm gluten." It is said that products with a gluten content below 20 ppm are suitable for people with celiac disease.
My experience drinking Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Like many people, this beer was my first introduction to American craft brews. It was around before all the others, set the benchmark and it still leads the way. I can still remember the first time tasting it. A sticky malty texture, hints of citrus and extreme bitterness in the finish. It was a unique style and I loved it instantly. The prominence of the Cascade hops is what defines this American classic. I am not sure where I fall in the gluten tolerance spectrum; I am gluten intolerant but not celiac. I definitely know what it feels like to be “glutened” i.e. gluten exposure, but I have not deliberately pushed my gluten consumption limits with any food or beer. I consumed this 12 oz. bottle and felt no gluten effects.
I also am gluten sensitive but not intolerant and I have no problems with this beer, PLUS Sierra Nevada beers tests at about 11.8 ppb in glysophates which is very low.
ReplyDeleteThis was very helpful! I just recently was told by my Dr. to start a gluten free diet and I'm going to Oktoberfest at Sierra Nevada in a few weeks. It may not be completely gluten free but hopefully I can have a few with out getting sick. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have been following this blog for years. I am gluten sensitive(medically diagnosed). My own experience is that despite the gluten number, I cannot have beer with any wheat at all in it. I have used this blog for a guideline, but sometimes have different experiences. I agree with the author about being able to have one, but I don't think this beer is a good session choice.
ReplyDeleteTwo things I hope to share with others:
1.) In spite of the gluten number, if the beer is an adjunct ale (made with corn, rice, or some other non-allergenic gluten containing grain) then it's usually OK (for session). I think the test will still show a higher number, because there is "gluten" in those grains (just not the allergenic kind (please correct me if I'm wrong)).
2.) I have experimented with digestive enzymes supplements, and found that a very basic one (papaya and pineapple enzymes) helps just as much as those marketed as for gluten.
Maybe it's placebo, but I have found they work to alleviate symptoms.