ST. LOUIS -- Anheuser-Busch Inc. has rolled out Redbridge, the first nationally available sorghum beer. Beginning yesterday, Redbridge is being sold in stores carrying organic products, as well as in restaurants.
Sorghum is a safe grain for those allergic to wheat or gluten, the company said. It is grown in the United States., Africa, Southern Europe, Central America and Southern Asia. Sorghum beers have been available internationally for years and are popular in many African countries.
Redbridge is a lager brewed using imported [image-nocss] Hallertau and domestic Cascade hops, said A-B. It is brewed with sorghum and has a moderately hopped taste.
We set out to create a fine, hand-crafted specialty beer made without wheat or barley, said Angie Minges, product manager for A-B, St. Louis. We've made Redbridge nationally available to make sure adults who experience wheat allergies or who choose a gluten-free or wheat-free diet can enjoy the kind of beer that fits their lifestyle.
Redbridge contains 4.8% alcohol per 12-oz. serving. It will be available in 12-oz., six-pack bottles. It is brewed at the Anheuser-Busch Merrimack, N.H., brewery.
Sorghum is the primary ingredient, said Kristin Zantop, an A-B brewmaster. We then use the lager brewing process using imported Hallertau and domestic Cascade hops without adding wheat or barley to give Redbridge its rich, hearty taste.
Anheuser-Busch worked closely with the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) during the development of Redbridge to get a better understanding of the needs of consumers who are leading gluten-free or wheat-free lifestyles. Anheuser-Busch will make annual donations to the NFCA and sponsor their events such as cooking sprees.Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.