Departed Soles Brewing Tops USA Today's Gluten-Free Beer Poll

Celiac.com 12/20/2023 - New Jersey's Departed Soles Brewing, known for its commemorative beers honoring Cinderella NCAA Tournament runs by teams like FDU, Princeton, and Saint Peter’s, recently won honors as America's best gluten-free beer.

Departed Soles' Cascadian Dark Ale, called "A Dark Night," brewed exclusively with gluten-free ingredients, triumphed in a USA Today poll after a month of enthusiastic consumer voting.

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The honors mean a lot to Brian Kulbacki, the brewery's owner and head brewer, who says that the late Chris Ward, his gluten-intolerant best friend, inspired him to embark on the brewing journey. Despite facing skepticism and challenges in promoting gluten-free brewing, Kulbacki expressed deep gratitude for the award.

Gluten-free brewing presents unique challenges, demanding innovative approaches in ingredient selection, mashing techniques, fermentation profiles, and product placement. A Dark Night, a sorghum-extract-based beer, distinguishes itself by skipping the mashing process and incorporating generous amounts of Cascade and Citra hops. The outcome is a dark-hued beer striking a harmonious balance between bitterness and a citrusy flavor, appealing to both hop enthusiasts and those seeking a gluten-free option.

Jersey City-based Departed Soles boasts a diverse selection of beers. Using dedicated gluten-free fermentation space, vessels, and specialized canning equipment, the brewery prioritizes the safety of dietary-restricted consumers. They also use distinct can sizes to distinguish the gluten-free products from their non-gluten-free beers.

The brewery's commitment to quality, innovation, and inclusivity shows in its distinctive brewing practices, and the diverse range of options catering to various dietary needs.

This isn't the first honor for Departed Soles' Black IPA. First introduced in 2015, A Dark Night previously won honors at the 2016 World Beer Cup, the Best of Craft Beer Awards, Can-Can Awards, and the Great American Beer Festival. Departed Soles' traditional beers have also been lauded at events such as the Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival. 

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