Lakefront Brewery: Pioneers of Gluten-Free Beer

Celiac.com 07/23/2025 - Since its founding in 1987, Lakefront Brewery has been a staple of Milwaukee’s craft beer scene, known for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community engagement. What began as a sibling rivalry turned passion project has grown into a major player in the beer world, with national and international distribution. Housed in a converted 1908 power plant on the banks of the Milwaukee River, Lakefront Brewery produces over 20 different beers and hosts one of the most popular brewery tours in the country. Among its many brewing innovations, Lakefront was the first U.S. brewery to receive government approval for a gluten-free beer, and continues to lead the way in gluten-free brewing with a trio of flavorful and award-winning options for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

New Grist Gluten-Free Pilsner

New Grist is Lakefront Brewery’s flagship gluten-free beer, and was the first gluten-free beer to be officially approved by the U.S. government in 2005. Crafted without any wheat or barley, this pilsner is made from rice extract, sorghum, and malted millet, delivering a crisp, clean, and refreshing profile with a pale golden hue. The hops—Chinook and Lemondrop—lend just the right balance of bitterness and floral citrus notes.

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Tasting Notes: Pairs beautifully with gluten-free meals such as brown rice with grilled chicken or quinoa-stuffed bell peppers.

Awards:

• 2019: Bronze, European Beer Star – Beer with Alternative Cereals
• 2017: Honorable Mention, Los Angeles International Beer Competition – Gluten-Free Beer
• 2015: Bronze Medal, Los Angeles International Beer Competition – Gluten-Free Beer
• 2011, 2008, 2007: Silver Medal, Great American Beer Festival – Gluten-Free Beer

New Grist IPA

For fans of bold hop character, the New Grist IPA delivers a satisfying punch of citrus, pine, and dank complexity, all without gluten. Brewed with rice extract, pale roast and medium roast malted millet, and hopped with Cascade, Citra, Idaho 7, and Mosaic, this IPA offers a smooth mouthfeel and clean bitterness that’s balanced and highly drinkable.

Tasting Notes: A robust India Pale Ale with layers of hop-driven flavor and aroma, without becoming overly bitter—perfect for IPA enthusiasts who are gluten intolerant.

Awards:

• 2024: Silver Medal, The International Beer Cup – Gluten-Free Beer
• 2024: Ranked #20 of 100 Top Rated Beers by The Beer Connoisseur

New Grist Gosa Rita

New Grist Gosa Rita offers a unique twist on traditional gluten-free beer by channeling the essence of a margarita. This margarita-style ale is brewed with rice extract and malted millet, then infused with agave, lime juice, orange juice, and sea salt. The result is a tangy, refreshing ale with all the citrus brightness and salty tang of a margarita—minus the tequila.

Tasting Notes: A perfect summer sipper with vibrant lime tartness, gentle sweetness from agave, and a savory salt finish. Great for warm weather, barbecues, or pairing with Mexican-inspired gluten-free fare.

Awards:

• 2022: Gold Medal, World Beer Cup – Gluten-Free Beer

Why Lakefront Brewery Matters for People with Celiac Disease

For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, Lakefront Brewery stands out as a pioneer in the craft beer industry. By creating delicious, award-winning beers that are fully certified gluten-free, Lakefront offers a safe and satisfying way to enjoy beer without compromising health. Each New Grist variety is brewed with alternative grains like rice, sorghum, and malted millet from start to finish, they don't rely on any "gluten-removal" process.

Lakefront Brewery’s commitment to quality, transparency, and flavor has helped reshape what gluten-free beer can be—moving beyond basic substitutes to truly exciting, innovative brews. Whether you're in the mood for a classic pilsner, a bold IPA, or a citrusy margarita-style ale, Lakefront has a gluten-free option that doesn’t sacrifice taste.

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