For The (former) Beer Drinkers Among Us...

[Wandering Hermit]

Well I had a bit of an experience. I will contact Bard's Tale today to let them know....

We drove from Minnesota to Missouri this weekend. Went through Iowa, which is a state that carries BT beer. I called all the HyVee stores listed on the BT website that were supposed to have this beer and were along the interstate we travelled - not one of them had the beer or even knew what I was talking about. Grrrrr.

I finally called one liqour store in Ames that had it (past tense!!!) - they said some guy from Minnesota came down the week before and bought about 5 cases of the stuff and left them totally depleted. They said the distributor will not get them any more for a month.

[killernj13]

Wandering Hermit - Sorry to hear you had a tough time finding it. I think there are websites you can order it from. Also, Ramapo Valley Brewery has a gluten-free beer which they do ship. I haven't had it and unfortunately it is expensive when you add in the shipping cost.

By the way - great AVATAR. I'm glad I have found a beer I can drink at my next Rush concert tailgate. They should be heading back into the studio in the fall to record a new celiac disease and lets hope a tour in 2006.

[kvogt]

Try not to get disappointed about Bards beer availability... It's only a matter of time before it's available in a store near you. Contact your local distributor about it. Find out a liquor store near you to purchase for you. Tell them about your support group, if you have one, and their market for the beer. It can be done with persistance.

[killernj13]

To all looking for a gluten-free beer.

Just an FYI about Sappora beer. This is directly from their website in the FAQ section:

Q. I have heard that Sapporo is gluten free. Is it true?

A. No, our brewing process is traditional and uses malt. All beer brewed from malt contains amino acids, peptides and proteins. Therefore Sapporo is not 100% gluten free.

I am posting this because I was told in a bar that Sapporo was gluten-free. The person was not Celiac diagnosed. It was her brother or something. I just wanted to look it up and above is their response.

I think the confusion may have been that this beer was made with rice.

[VegasCeliacBuckeye]

Richard,

Bourbon is gluten-free...really??

I tried Ketel One Vodka this weekend (on the rocks with a lime) -- it was great - no ill effects.

I am soooooooooooo over Rum/Wine and the hangovers....(I still like a nice red with a steak though....)

Hooray Beer!

[sarah513]

I’m recently diagnosed and have been a huge beer snob for many years. I love Belgian ales, English nut browns, stouts, etc., and I can’t stand pale lagers like Budweiser. So I’m picky and wasn’t too thrilled about the prospect of being limited to only two kinds of beer! I did try Bard’s Tale and it’s palatable. It’s like a light IPA. I’m not in love with it, but it sure does beat no beer at all. Their web site says that they’re coming out with an ale and I think an IPA, and I’m really excited about that. Haven’t tried Ramapo Valley yet but I’m searching the city for it.

[Guest michneva]

Hey I could use some help/ advice!!

I do not know very much at all about alcoholic beverages...like flavor/recipes/ingredients...

I never drank alcohol before and have been increasingly curious over the past couple of years...

So I could use some help on recommendations and all that!!

I live in Connecticut. The alcohol I have tried so far would be wine and champagne...and with those I was a little bit turned off by the powerful kind of "musky," taste which I am assuming had to do with the alcohol as I have had non-alcoholic of both and like it. When I had the White Zinfandel I did enjoy it, sipping it casually through dinner and then even afterwards.

I am curious to try the beer from Rampano Valley in upstate NY. I heard about it because I am interested in taking a trip into NYC and going to Rissotoria where they serve it. I would like to order it maybe...if I can...but that would be a waste if I would not like it.

I am close to an Outback restaurant and on their gluten-free menu they label their Margaritas as being gluten-free....would I like that....what do they taste like??? Then I wondered...if I am out with my husband or friends or whatever and I wanted to order a drink what do I do? Do I ask about the recipe of the drink I want and brand names ....or are their any drinks that are going to be gluten-free anywhere that I would enjoy??

It seems so far that I would like sweeter/fruitier types ...so someone suggested wine coolers? Is that a good idea for something casual ...like if my husband is having a beer...per say...and then would I have a wine cooler???

So I am asking for experienced advice....what might I enjoy, what is good to buy/order when and what the heck is this stuff about and where do i start ....especially being gluten-free!

Thanks

Erica

[sarah513]

Hello! I don't know anything about Outback and I'm not a fan of wine coolers, but you should know that Risotteria, wonderful though it is, does not serve Ramapo Valley, or at least they didn’t on Saturday when I was there. They do have Bard’s Tale. If you’re not a beer drinker and you like sweet drinks, you might find it bitter. I’d stick with a good red wine. You have to watch with wine coolers and flavored wines—many of them have additives that are not gluten-free. I’d advise finding a few red or white wines you enjoy (Rieslings tend to be sweet) and sticking with those. Cheers!

[jenvan]

Erica-

You should try Woodchuck's ciders--go with the amber first. They are on the sweeter side, a good sweet, slightly tangy, taste not bitter. Margaritas are good--tangy and kind of fruity as well. How about a rum and coke or a fresh strawberry daiquiri (real berries)?

[Guest michneva]

Hello! I don't know anything about Outback and I'm not a fan of wine coolers, but you should know that Risotteria, wonderful though it is, does not serve Ramapo Valley, or at least they didn’t on Saturday when I was there. They do have Bard’s Tale. If you’re not a beer drinker and you like sweet drinks, you might find it bitter. I’d stick with a good red wine. You have to watch with wine coolers and flavored wines—many of them have additives that are not gluten-free. I’d advise finding a few red or white wines you enjoy (Rieslings tend to be sweet) and sticking with those. Cheers!

Yeah, I was just looking at the Bards Beer website and I can get it at the Whole Foods market in White Plains NY, it somewhere between an hour or two away...been there once. But as I said I do not want to spend a lot on it then be stuck with it...unless maybe my husband would like it? He seems to like Guiness...do you think he would like it even if I did not?

You are exactly right...I kept reading the description from people that it was bitter and with my appearant leaning towards sweet drinks that is what I was concerned about.

About the wine I was told before that if I am just starting out with wine that I should start with white first...why is that and do you agree....especially since you mentioned red specifically. If I have no clue...what specifically would you reccomend I try first? LOL forgive me for sounding totally idiotic but like would I go to a store or a restaurant and simply ask for "Reisling"???

I read something about fruit wines also....???

Would the ingredients be clearly marked on the wine coolers or flavored wines???

So, you do not know of any brands I could buy then?

If you don't mind me asking what do you like and what does it taste like??

Thanks for your help :-)

I'm excited!

[Guest michneva]

Erica-

You should try Woodchuck's ciders--go with the amber first. They are on the sweeter side, a good sweet, slightly tangy, taste not bitter. Margaritas are good--tangy and kind of fruity as well. How about a rum and coke or a fresh strawberry daiquiri (real berries)?

Okay, is Woodchuck a brand??? Like I could go to the store looking for it or ask for it when out??? What does it taste like? Like cider....with alcohol??? LOL I probably sound so childish....I just want to know!

What kind of margarita would you reccomend?

The strawberry daiquiri sounds like something I would LOVE ....strawberries are my favorite! What would I expect as far as having an alcoholic one??....sorry, I was kind of scarred by that "hot," "musky" shot in the wine and especially the champagne...what was that anyway???

I was wondering about a rum and coke!!!

Now, what does that taste like????

I appreciate your advice and I feel like you get what I am saying/asking and I feel like you really know about this, so thank you!!

So, ok, another question from a beginner....so tell me what your recommendations would be for me for like...a just-having-a-drink-together drink...for something with a casual meal....for something with a nice dinner ....and something to have at home (laid back deal.)

Can you?

Thanks for everything !

-ready to enjoy!!!

[Guest michneva]

Erica-

You should try Woodchuck's ciders--go with the amber first. They are on the sweeter side, a good sweet, slightly tangy, taste not bitter. Margaritas are good--tangy and kind of fruity as well. How about a rum and coke or a fresh strawberry daiquiri (real berries)?

OH YEAH and by the way I appreciate your description of what a margarita would be like...I feel more confident ordering one. I was just wondering/hoping I would like it.

Like I said I am close to an Outback and they make an interesting list of margaritas ...

And is a margarita a drink that people would typically order for whenever?

Do you know what I mean? I just don't want to go and order whatever at the wrong time or in the wrong setting or with the wrong meal...

The idea I get is that a margarita is good with mexican food or tex-mex and a typical "party," kind of drink...

The idea I get about rum and coke is that it might be one of those anytime things...especially if I go out just for a drink with someone??

But the daiquari ....seems like maybe a restaurant thing...or like a before meal thing...???

the cider....I have not idea

I guess my question regarding the wine coolers was like I was looking for something to have while my husband enjoys his beer...like that...

Thanks again !

[Guest michneva]

And are martinis safe?

what do they taste like???

[Guest michneva]

Erica-

You should try Woodchuck's ciders--go with the amber first.  They are on the sweeter side, a good sweet, slightly tangy, taste not bitter.  Margaritas are good--tangy and kind of fruity as well.  How about a rum and coke or a fresh strawberry daiquiri (real berries)?

My husband went out and bought the Woodchuck Cider last night. He bought Amber for me, and the Dark Dry for himself. We both were very pleased. I tasted his and it was sort of....I guess I would say spicy tasting...and mine was PERFECT for me!!! Thank you. It was just like you said it would be! So I would be more than thrilled at any other descriptions or recommendations you would make! I am eager to learn :-) Thanks!!

[sarah513]

Hi Michneva,

My advice is to find a good wine shop near you. Most cities have at least a shop or two run by people who really love wine. Wine has a bit of a snobby reputation, but I’ve found that wine lovers tend to be really friendly and want to educate their customers—or at least the ones worth knowing do. Find a place that specializes in wine, grab someone who works there, and tell them what you’re there for. You can go ahead and tell them that you’re new to wine, but you’re interested, and give them an idea of your tastes—you like sweet things, nothing too heavy, etc. You might also want to give them an idea of how much you’re willing to spend. There are some fantastic wines in the $10-20 range, so don’t assume that expensive=best. If you’ve had a wine you liked or one you didn’t, tell them that too. They know what they’re doing, and they should be able to steer you toward a few different varieties and specific wines that they think you’ll like. Some shops even have regular tastings, if you want to try before you buy.

Red wines can be heavy, but they can also be fruity and delicious. Whites are often lighter and more dry. But I’m making really broad generalizations and I’m sure there are lots of wines out there that could prove me wrong. I personally really like Clos du Bois Pinot Grigio, which is white, and fruity but not too sweet, and Cakebread Chardonnay, which is expensive but really good. I also like Beaujolais for red wines. Louis Jadot also makes wonderful wines. (I pretty much buy whatever my stepmother recommends, and it usually works out well.) Then go buy a couple of different kinds of cheese and go crazy! Some things go better with others, but my advice is to experiment and see what you enjoy—there’s no wrong way to go about it.

Just go in, be friendly, and ask someone, and hopefully you won’t have to try too many places before you find someone nice who knows what they’re doing. And if they give you an attitude, leave immediately! You don’t need that!

Have fun!

[Guest BERNESES]

I think that you would like margaritas. Just be careful if you order them somewhere other than the Outback because not all the fruity mixes are gluten free. I got very sick from one at a local restaurant and when I called the next day and asked them to read me the ingredients in the mix, it had "natural flavors". I had a delicious frozen drink at the Outback- it was frozen, peach and had champagne in it. I forget what it was called, but yum!

Also, I like white wines and champagnes. My favorite white wines are sweeter like Rieslings, Gewurtztraminers and Muscats. One that I really love is called Dolceoro- VERY sweet but I love it.

I like vodka a lot- many of the flavored vodkas are gluten free (but not all so be sure to check) and I especially enjoy raspberry and lemon. A lovely drink for me is Chopin (potato vodka, but a bit pricey) and tonic water with Rose's sweetened lime juice. Tasty and light on a hot summer day!

I haven't had any problems with martinis BUT a real martini is very strong. I tend to go with the fruity ones like cosmopolitans which are cranberry juice (but be SURE the cranberry juice is gluten free) and lemon drops. I had Hangar One orange blossom flavored vodka a few weeks ago and it was delightful. It's made in California and the martini bar in our town uses it. Yum! Pricey though.

Jen- can't wait to try the cider. that sounds great!

[Guest michneva]

Thanks Sarah!

By a "wine shop," are you suggesting I find a "winery," or just go to my local ....as they say here in CT "Package Store?"

I thought that a wine tasting would make a fun little "date" for my husband and I anyway. He agrees.

Thank you "Burneses" !

Hey, when you order drinks how do you in consideration of gluten-free diet?

Do you just ask the bartender or waitress about the brands of the alcohol?

So for instance if I wanted a rum and coke ( do you think I would like that by the way ?) would I say something like, " I might like a rum and coke...however before I order could you please let me know which brand of rum you use ...I cannot drink cirtain kinds...."

How do you handle this type of thing?

By the way, like I said I did enjoy the hard cider! My husband was happy for me that I could easily get something like that to enjoy. When I told him about it at first he asked me if Hornsby would be ok because he remembered he used to like that a lot. I told him that according to what I had researched it was not safe. So when he went to pick up the Woodchuck's for me he said they had the whole variety. ( I think it comes from VT and I am in CT....so maybe it is big here??? I dunno...)

He bought the Amber for me at Jen's suggestion ....which was perfect for me

....and got the dark and dry for himself...as he appearantly likes stuff with more of a kick!

We were talking today about the other brands of various alcoholic beverages I had read about and he mentioned that he was not one for hard liquor saying that in past experiences it made him sick.

He is interested in wine tasting with me ...and he can go ahead and have his beer

it's not likely I would enjoy it from what I hear anyway...I understand it is more bitter...

I will learn what I can about wine and now and then I think I would just like to have a special drink according to the occassion of an outing or celebration...and at least know what the heck I am talking about !!

....so thanks...and I am always open to suggestions and being educated!!!

-Erica