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By now you might have picked up that I really dig beer - especially craft beer. And, with the local craft beer scene growing more and more every day what’s not to love? There are a huge variety of beers being made out there, so much so that now there really is something for everyone – there are Weiss beers for the easy going beer drinker, IPAs for the serious beer drinker and even fruit beers for those who prefer a sweeter taste in their mouths. And now, Red Sky Brewing Company has introduced something entirely new to the scene, a game changer of note - gluten-free beer! That’s right, if you love beer but are doomed to never again sip the golden nectar because of gluten intolerance then you are going to be happier than a squirrel with a nut when you try this stuff because it’s actually pretty good!
Red Sky Brew Company is owned and run by husband and wife team Mark and Kelly Goldsworthy of The Winemaker’s Club, and is a brewery with a difference. Brewer Mark has a background in winemaking and viticulture and worked in various wineries around the Cape, while his wife Kelly is a qualified industrial engineering with a background in business management, manufacturing and logistics. So, I know what you’re thinking, “What do a winemaker and an engineer know about beer?” The answer is quite a lot because they are using their experience in fermentation and their love of beer to bring South African beer lovers something incredibly different to sip on. The brewery now offers three beers including the gluten-free Goshawk, Tweety Bird Pale Ale, Warhawk Red Ale and a PinotAle.
While their other beers are pretty darn good the one that really stands out for me is the gluten-free brew – I mean, it is pretty much revolutionary isn’t it? I got to sample the Goshawk beer and was surprised to find that it tastes very, very similar to real beer. Which is great, no fantastic, news for beer drinkers who have a small problem with gluten intolerance ruining their lives for good (seriously, hats off to all you gluten intolerant stars, the struggle is real!) The first of its kind in South Africa, Red Sky’s gluten-free beer is brewed in a Pale Ale style, using a combination of both Sorghum and Maize malts which is what gives it that real beer taste. If you love traditional Sorghum beer then you are going to love this stuff. I must be honest when you first taste it, there’s a moment of confusion as your brain tries to figure out the new taste, and because the beer has a surprising bitterness (from the Sorghum) this beer might not be top choice for every gluten intolerant beer drinker, but it is a great addition for those who can’t stomach normal beer or those looking for something a little bit different from your usual hops and barley vibe.
And then there’s the rest of the range! I fell in love with the Warhawk Red Ale, their flagship brew, which is a must-try for all beer lovers. While not a gluten-free beer this brew is all kinds of special and I will definitely be ordering it the next time I find it on the menu at a brew pub. Made in an Irish Red Ale style, the beer gives off a great chocolate flavour and is smooth and easy on the palate. Something else really exciting is their PinotAle, a super unique Pinotage Ale which is made in collaboration with Beyerskloof wines. This beer is a real win for beer lovers who also love wine because it gives you the best of both worlds. It’s brand new so I haven’t had the chance to try it yet but I can’t wait to get my hands on it.
The Red Sky Brew Company’s beers are available from their online store as well as through League of Beers. If you order through the Red Sky online shop then the beers are R22 per gluten-free beer and R20 per bottle for the Warhawk and Tweety Bird but you have to order a minimum of 28 bottles per delivery order. League of Beers sells the entire range including the new PinotAle at R382 per case of 12 for the gluten-free beer, R372 per case of 12 beers for the Warhawk, R324 per case of 12 for the Tweety Bird and R456 per case of 12 for the PinotAle.
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By Crystal Espin
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