Would I want to try this?

[FirstStateBrewer]

I do NOT have an intolerance to gluten and don't know anyone that does. Would I even want to brew gluten free beer? The world seem to be buzzing with talk about gluten-free recipes. Why should I bother?

 

[IrregularPulse]

The beauty of homebrewing gives us the ability to experiment. That said, if it doesn't interest you to experiment, don't. It's more expensive and and doesn't (IMO) taste as good. I would not personally mess with it since I too, have no intolerance or hang out with anyone who does.

 

[NineMilBill]

I guess you might meet someone with an allergy that you could impress... But if you don't know a single person like that, I wouldn't bother.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

I do NOT have an intolerance to gluten and don't know anyone that does. Would I even want to brew gluten free beer? The world seem to be buzzing with talk about gluten-free recipes. Why should I bother?

Those who are "buzzing" about Gluten-Free are celiacs, know celiacs, or are just generally excited to brew using alternative grains. Several of which have been widely available just not in a malted form.

 

[igliashon]

The way I see it, there are millions of people out there brewing with barley, and doing a damn fine job of it. How likely am I to do a better job than all of them? On the other hand, there are much, much fewer people brewing gluten-free beer, and judging by the offerings at the store, they're not doing such a great job of it. There is so much experimentation to be done, no sure-footed paths to follow, and no clear idea of what can or cannot be achieved. There are new taste possibilities that may actually be delicious, and may thus be of interest to non-celiac beer drinkers. There is also a sizeable market of gluten-intolerant former craft-beer aficionados that is being tremendously under-served by current offerings. Good gluten-free beer could be a life-changing experience for a lot of people. So, while I primarily brew gluten-free because I myself am gluten-intolerant, I also do it because I'm adventurous by nature and because I want to create something that will bring happiness to people. It's a challenge, absolutely, but I've made some tasty and interesting stuff that's not quite like regular beer and not quite like anything else, either.

But in any case, a gluten-free diet is not especially healthy unless you have gluten intolerance of some form. Lots of people out there are mistakenly adopting the diet because they think it's healthier, but it's not...wheat, barley, rye, etc. are all very healthy grains if you can digest them!

 

[FirstStateBrewer]

The beauty of homebrewing gives us the ability to experiment. That said, if it doesn't interest you to experiment, don't. It's more expensive and and doesn't (IMO) taste as good. I would not personally mess with it since I too, have no intolerance or hang out with anyone who does.

That's what I figured. Just wanted to get some other opinions, in case I was missing something.

 

[KevinM]

If I didn't need it, it would be less likely for me to make it. If I wanted to look out for others or see about a viable market, then maybe. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother.

 

[FirstStateBrewer]

Thank you for all of the input. I have a curiosity about gluten-free beer, but probably won't brew it myself, unless I know someone that is intolerant and would appreciate it.

 

[FirstStateBrewer]

Lots of people out there are mistakenly adopting the diet because they think it's healthier, but it's not...

I think my whacky mother-in-law falls into that category! LOL!

 

[muench1]

I think some gluten free grains deserve serious consideration as adjuncts in any beer.

Also, the average gluten-free diet in American is probably a lot healthier than the average conventional diet, just because so much of the junk and chemically engineered food has gluten.