Omission’s Roots

It’s no surprise that we’re fond of Omission beer, Portland’s own gluten-free beer.

Here’s a little behind-the-scenes video that shows a bit about the making of the beer, the story behind it, and the process. This video was made before the addition of their awesome IPA. I love the fact that the Widmer CEO has Celiac.

Omission Launching an IPA!

Omission beer is out of Portland, and we’re proud of that. Its regularly called the best gluten-free beer in the nation, if not the world. We drink it often, and even many of our gluten-drinking friends have a six pack of it in their fridges. So it’s with excitement that Omission announces their third style, an IPA. Whoo!

Their official press release:

Omission Brewing introduces GLuten-Free IPA in Oregon

India Pale Ale marks brewery’s 3rd gluten-free craft beer brewed with malted barley

PORTLAND, Ore. – March 26, 2013 – Omission Brewing Company today announced it is adding Omission India Pale Ale (Omission IPA) to its gluten-free beer lineup in Oregon. Omission Brewing is the first craft beer brand in the United States focused exclusively on brewing great-tasting craft beers with traditional beer ingredients, including malted barley, specially crafted to be gluten-free. Omission IPA hits shelves in Oregon on April 1.

“Omission IPA is the first authentic gluten-free IPA brewed with malted barley to hit the market,” said Joe Casey, Widmer Brothers Brewmaster. “This IPA is brewed in the traditional Northwest IPA style, yet is specially crafted to be gluten-free. The beer uses a generous amount of Summit and Cascade hops giving it a beautiful citrus flavor and aroma.”

“At Omission, we’re constantly innovating, and exploring new opportunities to share our love of craft beer with anyone of legal drinking age, including those with gluten sensitivities,” said Terry Michaelson, CEO, Craft Brew Alliance, and longtime celiac. “Part of that is experimenting with different beer styles that meet our rigorous gluten-free standards while staying true to our commitment to high-quality craft brewing. Omission IPA hits the mark, and we can’t wait to get it into the hands of our customers in Oregon this spring.”

Omission beers are brewed by Widmer Brothers Brewing in Portland, Ore., using an innovative brewing program to ensure that gluten levels in every batch measure well below the widely accepted CODEX gluten-free standard of 20 parts per million (ppm) for food and beverages. Every batch of Omission beer is tested by the brewery and by an independent lab, and all test results are available to consumers at http://www.omissiontests.com. Fan stories of when they first discovered Omission beers, or what they like to call their “O” Moments, are available at http://www.omissionbeer.com/o-moments.

Gluten-free Omission IPA:

Omission IPA is a bright, hop forward Northwest Style IPA produced in the spirit of the original IPAs shipped from the UK to India in the late 1800s. The heavy-handed use of Cascade and Summit hops give it notable pine, citrus, and grapefruit aromas and flavors. The bitterness is what you would expect of a NW IPA but this beer is balanced and smooth due to the perfect level of malt sweetness. The finish is crisp, clean, and refreshing – it’s a true IPA lover’s IPA.

About Omission IPA

Ingredients

• Malts: Pale, Carmel 10°L
• Hops: Cascade, Summit

Profile

• IBU: 65
• ABV: 6.7%

Omission IPA has a suggested retail price of $9.99 per six-pack and will be available in six-packs of 12-ounce bottles at the Widmer Brothers Gasthaus Pub in Portland, Ore., and at retailers, restaurants and bars throughout the state.

Omission to Cross the Border

Our neighbors to the North can soon begin enjoying one of the best gluten-free beers on the market. (Via Omission)

 

GLUTEN-FREE OMISSION BEERS TO LAUNCH IN CANADA

PORTLAND, Ore. – Jan. 3, 2013 – Craft Brew Alliance (CB^A) will distribute its gluten-free Omission Beer in Canada beginning in mid-January. Launched in March 2012, Omission Beer is the first U.S. craft beer brand focused exclusively on brewing great-tasting craft beers with traditional beer ingredients, including malted barley, that are specially crafted to be gluten-free.Omission Lager and Omission Pale Ale, the first two beers in the Omission portfolio, will be introduced in British Columbia in January before moving into other Canadian markets in the coming months.

Portland’s Gluten Free Beer Choices Expanding

A look at New Planet Gluten Free Beer, now available for purchase in Oregon! (Via The Oregonian)

“When it comes to gluten-free beers, we’re spoiled for choice here in Portland, with Widmer Omission and Harvester’s gluten-free-only line of beers made in town. The gluten-free section will get even bigger,  now that  New Planet will be shipping beers here from Colorado… here’s the press release:

New Planet Beer Company, the innovative pioneer of great-tasting gluten-free beers, has just entered the Portland market with its fast-rising, popular gluten-free beer styles now available at grocery chains, liquor stores and restaurants.

New Planet beers are made with all-natural gluten-free ingredients, processed with care to avoid cross contamination, and tested regularly to assure compliance. Hence, New Planet Beer is in full compliance with federal gluten-free labeling regulations and is justly labeled and advertised as truly and purely gluten free.

When I Went Gluten Free

When I Went Gluten Free is a Tumblr page that feels like most other Tumblr pages. Animated GIFs, dry humor, clever and probably a total waste of time. But in a good way! Here are some quick looks at the page.

WHEN SOMEONE ASKS ME IF CELIAC IS CONTAGIOUS

(Source: wheninnewyorkcity)

WHEN THE WAITER PLACES THE BREAD BASKET RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME

(Source: wheninnewyorkcity)

 

WHEN I TRY TO EXPLAIN CROSS CONTAMINATION

(Source: casualnewyork)

 

WHEN I FIND MYSELF OUTSIDE AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT

I just gaze in the window like:

(Source: whatshouldwecallme)

 

WHEN I TACKLE A GLUTEN FREE BAKING PROJECT

I think I’ll be all:

But then I start mixing flours and I’m like:

(Source: whatshouldwecallme)

To Be Or Not to Be Gluten Free Beer

What do you guys think?

Via WWeek:

Beer’s Great Gluten War Heats Up

Is the top selling gluten-free beer gluten-free enough? Are its competitors beer?

On May 16, the three Portland breweries which make gluten-free beer—Widmer Bros., Deschutes, and Harvester—stood shoulder to shoulder as Mayor Sam Adams declared it Gluten Free Beer Day.

Such innocent times!

A new ruling is complicating things in the burgeoning gluten-free beer market. Eight days after the celebration, the Treasury Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (known as the “TTB”) handed down a verdict that could push one of the three brewers off the podium.

According to the TTB, wine, beer or distilled spirits “made from ingredients that contain gluten (cannot) be labeled as ‘gluten-free.’” This could spell trouble for Widmer, which has invested significant time and money in a new gluten-free beer.

Glutens are proteins found in grains such as barley, wheat, and rye—the base for beer— that have been blamed for a variety of autoimmune disorders. Doctors have long known some people have an extreme sensitivity, called celiac disease. Lately, gads of folks have either been medically or self diagnosed as celiacs or “gluten-sensitive.” Locally, it’s a big industry. Four dedicated gluten-free bakeries have sprouted up in Portland with a full baker’s dozen offering gluten-free breads and treats.

There’s big money at stake. The market for gluten-free foods in the U.S. and Western Europe was worth around $3.5 billion in 2010, according to one food research company. And since some estimate that 95 percent of celiacs are not yet diagnosed, while gluten-free products already sell like rice flour hotcakes, it’s clear why breweries want a piece of the buckwheat-crust pie.

Only a few months ago, Widmer Bros., a division of Craft Brew Alliance (CBA), the nation’s ninth’s largest brewing company, released Omission Gluten Free Lager and Gluten Free Pale Ale. Widmer is selling the beer locally, and plans roll it out nationwide soon.

Here’s the kicker: Unlike other gluten-free beers, which are typically made from sorghum and usually taste nothing like actual beer, Omission is made from traditional ingredients, including barley. The beers are then deglutenized enzymatically. The result is a beer that tastes like beer—unlike so many competitors—yet has allegedly imperceptible levels of gluten. Not zero gluten, just almost none, not unlike caffeine in decaf coffee or alcohol in non-alcoholic beer. Widmer isn’t the first to use this process; it’s just the first to do it commercially in the U.S. Development began six years ago and researched and tested full-throttle for the last two.

Adopting guidelines set forth by organizations within the World Health Organization, the FDA has said food labeled as gluten-free cannot exceed 20 parts per million (ppm) gluten. Omission beers are at 5-6 ppm. As a point of reference, Widmer Drifter Pale Ale comes back at 50-100 ppm.

There are new gluten-free beers coming out all the time.

Deschutes’s gluten-free beer, on tap only at its brewpubs in Portland and Bend, is made from brown rice and sorghum so it’s safe for “the most sensitive celiac.”

“It is interesting from a scientific standpoint to experiment with enzymes that break down gluten proteins in the brewing process to below testable limits… but we are not 100 percent confident that these beers would be safe for the most sensitive celiac to drink,” said Deschutes brewer Veronica Vega. “We will not put out a beer that will challenge the confidence our consumers.”

Portland is also home to the nation’s first dedicated gluten-free brewery, Harvester, which opened at the end of 2011 after three years of recipe development. In a press release, Harvester seemed happy about the new ruling, touting its “long-standing decision to use only inherently gluten-free ingredients in its beer.” For Harvester, this includes sorghum syrup, certified gluten-free oats, and Willamette Valley chestnuts. All four of their bottled offerings are quite palatable even to non gluten-sensitive cerevisaphiles.

TTB’s Tom Hogue said that the FDA continues to look into issues surrounding gluten-free labeling and that the 20 ppm of gluten standard is “proposed but not final.” The TTB’s ruling affecting Omission’s gluten-free labeling only pertains to interstate commerce, so beer labeled gluten-free in Oregon could be just “handcrafted” in California, Washington, and everywhere else it will show up.

TTB operates with the “best available information,” said Hogue, and gluten-free beers pose a problem. Whereas there are accurate tests for gluten content in bread, pasta and cupcakes, “Right now, no test will validate accurate gluten content of a fermented product, considering fermentation drastically, chemically changes that product.” He says the ban on gluten-free labeling for beer brewed from deglutenized malted barley is “subject to change as the science gets better.”

Widmer is confident in its product. It had better be, since the CEO as well as the brewmaster’s wife are both diagnosed celiacs. CBA also expects the rules to evolve as the science gets better, sooner rather than later.

CEO Terry Michaelson, who became director at Widmer in 1994 and was diagnosed as a celiac six years later, said the company is working closely with the TTB, knowing it has “to operate within the regulations that they have,” but confident that they will “evolve over time.”

“I don’t see (the ruling) as a negative at all at this point,” he says. “Work is being done on the science.”

Michaelson points out that despite Omission debuting in April, according to market research group SymphonyIRI data it’s already “the top selling gluten-free beer in the market place at this point.”

Yes, it’s selling better than four-year veteran Redbridge from Budweiser.

Whether the Bureau’s labeling restriction is lifted or not, bottom line, says Michaelson: “If someone is concerned at all, they shouldn’t drink it.”

One ironic quirk of alcohol-related bureaucracy is that the TTB gets to rule that deglutenized beers cannot be labeled gluten-free, but can’t make any rulings on the labels of “beers” made with sorghum or rice because, according to law, they’re not “malt beverages.”

That means the rice and sorghum beverages are only “beer” for the purposes of taxation.

News: Omission Gluten-Free Beer Expanding Nationwide!

Well, that was quick. Just a month after Widmer released their awesome gluten-free beer Omission to an Oregon-only audience, it’s coming to the rest of the country! If you haven’t had Omission yet, we think you’ll really like it. Thanks to Widmer for pushing such a strong rollout!

Via Widmer:

PORTLAND, Ore. – May 17, 2012 – Beginning this week, Omission Beer will start distributing Omission Lager and Omission Pale Ale, the first two craft beer offerings from the new brand, nationally. Previously available only in Oregon, the phased rollout will begin on the West Coast and is expected to be available nationwide by mid-June.

Announced in late March by Craft Brew Alliance (CB^A), Omission is the first craft beer brand in the U.S. focused exclusively on brewing great-tasting craft beers with traditional ingredients—including malted barley—that are specially crafted to remove gluten. Brewed by Widmer Brothers Brewing in Portland, Ore., Gluten levels in every batch of Omission beer are measured by the brewery and two independent labs using the R5 Competitive ELISA test to ensure that the beer meets the brewery’s standards. Test results for every batch of Omission beer are available to consumers at: www.omissiontests.com.

“After introducing Omission Lager and Omission Pale Ale in Oregon last month, we’re eager to share our great-tasting brews with the rest of the country,” said Terry Michaelson, CEO. “Omission is a testament to the creativity, innovation and dedication of our team. As a celiac, I’m thrilled with the result, and think others in the celiac and craft beer communities will be, too.”

Omission Lager and Omission Pale Ale

“We wanted to offer great craft beers to people who aren’t able to fully enjoy the craft beer experience due to gluten intolerance,” said Joe Casey, brewmaster. “Omission Lager and Omission Pale Ale are approachable beers and are true expressions of their respective styles. We’re looking forward to sharing both beers with people across the United States.”

Omission Lager is a refreshing and crisp beer, brewed in the traditional lager style. Perfect for a variety of occasions, Omission Lager’s aromatic hop profile offers a unique, easy-drinking beer for those looking for a lighter and approachable beer style. Bold and hoppy, Omission Pale Ale is a hop-forward American pale ale, brewed to showcase the Cascade hop profile. Amber in color, Omission Pale Ale’s floral aroma is complemented by caramel malt body, making for a delicious craft beer.

May 16 is Gluten Free Beer Day in Portland: Follow Up

Wednesday, May 16 at 9:30 a.m., Mayor Sam Adams will declare it to be Gluten-Free Beer Day in Portland, Ore., and every May 16 henceforth. In an official ceremony held at City Hall, Adams will deliver the following proclamation to supporters and brewers of gluten-free beer, including Omission Beer, Deschutes Brewery and Harvester Brewing. Following is an abbreviated proclamation:

•          Whereas, May marks the annual Celiac Awareness Month, recognized by most celiac organizations and research centers across the country and throughout the world;
•          Celiac disease is one of the most common chronic diseases in Western countries;
•          According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, more than 3 million Americans have celiac disease and must monitor gluten intake, equating to 1 in 133 Americans;
•          More than 95% of Celiacs are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions;
•          A 100% gluten-free diet is the only existing treatment for celiac disease today as there are no pharmaceutical cures;
•         Portland, Ore., home to nearly 50 craft breweries, where the people of Portland know and appreciate great craft beers, is leading the effort to create gluten-free beer for those affected with gluten sensitivities;
•         The City of Portland acknowledges and applauds the efforts to declare this day in celebration of local breweries that are doing their part to bring awareness to a disease that affects many, and providing beer products specially crafted to be gluten-free for all to enjoy;
•         Now, therefore, I, Sam Adams, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim May 16, 2012 to be Gluten-Free Beer Day in Portland, and encourage all residents to observe this day.

Via @PDXMaggie

Via @PDXMaggie

 

About Omission Beer

Omission Beer is a new brand of gluten-free craft beers, available only in Oregon. Brewed by Widmer Brothers Brewing in Portland, Ore., Omission is the first craft beer brand in the United States focused exclusively on brewing great tasting craft beers with traditional beer ingredients, including malted barley, that are specially crafted to be gluten-free. Each batch of Omission Beer is tested using the R5 Competitive ELISA test, to ensure that every batch contains well-below the international standard for gluten-free of 20 ppm gluten. Drinking is believing.

About Deschutes Brewery

Deschutes Brewery jumped into the gluten-free brewing scene back in 2007 and always has a gluten-free beer on tap at both its Bend and Portland pubs. After brewing 48 different batches, the goal remains to brew a great beer that is gluten-free, rather than brewing a great gluten-free beer. Although a silver and a bronze medal from the Great American Beer Festival hang on the pub walls from their process, Deschutes Brewery continues to work with different styles to serve the gluten-free world.

About Harvester Brewing
Harvester Brewing is the nation’s only dedicated gluten-free craft brewery, founded in 2011 in Portland, Ore. Harvester’s northwest-style ales are handcrafted from Willamette Valley chestnuts, sorghum, certified gluten-free oats, pure cane sugar and Willamette Valley hops. Harvester’s beers are made without barley, wheat, rye, corn, or dyes. Harvester Brewing’s facility is entirely gluten-free, no gluten containing items are allowed on the premises.

May 16th Declared Gluten Free Beer Day by Mayor Sam Adams!

We just got a memo that Sam Adams is officially declaring May 16th Gluten Free Beer Day! How crazy is that? What does it mean? Not quite sure. Will be drink to it anyway? Surely!

Via Lane PR:

This Wednesday, Mayor Sam Adams will declare May 16 to be Gluten-Free Beer Day in Portland, Ore. The official ceremony will be held at City Hall, and we invite you to witness Adams deliver the proclamation to supporters of gluten-free beer, including the latest addition to Portland’s established gluten-free beer scene, Omission Beer.

Here are the details:

WHEN:            Wednesday, May 16 at 9:30am

WHERE:          The proclamation will be read pre-gavel, before the City Council meeting at City Hall (1120 Southwest 5th Avenue) in the city council chambers.

WHO:              Members of the brewing community, gluten-free community, media and the public are all welcome to join the celebration and listen to the official reading of the proclamation.

RSVP:               Please respond by Tuesday, May 15 to rob@lanepr.com

 

We will try to be at the event, and will keep you updated on just what an “official gluten free beer day” means for us Portlanders!  Cheers!

 

Friday Happy Hour Round Up

It’s Friday! You have most definitely earned that 5pm (or 4:30) drink. Luckily, there are a lot of spots in Portland to quench your happy hour thirst. And we are aware that the list of gluten-free friendly spots keeps growing. Indeed, our list of Happy Hour Spots is going to be overhauled this weekend, and we’d love to know your feedback. Where do you go for a drink these days? What places do we add to our list?  We just saw the new gluten-free menu at Widmer’s Gasthaus, which looks like it pairs beautifully with their awesome new Omission beer. The Sweet Hereafter is supposed to have a tasty GF happy hour, Saucebox downtown is showing off a new menu…. What else are we missin? Give us a shout, reply to this post, or leave us a note on our website! And regardless of where you end up, make it a good one!