When thinking about what Canadian brewery has the most awards to its name, a strictly gluten-free brewery is not likely to be the first one to come to mind. Nevertheless, Quebec based Glutenberg has surpassed expectations and has come to be one of the World’s leading gluten-free brewers.
First a bit of background on Glutenberg.
In 2010, the idea of brewing a gluten-free beer in Quebec was first discussed by two long-time friends and entrepreneurs. One of the co-founders, who had been living with gluten intolerance for several years, remained dissatisfied with the gluten-free beer on the market. He and his partner then saw a unique opportunity to meet a growing need and to realize what both of them had long dreamed of: running their own business.
In 2011, after more than a year of research and development, the company’s very first beer was launched on the Quebec market: the Glutenberg Blonde. Shortly afterwards, the Pale Ale Américaine and the Rousse followed, allowing the brewery to end its first year of existence with three core beers to their name.
It did not take long for Glutenberg to start making waves. The microbrewery enjoyed its very first international success at the 2012 World Beer Cup, where Glutenberg beers won all three medals in the “Gluten-Free Beer” category at the world’s most prestigious brewing competition. This recognition sped up demand, and these days Glutenberg sells half of their entire production into the US.
They have also expanded their lineup to include ten different beers including a Gose, Stout, Double IPA and even a non-alcoholic beer.
So how exactly does Glutenberg hold the title for Canada’s most awarded brewery? Besides the international recognitions, Gluntenberg has either swept, or taken the majority of the awards in the Gluten-free category at the Canadian Brewing Awards every single year. This domination gives them more collective awards than any other Canadian brewery, despite the awards being in only a single category.
Now if you think that’s not impressive enough, consider this: in a pack field of craft beer across Canada, the Gluntenberg Red won the 2020 Craft Beer of the Year at the Canadian Brewing Awards. Yes, a gluten-free beer beat out hundreds of other Canadian craft beer.
Clearly the brewery has proven that gluten-free beers don’t need to compromise on taste. By using ingredients like millet, buckwheat, corn, quinoa and amaranth the brewery has found incredibly flavourful ways of creating an 100% gluten-free beer that has impressed a global audience. In fact, the brewery is practically a given in the gluten-free category at most award shows, which is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the craft.
Fortunately, they are also fairly easy to find as well. They have distribution across all of Canada and most of the US, so if you’re looking for a good gluten-free option, Glutenberg should be a no brainer.
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