Over the past few years the world of gluten free beer and cider has exploded. From IPAs to Strawberry Ale we have plenty of options, including even beers made from the more traditional ingredients of Barley. But how is it that these beers are gluten free?

Well, they aren’t technically gluten free but they are gluten removed. This means that they are crafted to remove gluten by adding a deglutening agent that strips gluten down during the brewing process. One of these beers is Daura Damm. Made in Spain, this beer is said to have less than 3ppm of gluten after the brewing process. While I have had this beer in the past I was lucky enough to recently get sent a case of their beer to share with friends, and I’ll say it came in handy at a set of recent events including taco night and a beer potluck.

Daura Damm has a natural barley flavor which we all agreed tasted like a premium quality craft beer. It resembles Stella in taste, but is slightly more mild in flavor. Further, there’s a good kick to it at the end of each sip that rounds the whole experience out well. It is also rather versatile, and worked well as a base for cheddar beer fondue.

Out of the many folks (gluten free and non gluten free) I had try one, they all agreed they enjoyed it and rated it on average a 7.5 out of 10. Many also said they would buy it again if they saw it was in a store, and I sure would too.

Please note I am not endorsing gluten removed beers, and believe that drinking them is up to the individual’s comfort level. I myself will drink them and haven’t had any reactions. Gluten removal in beer is a controversial process as far as some in the gluten free community are concerned, the main reason being that it is a newer science and there is concern that gluten molecules aren’t necessarily being detected. However, gluten removed beers do get tested with the methods that are available and all seem to be under 20ppm (the European and American standard below which something is considered gluten free). So with that in mind, the decision of trying them is up to you. But, if you are comfortable enough with drinking them give Daura Damm a try!