Lakefront New Grist Sorghum Beer

Brewed by Lakefront Brewery
Style: Specialty Grain
Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA

Slight malt aroma. Very pale yellow, just a couple of bits of foam that disappeared quickly. Pretty bland flavors with a hint of hops in it and a slightly citric aftertaste. If I was unable to have gluten, this would at least provide some of the concept of beer, so I can’t really pan it, but it isn’t something I’ll look for. I applaud the initiative.

It pours with a billowing white head, but thats the best part of the appearence by far. the color is thin yellowy color, that doesnt look appitizing. Although there was some serious carbonation throughout. The aroma is nice ... when you strain to find it. Its carboard, grass, wheat, rice, lemon/citrus, etc. The palate is nice and smooth, almost like a cream/vanilla beer. and the flavor is ... interesting. Not like (m)any beers I’ve had before. Its creamy, yet at the same time wheat and grassy. Not a whole lot of normal beer flavors, but its a soghum beer, what can you expect I guess.

For some reason I’ve always wanted to try this brew ever since it came out. Thanks to a bonus bottle sent by awaller05, I finally got my chance. Thanks Andy! -- Lakefront New Grist Beer "Made from Sorghum and Rice Extract" pours a clear light gold color and has a bubbly white head. There is a moderate amout of visible carbonation. The aroma and flavor a unique and difficult to pin down since I haven’t had much sorghum before. The aroma reminds me a little of butterscotch or toffee. The flavor is like a generic white wine with some light apple cider qualities. There is a little bit of a sourness toward the finish. This beer is light bodied and fairly smooth. Overall it is different and somewhat refreshing. I’m glad that I finally tried this brew, but will probably not revisit it again. 12 oz bottle (MAR WK1 2006) from awaller05.

This really isn’t terrible, if you consider what it is. I wouldn’t recommend this for the average person, but if you have celiac, then by all means have at it and have a beer. And for those people, here’s the rating I’d do for a normal beer: From the bottle, pours a pale yellowish color with a decently foamy head. Smells almost like a hefe--bananas, some grapes and raisins too. Taste is also similar to a non-descript hefe at first, and finishes without a great aftertaste. Bananas, bubblegum, which gives way to raisins, grapes, kind of like a cheap boxed chardonnay. Again, not something I’d choose to drink again, but if you can’t drink normal beer, learn to love this one.

Pours clear pale with a small white head. Aroma of bread with citrus and sorghum. Taste follows aroma which is not necessarily a good thing. Made me cringe toward the end. Not sure I want to make a sorghum stout now.

(12oz bottle, brewed July 06) Small white head atop clear straw body. Aroma is medium sweet, lime, some lemon, light bread. Taste is medium sweet, lime, grain -- caused a serious wince on the first taste but a couple of sips in it was somewhat tolerable. Light body, low carbonation. If this is the best gluten-free beer, I hope I never develop a gluten allergy.

Interesting change of pace experience but wouldn’t buy it again. I like the dry bitterness but not the accompanying sweetness. Gluten/barley-free yeast is no big deal unless you have a rare allergy. At least my curiosity about a all-sorghum is satisfied.

New Grist has a very complex flavor and finish. It’s syrupy on the palate with many flavors circling through the mouth. Much sweeter than any other ale I have tried. My first reaction to New Grist was, "What the hell is this." The taste and experience is very unexpected. After finishing a bottle, I found myself pleased with the experience. This is a very different beer that is not for all occasions. It’s dark amber color and thick taste is good for a cold evening by the fireplace. This beer is not for everyone and I can certainly understand the negative remarks - either you will love New Grist or you will hate it, both opinions being valid.