Gluten- and wheat-free beer launched

May 21, 2005: Hambleton Ales' GFB has become the first British-brewed gluten- and wheat-free beer!

GFB was developed in response to the growing consumer awareness of intolerance of certain food and drink ingredients. Gluten is a substance found in wheat, barley and rye which can cause damage to the process of absorbing nutrients and vitamins in the body.

Hambleton sponsored a rigorous research and development programme which included drinker research at specialist food fairs. Demand to buy even before the launch threatened to exhaust the samples available.

A tawny beer with aromas of Cascade, Liberty and Challenger hops, plus specially-prepared dark sugars, provide full bodied initial sweetness giving way to pronounced fruit and hop character with a strong citrus finish.

Its formulation and unique filtration method means GFB delivers the full flavour and satisfaction expected from a British beer.

At 4.2% ABV GFB is also similar to the average alcoholic strength of British beers. Produced in standard 500ml bottles for £2.79 excluding p&p and initially available through mail order, it is being launched to the traditional off-licensed trade, including supermarkets.

GFB bottles carry the quality endorsement of the UK's leading brewing society, the Society of Independent Brewers, and are licensed to carry the crossed-grain logo, the stamp of approval from the Coeliac Society.