There was once a time when gluten-free beer was only a sacrilegious idea. After all, can you really brew a decent beer without barley? Tribe Breweries have proven those nay-sayers wrong, and have created a drink that was desperately needed by coeliacs and gluten-intolerant folk. Around Melbourne is always on the hunt for a great gluten-free hook-up, and were lucky enough to learn more about the Wilde gluten-free brew from Roland Thiemann, Head of Innovation at Tribe Breweries. If you had ruled out beer due to an allergy or intolerance, then Wilde is absolutely worth trying.
Let’s find out how Tribe Breweries have put beer back on the menu, and what drives their thirst for innovation in the brewery space.
Tell us about Tribe, what beers and brands are under your umbrella?
Wilde beers are distributed in Australia by Tribe Breweries, leaders in the craft beer space. Founded in 2012, Tribe Breweries partner with other brewers across Australia to further grow the craft space, with their foundational brand Stockade receiving multiple awards and being one of the fastest-growing independent craft beer brands in the country. Tribe breweries currently facilitate and distributes the following brands in Australia:
- Stockade Brew Co.
- Wilde Gluten Free
- Pabst Blue Ribbon
- Mornington Peninsula Brewery
You can find our popular beers in bottle shops, pubs, bars and clubs all over Australia.
What made you want to pursue a Gluten-Free option?
Beer and Gluten-Free are words not usually used together, with a typical beer recipe rich in gluten agents. The Gluten-Free beer market continues to expand rapidly in Australia, with a valuation of $375 Million USD in 2020. With a forecasted CAGR of 9.16%, Gluten-Free beer in Australia is predicted to reach a net worth of $588 million USD by 2026. As we see Gluten-Free alternatives being introduced in the food and beverage sector, a quality beer option was lacking. Wilde is thrilled to be able to introduce Crisp Lager to the Australian market as this robust growth occurs; providing another delicious alternative for those with Coeliac Disease or looking to reduce their gluten intake due to our health or personal reasons.
How does the Wilde Gluten-Free range differ from traditional brewing methods?
Barley is a core ingredient in every beer recipe, but it contains gluten. The Wilde Gluten-Free beer is made with Sorghum instead. Sorghum is frequently overlooked by beer producers, because of the difficulties to brew with it. What many people don’t realise, however, is that sorghum actually has many great health benefits and is highly nutritious with a good amount of iron, but also, it is the better choice for our farmers!
Since sorghum is drought resistant and demands significantly less water than other grains, it makes it the perfect base from which to brew Wilde Crisp Lager. One of the frequent comments we get about the Wilde range is that it tastes just like beer, so you can be assured that your six-pack will be exactly like the real thing – without the gluten side effects.
Where can people find your beers and importantly the Wilde Gluten-Free?
Wilde Gluten Free will be available to purchase from leading retailers including First Choice and Liquorland. Coeliac Disease currently affects 1 in 70 Aussies, however, 80% remain undiagnosed. Gluten, while innocuous to those unaffected, can provide significant discomfort to coeliacs and those who are gluten intolerant. Until now, this has meant that gluten-rich products have been off the menu. Wilde Gluten Free is proud to be endorsed by the leading national body, Coeliac Australia.
What has been the best feedback so far about your beers?
Australian gluten-free beer has historically been underwhelming but Wilde has nailed the brief! Don’t believe us? Try our Crisp Lager and Pale Ale! Tribe Brewery is always looking to expand its brands and portfolio. Especially the better-for-you space with low- and no alcohol beers, low carb and Gluten-Free growth segments that we will certainly, launch further products in.
The team at Around Melbourne are huge fans of Wilde Gluten-Free and the Tribe Breweries brand that continues to create and distribute top beers. Visit the Tribe Brewery website and also check out our list of Melbourne’s top gluten-free bakeries.
