Lakefront Brewery – Milwaukee, WI
ABV: 5.0% | IBU: 10 | Color: Pale Gold | Body: Light
This week’s pour isn’t just a beer - it’s a milestone. New Grist from Lakefront Brewery holds the title of being the first gluten-free beer in the U.S. to receive federal approval. Back in 2005, when most breweries were still figuring out how to throw extra hops into everything, Lakefront was busy convincing the government to create a new category just so people with celiac disease could have a decent beer. That’s commitment.
New Grist is brewed without wheat or barley. Instead, it blends rice extract, sorghum, and malted millet with Chinook and Lemondrop hops to create a beer that pours pale gold and drinks clean and snappy. It doesn’t try to mimic a traditional pilsner - it does its own thing, and it does it well. There’s a soft sweetness, a bit of citrus from the hops, and a slightly tart, white-wine-like finish. Gluten-free or not, this beer earns its spot in your fridge.
Now let’s talk about where it comes from.
Lakefront Brewery has been doing things their own way since 1987, when brothers Russ and Jim Klisch started brewing in a former bakery using repurposed dairy tanks. Their first sale? A keg rolled down the street to the local tavern. Gotta love Milwaukee.
They’ve grown a bit since then - now brewing over 40,000 barrels annually from their converted coal-fired power plant on the Milwaukee River. Along the way, they’ve pioneered organic brewing, built one of the most popular brewery tours in the country (yes, you drink beer during the tour), and even helped revive Wisconsin’s local hop and barley industry.
But it’s not all history and hometown pride. Lakefront stays relevant by constantly innovating. From their Cherry Lager to the all-local Wisconsinite beer, they’ve proven they’re not afraid to experiment - especially if it means making something better, more sustainable, or more inclusive. New Grist is a perfect example of that spirit.
So whether you’re gluten-intolerant or just gluten-curious, this is one to try. It’s not flashy. It’s not bitter. But it’s got a story - and sometimes, that’s the best part of the beer.
See you next week. Until then, stay crafty and maybe thank your local brewer for pushing the envelope.
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