New Wheat Crop Research

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Can you imagine a gluten free Hefe style beer?

Sometimes it is easy to forget what an amazing time we live in. The technological advances that seem to come out on a daily basis are absolutely staggering. Video calls. Self-driving cars. Civilian travel to space…it all seems like something out of Star Trek or The Jetsons.

With all of the hype around these sorts of advances, revolutions in farming and other agricultural pursuits often find themselves overshadowed. Fear not! We’re here to bring you some exciting news regarding groundbreaking discoveries in wheat production that may just help those of you living with Celiac disease.

In a recent article published by Food Chemistry, scientists shared the results of an ongoing study that “analyzed various kinds of wheat from several countries, all produced in the same agronomic year (2013-2014)… in order to assess what relationship there was between various kinds of wheat and their toxicity.” Specifically, a gluten protein called gliadin is known to be more toxic to Celiacs than other proteins. Within gliadins, the researchers then focused on T-lymphocytes (T-cells) that are also found within the human immune system.

The entirety of the article can be found here, but at its core, the research indicates that there is the possibility of removing some of these toxic elements within wheat, which could eventually lead to the safe consumption of specific genetic strains of wheat by those who suffer from Celiac disease.

While we wait for this science to become more sound and prevalent, we wait patiently. In the meantime, we’re happy knowing that we at New Planet Beer are creating tasty ales for our fellow gluten sensitive friends!

So, next time you’re Facetiming with family or friends around the world, crack open a New Planet Beer and toast the scientists, farmers, and dreamers…they make this world an exciting one to live in!

New Planet Beer: Blonde Ale

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Blonde Ale

We’re not sure what the weather is like where you are, but here in Colorado (New Planet’s home base), we’ve had an unseasonably warm fall. Only now is it starting to feel a bit more like winter.

If you’re familiar with the beer world, it will come as no surprise to you that lots of craft breweries and “the big boys” inundate shelves of your local liquor store with seasonal offerings for fall and winter brews. And we’re fine with that!

But, with all of those seasonal beers available, it’s easy to forget that sometimes you just want your “tried and true” Go To beer.

Enter New Planet’s Blonde Ale. Pouring a light straw color and clear as a summer day, this beer feels like summer in your glass, even if it’s snowing and -10 outside!

Our Blonde Ale is 100% gluten free and offers a crisp, refreshing alternative to some of the heavier, spicier offerings available this time of year.

Next time you have friends over and are sitting by the fireplace, surprise them by pouring this reformulated (more on this below!) bad boy. We’re willing to bet that they’ll not only appreciate the surprise palette changer, but wait before you tell them it is gluten-free. If you’re so inclined, take a picture of their first (or last!) sip and post it to Instagram with the hashtag #NewPlanetBeer.

Our new formulation is the real deal.  It starts with 100% gluten free Colorado millet grain (rather than sorghum extract), harvested and malted in Colorado by a family-owned farm and malter. It is then combined with fresh American hops to our pure Rocky Mountain water. Simplicity certainly has its virtues!

Happy Holidays and cheers to Blondes!

 

 

 

Gluten Sensitivity Revealed

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Gluten SensitivityIf you ask around, just about everyone has an opinion on “gluten-free,” Celiac Disease, or gluten-sensitivity. Often times, their opinions are misinformed and can be insulting, especially to people who have Celiac Disease (CD) or are gluten-sensitive.

For those of you (or your friends) who have CD or have gluten-sensitivity, you’ve probably heard the snide comments from friends or family saying that it’s “made up” or “all in your head.” The unfortunate reality is that many people are just under-educated on the matter and don’t have all of the facts.

Luckily, it seems many people are beginning to understand CD a bit better and do treat it as a “real” disease. The conversation can often veer off track, though, when the concept and condition of gluten-sensitivity is discussed.

Again, many people (incorrectly) believe that gluten-sensitivity is in your head. Thanks to a recent study published by Columbia University Medical Center, that perception will hopefully change very soon. While gluten-sensitivity varies greatly on a microscopic level from CD, there is compelling evidence that some individuals don’t digest wheat gluten, barley, or rye the same way others do. When blood samples and intestinal biopsies were taken from individuals with CD and those who were self-described as “gluten-sensitive” and analyzed, researchers found that those who reported a gluten sensitivity had leaky gut (whereby proteins and toxins actually permeate the intestine and make their way into the bloodstream).

So, what does this mean? It means that gluten-sensitivity is real. Unfortunately, it is much harder to diagnose than CD, which means many people may go through life eating gluten products and not understanding why they feel miserable.

However, the more the general public understands the distinct differences between CD and gluten-sensitivity, and the less taboo gluten-sensitivity becomes in society, the better off people who may have gluten-sensitivity will be.

Thankfully, brewers across America are beginning to educate themselves more about their patrons’ tastes and dietary needs. New Planet Beer has been offering gluten-free and gluten-reduced beers since 2009 and continues to be at the forefront of the gluten-free beer revolution. With beer that still packs all the flavor, characteristics, and all-around goodness that craft beer has to offer, look for New Planet Beer in a liquor store near you.

 

Growing Trend Gluten Free Beer

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The Growing Trend for Gluten-Free Beer

growing trend gluten free beerIf you’re reading this blog, you’re probably a lot like us: after a long day, or when you’re ready to unwind, very few things sound as good as a great beer. If this describe’s you, don’t worry, you’re not alone: studies show that the average American drinks about 23 gallons or 9 cases of beer annually. Nice.

Like all good things, beer is great in moderation. For those among us who have gluten intolerance and those who are diagnosed with celiac disease, the simple act of enjoying a beer can have more serious consequences. This often includes digestive issues, abdominal pain, joint pain, skin rashes, and may eventually lead to intestinal damage. And that can be a bummer.

What isn’t a bummer, though, is that breweries are recognizing this and are filling kegs, bottles, and cans to provide suitable options to consumers.

As more breweries learn how to craft and produce quality, gluten-free or gluten-reduced ales and lagers, the number of choices of gluten-conscious beers is steadily increasing. In fact, if today you were to attempt to drink a different gluten-free beer every day, you’d be able to drink a unique brew for 60 days…not bad, right?

Here’s the best part: as brewers rise to the challenge of creating quality gluten-free beers, they challenge one another to make these beers as similar to “normal” beers as possible. This means that you can take your friends to one of these breweries and they may not even know that they’re not drinking a beer made with traditional beer ingredients.

New Planet Beer has been at the forefront of this movement since 2009. We strive to make beer that people love and want to drink. We offer a wide array of gluten-free and gluten-reduced beer, giving you a chance to choose something that suits you. So  pick up a six pack and enjoy. Cheers!

4 Reasons Drinking Beer is Good for You

4 Reasons Drinking Beer is Good for You

4 Reasons Drinking Beer is Good for You

A stout or a hearty porter is the perfect beverage to keep you warm on a cold winter night. A cold lager is refreshing on a summer afternoon.

Drinking beer is one of the things that many of us enjoy. Did you know that there are tons of reasons to love a good brew?

Here are 4 reasons drinking beer is good for you:

  1. Fights cancer

You may think that it’s better to crack open a bottle of wine at the end of the day, but you’ll be better off with a bottle of beer. Researchers from Germany have discovered that beer can help prevent cancer.

Xanthohumol is a potent antioxidant that inhibits cancer-causing enzymes. This is found only in hops. This flavonoid can block excessive estrogen and testosterone; thereby, potentially reducing the risk for breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.

  1. It’s good for your bones

Studies suggest that dark, hoppy ales can increase your bone density. In fact, moderate beer consumption is said to help fight osteoporosis.  This is because they have a significant amount of silicon which contributes to bone and connective tissue health.

  1. Keeps the heart happy

High blood pressure can be linked to a wide variety of diseases. Research suggests that beer can help lower a person’s risk of hypertension. According to a group of researchers from Harvard, moderate beer drinkers are less likely to suffer from high blood pressure as compared to non-drinkers. In addition, it also reduces the risk heart attack and death from cardiovascular disease.

  1. It keeps your kidneys healthy

According to a study that was conducted by a group of Finnish researchers, regular beer consumption can lower a man’s risk of developing kidney stones by up to 40%. Since beer is considered to be a diuretic, beer drinkers are expected to have more frequent trips to the bathroom, which aids in keeping kidneys functioning properly.

Keep, in mind, though, that beer should only be drank in moderation. Cheers to your health!

Resources:
Beer fights cancer – http://www.upi.com/Cancer-fighting-agent-found-in-beer/58871199121767/

Beer is good for the bones – http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/news/20100208/beer-for-better-bones

Beer keeps the heart healthy – http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3584448/A-beer-day-keeps-heart-attack-bay-one-reduces-risk-disease-quarter.html

Beer keeps your kidneys healthy – Beer & Kidney Stones | Nutrihealth.in

 

Seclusion IPA

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New Planet Beer’s Seclusion IPA

Seclusion IPAColorado is widely recognized as the Mecca of the craft brew industry. It leads the nation in terms of innovation and taste. One particular area in craft beer that people are noticing is that there is the lack of gluten-free or gluten-reduced options available in the market.

A large segment of the population is intolerant to gluten or is trying to reduce the amount of gluten in their diet. As a result, they avoid drinking beer that contains gluten. The good news is that New Planet Beer is offering both gluten-free and gluten-reduced beer, and seclusion IPA is the latter.

It is certainly not an easy task to brew gluten-free beer. What’s equally challenging is to produce gluten-free or gluten reduced beer that is the same malty, carbonated beverage Americans have come to love. New Planet Beer is passionate about providing everyone with a good brew whether they are gluten sensitive or not.

New Planet Brewery entered Seclusion IPA into the Denver International Beer Competition in 2015where it won a gold medal in the Gluten-Reduced Category.

Seclusion IPA is brewed with barley which does contain gluten. New Planet Beer uses a special process to remove the vast majority of gluten from the finished product, while still retaining its beer character.

The taste and mouthful is where Seclusion IPA really excels. It has a light breadiness balanced with tropical fruit, citrus and floral character. It is robust and aromatic with just the right amount of bitterness. The color is a light copper and has the perfect level of carbonation to aerate those complex flavors and aromas which it contains. It has a light and fluffy white head that persists to the end.

Because of Seclusion’s bold and complex nature, it is best paired with foods such as grilled steak with a caramelized crust, salty or fried snacks, Mexican fajitas or Indian curries.

 

Are Hops Gluten Free round 2

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Are Hops Gluten Free?

Are Hops Gluten Free?Are hops gluten free?  We will answer that question in a moment.

A lot of people may think that there isn’t anything special about a hop plant. It doesn’t have a lot of uses, it only pops out valuable flowers once a year and is susceptible to pests and diseases.

It turns out, this plant possesses many health benefits.  It is used as an aid for insomnia, anxiety and other sleep disorders. Because of its antibacterial properties, they are also used in skin creams and lotions. Most importantly, hops play a huge role in the production of one of America’s well-loved beverage . . .beer.

What are hops?

Hops are the cone-like flowers of a female climbing plant in the cannabis family. At the base of the petals, you’ll find a gland that produces tiny yellow globules called lupulins. These contain the resins and essential oils that are so prized by brewers.

Hops are one of the basic ingredients in beer. Beer wouldn’t be beer without hops. They are extensively used in brewing due to the bitterness, flavor and aroma they impart with in the beer. It balances the sweetness of malt with bitterness and provides complex flavors and a refreshing finish.

During the 18th century, brewers began transporting ales to India. After fermentation, hops were added directly to the cask to preserve the beer and keep it fresh over the several months of voyage to India. By the end of the journey, the beer had acquired the flavor and aroma of hops. This was how the India Pale Ale was developed.

 Are Hops Gluten Free?

Beer is made using yeast, grain, water and hops. In case you’re wondering, yes, hops are gluten free. The gluten in most beers usually comes from grains that are used in the brewing process such as barley, wheat and rye.

Gluten free beer is relatively new in the world of brewing. In fact, only a handful of brewers from around the world are producing 100% gluten-free beer – New Planet Beer being one of them.

 

Double Seclusion IPA

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Double Seclusion IPA

Double Seclusion IPA on tap

Tapping this Friday at 3PM:

Double Seclusion IPA:  Seclusion’s BIG Brother; 80 IBU and 7.7% ABV!

You asked for it and now we have it on tap!

BIG hoppy aromas and nice and smooth!

Spring Flours Gluten Free Gala 5/6/16

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Join us at the

Spring Flours – Gluten Free Gala

May 6, 2016

Chicago Cultural Center

 

Spring Flours Event BannerSince 2007, some of Chicago’s best bakers and restaurateurs have gathered each year for an evening featuring gourmet gluten-free cuisine to sell-out crowds. The event is like no other—it allows diners and chefs to interact directly in a shared appreciation of wonderful food and a great cause.

 

This year, New Planet Beer will be among the libations offered at Spring Flours. Be sure to give our gluten free beers a taste as you enjoy the evening!

New Planet is Featured on the Daily Camera

screencapofarticleThe Daily Camera has given us a write-up, all about the introduction of our brand new reduced-gluten beers.

It goes without saying that Colorado’s craft beer industry leads the nation in taste and innovation. Here in the Boulder area, we’re spoiled beyond belief. People figure that out when they travel to other states and find the choices in craft beer limited to just a handful. Coming home to our dizzying array of craft beer, tap rooms and brewery tours…well, we’re the envy of the nation.

If there’s a downside to our craft beer culture, it’s the din of so many new beers and new brewers. How can a player in our beer scene cut through the noise and get their latest brew off the ground and into the frosty mugs of new patrons? It’s a challenge that Boulder’s New Planet Brewery has gladly taken on with a pair of groundbreaking new beers: Seclusion IPA and Tread Lightly Ale.

Thanks to the Daily Camera for such a great article! Be sure you check out the full article.

Read the full article here.

Beers featured in the article: