Did you know that other ingredients such as coriander, orange and even nuts can be added during the brewing process to add flavour to the hops? Mildly interesting if you like real ale but if you have an allergy to any of these things, that little fact is quite alarming. Could this pose a problem for those with allergies? What happens to the allergenicity of coriander, for example, during the brewing process? Will it mean there isn’t a risk of an allergic reaction? or that people with this allergy should be careful and avoid certain beer varieties? And is there the same risk of cross contamination in beer making as there is with other food manufacturing processes?
It’s usually only Belgian and American Pale Ales which experiment with these other ingrdients, such as the coriander. So far I’ve only found instances of American beer with nuts included. Always stay on guard as imports and exports are much easier now, and if you’re travelling – be very careful.
There are a growing number of gluten free beers on the market now including Greens, St Peters and Estrella Damm, to name just a few. You probably know that most normal beer contains gluten and yeast, but watch out for these other strange beers. Beer can be flavoured and preserved with many things, including coriander, orange, lemon and other spices, as well as the usual hops; it’s the different varieties of hops which give particular real ales their distinctive flavours. If you’re unsure, contact the brewer. They are usually very helpful and will know exactly what’s gone into each brew – so proud of their recipes, which helps.
This reminded me of a blog post I read months ago by Elizabeth Goldenberg of One Spot Allergy blog, Allergic to beer. In it she lists some particular Canadian and American beers which contain milk, almonds and even peanut butter! Peanut butter beer? Really? That, to me, sounds like the fruit-in-main-meal debate – it just shouldn’t be done.
All this was sparked off when faced with the usually appetising array of real ales on offer in my local pub. Normally I stick with the lower alcohol varieties and am a creature of habit – well this week a local brewery, Rebellion in Marlow, are doing a Roasted Nut Ale.
Do not fear though, fellow nut allergic real ale lovers – this beer contains no nuts. Rebellion replied to me almost immediately – always nice to have a speedy response to a question.
Do you enjoy real ale and have allergies? Ever had a reaction from beer? Alcohol now has to include ingredient warnings if any of the main allergens are included in the recipe, so always check the label, and stick to beers you know if you’re out and about and unsure. Safe drinking!
I guess “Roasted Nuts” as a beer name is for a different reason: either it’s the taste or it’s what happens to a bloke who has had too many when he gets home to his wife/partner.
Ken I think you’re right. Although being very sensitive to the smell and taste of nuts, having an allergy myself to peanuts, beer tastes nothing like nuts! If it did I wouldn’t drink it, but I know what you mean. I just got a bit panicked. Glad I’m safe for now and looking forward to tasting this ‘roasted nuts’ beer myself. Sounds like you have much experience in the latter ‘roasted nuts’ problem!
Those allergic to coriander should stay away from beers brewed with it. It will remain allergenic. When in doubt, avoid wheat and spiced beers.