I know, alcohol is on my bad foods list, but, it's pretty impossible to give up alcohol completely when you're used to social drinking with your friends and having a nice glass of wine to relax after a long week. With that being said, I'm a huge beer and wine fan, and would be willing to try something new and different if I could feel less bloated after drinking it and am able to enjoy it without the fear of stomach pain later.
Today Brad and I are trying a fun local joint in South Knoxville called Alliance Brewing Company. Opening their doors just last summer, they're already brewing their own stuff on site and distributing it to popular local vendors. This place has a fun and hip aesthetic from the outside, and is a great gathering place for you and your friends after a hike in the Smokies or a bike ride through Ijams, both great things for getting your body in shape and feeling good! This place promotes an "active beer culture", which to me, already sounds like a healthy and fit way to enjoy an adult beverage! Our mission on this Saturdate is to find a refreshing summer drink that I can enjoy without feeling the negative effects of later. Alliance Brewing Company offers two gluten free ciders and currently have a gluten free beer in the works.
Today Brad and I are trying a fun local joint in South Knoxville called Alliance Brewing Company. Opening their doors just last summer, they're already brewing their own stuff on site and distributing it to popular local vendors. This place has a fun and hip aesthetic from the outside, and is a great gathering place for you and your friends after a hike in the Smokies or a bike ride through Ijams, both great things for getting your body in shape and feeling good! This place promotes an "active beer culture", which to me, already sounds like a healthy and fit way to enjoy an adult beverage! Our mission on this Saturdate is to find a refreshing summer drink that I can enjoy without feeling the negative effects of later. Alliance Brewing Company offers two gluten free ciders and currently have a gluten free beer in the works.
This joint opened at noon and when we arrived there were already people enjoying drinks at the bar and patio, the staff was extremely friendly and informative and gave excellent recommendations of their favorite beers and products. I decided to try both the gluten free ciders, the Ciderboys Peach County and the Blackthorn Apple Cider. Both of these ciders tasted fantastic, and felt no different then any other beer or cider. The first cider, the Peach County, was light and sweet and perfect for a hot summer day in the south. These peach flavors were perfect without being overwhelming and had a beautiful straw color to it making it a really pretty brew in a glass. The second cider, the Blackthorn was just as delicious, but with a dry taste for those of you who don't care for drinks on the sweeter side. It was crisp and refreshing, but again not too heavy. Because I tend to favor things with a more tart taste, this was the perfect cider choice for me.
The Alliance Brewing Company was the perfect spot to preview these delicious ciders because they were able to offer up great service and conveyed their authority as beer experts. I chatted with Head Brewer Adam Ingles shared his inspiration for creating a gluten free beer,
The Alliance Brewing Company was the perfect spot to preview these delicious ciders because they were able to offer up great service and conveyed their authority as beer experts. I chatted with Head Brewer Adam Ingles shared his inspiration for creating a gluten free beer,
"MY WIFE IS CELIAC SO TRUST ME, AS HEAD BREWER, I HAVE A VERY GOOD REASON TO MAKE SURE THESE TASTE LIKE REAL BEER AND NOT WATER PANCAKE BATTER."
While his gluten free beer is not ready yet, the products he did serve did not disappoint. I think the best part about this whole experience was the rest of the day, I felt great all day and wasn't bogged down from feeling overly full or bloated and still being able to be active throughout the rest of the day, which is something I've always struggled with when drinking beer. I can confidently say, that now, every time I go out for a drink with my girlfriends, or trivia with the boys, I will go with a gluten free brew.
So whether you have dietary restrictions to wheat or gluten, or you just want to try something new and different. I would highly recommend going gluten free with your beer! The taste and lightness of these two were enough of a reason for me to make the switch but the positive effects it had on my body were exactly what I was looking for. Beer is one of my favorite weekend treats and now, this indulgence can feel a lot better. For those not local to the Knoxville area, look for your local Brewers that may have alternative choices for alcohol, or pick up your favorite gluten free beverages from the super market.