Anheuser-Busch launches sorghum beer

Targeted at consumers following a wheat-free or gluten-free diet, the beverage, called Redbridge, will be sold in stores carrying organic products and restaurants.

Sorghum, the primary ingredient in Redbridge, is a safe grain for those allergic to wheat or gluten. It is grown in the United States, Africa, Southern Europe, Central America and Southern Asia.

Sorghum beers have been available internationally for years and are popular in many African countries.

"We set out to create a fine, hand-crafted specialty beer made without wheat or barley,"​ said Angie Minges, product manager, Anheuser-Busch.

"We've made Redbridge nationally available to make sure adults who experience wheat allergies or who choose a gluten-free or wheat-free diet can enjoy the kind of beer that fits their lifestyle."​

Redbridge contains 4.8 per cent alcohol per 12-ounce serving. It will be available in 12-ounce, six-pack bottles. Redbridge is brewed at the Anheuser-Busch Merrimack, N.H., brewery.

Anheuser-Busch worked with the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) during the development of Redbridge to get a better understanding of the needs of consumers who are leading gluten-free or wheat-free lifestyles.

Celiac disease, caused by an intolerance to gluten, the protein found in wheat, rye and barley, is said to affect an average of one in 300 people in Europe and the US. In Germany the figure is higher at one in 200, while the UK reports a figure of one in 100.

Food intolerance and food allergies appear to be a growing problem.Though true food allergy is comparatively rare, affecting perhaps 8 per cent of children and 4 per cent of adults, food intolerance is more common.

Based in St. Louis, Anheuser Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 48.8 percent share of US beer sales. Anheuser Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico's leading brewer, and a 27 percent share in Tsingtao, the No. 1 brewer in China.