Chicago-based MillerCoors LLC, which brews much of its beer in Milwaukee, is introducing its first 100 percent gluten-free beer. Called Coors Peak Copper Lager, it will be available beginning Feb. 1 in Seattle and Portland, Ore.
While it is brewed in Milwaukee, Coors Peak Copper Lager will only be available for now in Seattle and Portland as part of a pilot test.
If the beer does well in those markets, the company said it may, in the next couple years, expand its manufacturing capacity and make the beer available nationwide.
Currently the manufacturing capacity is limited because the Coors Peak Copper Lager requires a rigorous manufacturing process conducted on a separate line in order to avoid cross-contamination with the gluten made in MillerCoors’ other products.
For now, Seattle and Portland were chosen because they are historically strong MillerCoors markets and they have a strong tie to natural foods. In addition to being gluten-free, Coors Peak Copper Lager is made with 100 percent natural, non-GMO ingredients.
The Coors Peak Copper Lager is made with malted brown rice, brown rice, hops, water, sugar and protein from pees.
MillerCoors describes the Coors Peak Copper Lager as a balanced and bright medium-bodied beer with a low bitterness rating.
Although the Coors Peak Copper Lager is its first gluten-free beer, MillerCoors makes two gluten-free ciders: Crispin Cider and Smith & Forge Hard Cider.
