Dock Street Brings Back Gluten-Free Beer Sudan Grass Ale
For a third year in a row, Dock Street is brewing a small batch of the sought after Sudan Grass Ale. This sorghum ale is inspired by the traditional fermented sorghum beverages found in Africa.
Known as pombe in East Africa, bil-bil in Cameroon, or burukuto in Nigeria, these sorghum beers play an important role in African culture throughout the entire continent. They provide nutritional sustenance, help protect against disease and infection and are used in ceremonial practice.
Sorghum is a grass that is now produced commercially all over the world, but is believed to have been originally cultivated in Sub-Saharan Africa, and perhaps in Yemen and Sudan, around the time of 100 CE. This is the only area where it still grows wildly today and serves as the inspiration for the name of the beer.
Not only does sorghum have special importance to certain African cultures, but it can also satisfy the beer desires of anyone suffering from Celiac’s disease. This grain is one of only a few that can be used to produce “gluten-free” beer.
Our take on the traditional African beer is fermented with gluten-free yeast, and was brewed with a combination of sorghum and wildflower honey (locally sourced from Pennsylvania). Sudan Grass Ale is spiced in the kettle with hibiscus, rose hips, rooibos and lemon grass. Like its traditional counter-part, Sudan Grass is served unfiltered which explains its natural cloudy appearance. Slightly tart and fruity in flavour, it is reminiscent of a cider or mead. The Sudan Grass stays true to Dock Street’s philosophy of brewing great, artisanal beers and pushing the boundaries with fresh, uncommon beers as we continue on our constant pursuit of hoppiness. We are very proud to bring back the distinctive Sudan Grass Ale.
Will be available on tap at Dock Street Brewery and Restaurant and through our wholesaler, Origlio Beverage, for a very limited time. Expected release is early September.
Ask for Sudan Grass Ale at your favorite watering hole!
