ABV is our weekly series that highlights a different beer from a local Pittsburgh brewery every week. Check out our past picks here.
As with any health-related issue, folks who have been advised to practice a gluten-free diet might vent about things they miss: bread, pasta, cake and OF COURSE beer.
Aurochs Brewing in Emsworth has successfully researched, tested and commercialized their processes to brew great tasting beer. And every single beer these guys make is naturally gluten free. There are only a handful of breweries in the world doing this.
How do they do it?
By avoiding barley (which contains gluten) and leaning on alternate grains, such as malted millet, quinoa and buckwheat – the Aurochs team distributes beer for all beer drinkers. This includes folks who suffer from celiac disease (both Aurochs founders are medically-required to follow a gluten-free diet).
The brewers diligently test for ANY cross contamination and are able to safely distribute a naturally gluten-free product in bottles, cans and kegs.
Where can you find Aurochs beer?
You can occasionally find Aurochs on draft at a craft beer bar around town; it is more likely you’ll see their iconic, beautiful cans at their distribution points, including Giant Eagle Market District (in Shadyside) or Liberty Beer (in Bloomfield).
Of course, you might be thinking, “Gee, does this gluten-free beer taste good?”
For folks who are unfamiliar, allow me (a conventional beer drinker) to introduce you to the awe-inspiring and heart warming story behind Pittsburgh’s most unique beer brewing facility.
I’ve picked a refreshing, seasonally-relevant pale ale to get this conversation started. Let’s dig in.
ABV, volume XIX
Citra Sippin’ Pale Ale – available now at Aurochs Brewing
Beer Name: Citra Sippin’ Pale Ale
Style / ABV: Pale Ale, 5.5% ABV
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwxGxmfhNMU/
Why we recommend it: honestly, their Instagram caption nails it. This is a super refreshing, easy drinking, sessionable pale ale with a comfortably moderate ABV (5.5%). It carries a perfect level of carbonation and has a super pleasant mouthfeel. The citra hops will give you a subtle bite, but nothing to wreck or offset the palate. We’re in the thick of Gemini season. Go ahead; have two.
When is it available: Citra Sippin’ Pale Ale is available on draft right now.
Honorable Mention Beer: Although we are talking up their pale ale, Aurochs does an exceptionally nice job on their darker beers as well. Get the Nitro Porter (5.7% ABV) and let the smoothness wash over you. It’s roasty and packed with flavor AND it comes in under 6% ABV. Again, treat yourself to two if you’re loving it.
Visiting Aurochs Brewing
First Time Visitor?
Parking: use the free parking lot right out front or continue up Wallaston Ave (behind the brewery) as you turn off Route 65 for a street spot. If you park across Route 65 (along Walliston Ave), be careful when walking across to the brewery side. Traffic flies by rather quick on this stretch of road.
Interior: the taproom is naturally well-lit (you’ll be seated near huge windows facing Route 65) and has a cozy seating section for a small group. Since Aurochs is a production-forward facility, you typically won’t be fighting huge brewery crowds or waiting in long lines for beer. It’s a great taproom for a date or a small gathering, especially if folks need to stick with a gluten-free diet.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvpThYuBpQE/
Getting to Aurochs Brewing
Bus: take the 14 or the 19L and you’ll be dropped off literally right out front. The 1 will get you pretty close as well (about a 12 min walk).
