Satisfy Your Thirst and Tame Your Allergies With These 6 Gluten-Free Brews

Beer lovers know how truly refreshing a cold ale or lager is on a hot summer day. But for some people (up to 10 percent, according to one self-reported study), there's an unsettling price to pay for drinking beer, and it comes most commonly in the form of digestive issues, headaches, fatigue, and body pain. People who suffer these symptoms after drinking traditional beer likely have a sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye — and, by extension, in lots of common foods like bread, pasta, soy sauce, and breakfast cereal. And, sadly, beer.

Best IPA: Glutenberg IPA ($13.50)

Best Lager: Redbridge Sorghum Beer ($10.50)

Best Pilsner: Divine Science Divine Millsner ($16.50)

Best Stout: Holidaily Riva Stout ($13.50)

Best Amber: Green's Gluten-Free Amber ($13)

Best Fruit Beer: Ghostfish Brewing Co Grapefruit IPA ($17)

But for a smaller number of people, being gluten intolerant means they have celiac disease, which presents a lot like gluten insensitivity but is an autoimmune condition. Others may have a wheat allergy, which is also an autoimmune disease but is more likely to cause respiratory issues. If you suspect any of these conditions, it's important to visit a doctor for help. The doctor might recommend an elimination diet to pinpoint what's triggering your symptoms.

In the meantime, gluten-free beer is a great option if you want the experience of drinking a beer, but without facing unpleasant — and, in the case of celiac disease and allergies — potentially dangerous health consequences. And here's the best part: a lot of beers made without gluten manage to pack in layers of depth and flavor, and beer aficionados swear some brews are indistinguishable from their gluten-filled counterparts. We tapped six of the most popular options — it's time to let your palate be the judge.

Glutenberg Craft Brewery hits all the right notes with its mega-popular, medium-bodied IPA that uses alternative grains such as millet, buckwheat, and corn to ensure it is entirely gluten-free while maintaining the integrity of a traditional IPA. It's hop-forward and wakes up your taste buds with vibrant notes of citrus and pine. And whether you're an IPA newbie or a die-hard, the well-balanced bitterness of this one should work for you.

Flavors: Hops, Citrus, Pine, Spice

Beer connoisseurs know the name Redbridge, and its gluten-free lager is made from sorghum, an ancient cereal grain that's a perfect choice for the gluten-sensitive among us. With a medium body and a crisp, clean finish, this one's an easy-drinking beer, perfect for cookouts and lazy summer evenings. While not overwhelmingly hoppy, Redbridge has a mild bitterness that complements the sweetness of the sorghum and caramel notes "If [you're] gluten intolerant or not, this is a delicious beer," one fan wrote.

Flavors: Sorghum, Caramel, Citrus

Love a refreshing pilsner but hate a tummy ache? Here comes Divine Science Divine Millsner, a gluten-free California-Czech brew that's crafted with precision and passion, giving a crisp, clean flavor that holds its own in the world of craft beer. It has a smooth, mild malt base with citrus notes, and it finishes oh-so crisp. Best paired with a summer salad or your favorite chicken alternative.

Flavors: Light malt, citrus, herbal

This bold and flavor-packed stout from Holidaily Brewing Company hits the spot if you crave a robust beer minus the gluten. This dark, chocolatey brew benefits from the deep, rich flavors of roasted malt that give the beer its backbone. Pair this one with your favorite vegan cheese as an alternative to wine for a creative get-together. It's also an ideal comfort drink for sipping on a chilly evening.

Flavors: Roasted coffee, dark chocolate, caramel, licorice

This mildly hoppy amber ale is a testament to the innovation and dedication of Green's Brewery. It delivers a rich, balanced, and satisfying experience for those who choose to avoid gluten. Medium-bodied and creamy, it complements everything from grilled meats to stews. Amber beers tend to have broad appeal and are great even for occasional beer drinkers because they strike a great balance between bitter and sweet.

Flavors: Toasted malt, caramel, dried fruit

Ghostfish Brewing Co. Grapefruit IPA is the best of both worlds, blending the assertive character of an IPA with the refreshing zest of real grapefruit. This combination is in a uniquely balanced and invigorating fruit-infused brew. Expect a symphony of citrus and pine aromas that hit you with the first whiff, plus a pronounced bitterness that is both satisfying and invigorating —true to its IPA roots.

Flavors: Grapefruit, citrus, pine, tropical fruits, floral