Dedicated Gluten-Free Beer

Curious what it means when we say our beer is “DEDICATED GLUTEN-FREE”?

We get that question a lot, so we figured it was worth explaining.

Read on to learn what dedicated gluten-free beer is, what makes it different from other gluten-free beers, and why we’re proud to be the first dedicated gluten-free brewery in Maine.

Our Dedicated Gluten-free Brewing Process

At Lucky Pigeon Brewing, we take pride in sharing what goes into our dedicated gluten-free brewing process. From milling to mashing to fermentation, every step is designed to protect the purity of our beer. 

Our facility is committed to being 100% gluten-free by only using grains that are naturally gluten-free. That means our brewing process features great tasting alternative grains.

    These alternative grains let us craft beers that defy expectations—big on taste, smooth on finish, and always dedicated gluten-free.

    Brewing beer with millet really isn’t that different from brewing with barley or wheat.

    Learn more from our brewer, Scott Nebel

    Frequently asked questions

    What do you use to brew your dedicated gluten-free Beer?

    We use a blend of millet and rice as the grain base for our recipes. Some of our beers also contain buckwheat, gluten-free oats, and corn. 

    These grains are malted at certified gluten-free facilities in the same way barley and wheat would be malted for traditional brewers. Malted grain is what makes beer taste like well, beer so that you won’t miss out on the full spectrum of flavors and aromas you love so much.

    How is brewing gluten-free beer different from barley-based (gluten-containing) brewing?

    Other than the unique gluten-free ingredients we use, our brewing process is essentially the same as traditional brewing. We mash the grain, boil the wort, add hops, and ferment with brewing yeast. 

    Lucky Pigeon beer smells, tastes, and feels like real beer because it is! Taste for yourself!

    Is your brewing facility entirely gluten-free?

    Yes, our brewery is entirely focused on making dedicated gluten-free beer, from grain to glass. Unlike  “gluten-reduced” beers that are brewed with barley and wheat, our beer never touches gluten-containing grains or other ingredients.

    Is dedicated gluten-free beer safe for those with Celiac disease?

    Yes, our ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Gluten-reduced beers use enzymes to break down gluten into smaller proteins, but they can’t guarantee complete safety for those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

    Does dedicated gluten-free beer taste as good as other beer?

    That’s a matter of personal opinion, but countless people tell us that they may not have known it was gluten-free if we hadn’t told them.

    For those who are able to consume gluten, they often tell us they enjoy our beer as much or more than barley-based craft beer.

    Try it for yourself and tell us what you think!

    Does dedicated gluten-free beer cost more?

    As with any gluten-free product made with specialized and certified ingredients to ensure safety for those with gluten intolerances, our grain costs are much higher than barley-based products. This translates to a higher price point in order to provide a consistently high-quality product.

    Where can I find your beer?

    Cruise on over to the Find Our Beer page to see a map of where our beer has landed in Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont.

    We are hoping to grow and offer Lucky Pigeon to more customers in more areas…stay tuned!

    Can you ship Lucky Pigeon to me?

    Unfortunately, the State of Maine does not currently allow shipping beer directly to consumers. Come visit us to try our beers on tap and stock up on cans to bring home with you

    How did you come up with the name, Lucky Pigeon Brewing?

    Pigeon is the last name of founders Kathleen and Bev Pigeon. We consider Kathleen, who goes by “Pidge”, to be our original Lucky Pigeon as she had to remove gluten from her diet due to health reasons. Because Pidge has regularly experienced more than her fair share of luck during her life, Lucky Pigeon was destined to be.

    With the brewery offering dedicated gluten-free beer that is safe for those with an intolerance to gluten and simply delicious to all, Pidge’s luck streak continues. 

    What is Dedicated Gluten-Free Beer?

    Brewery Equipment

    It’s actually not all that complicated – dedicated gluten-free beer is brewed exclusively with gluten-free grains like millet, buckwheat, and rice.

    In addition, what makes it “dedicated” is that, unlike  “gluten-reduced” beers that try to remove gluten after the fact, we brew in a completely gluten-free production facility, eliminating the risk of cross-contamination.

    Every sip of Lucky Pigeon beer is naturally gluten-free, from grain to glass, and always crafted with your safety and satisfaction in mind.

    “Finally, a gluten-free beer that tastes like real beer! Lucky Pigeon has nailed it.”

    I didn’t realize all of the beers were gluten-free until I was on the last one of the flight. Very lively afternoon crowd, super friendly and top-notch service.

    Easily the best GF beer I have ever had. And some of the best beer period! Check this place out!

    Helpful Links

    Check out our dedicated gluten-free beer list.
    https://www.luckypigeonbrewing.com/our-brews/ 

    Find where to buy gluten-free beer from Lucky Pigeon Brewing
    https://www.luckypigeonbrewing.com/find-our-beer/

    Get to know some of our gluten-free ingredients vendors
    Grouse – https://grousemalthouse.com/
    Eckert Malting and Brewing – https://eckertmaltingandbrewing.com/

    For a full list of dedicated gluten free breweries in the US, visit
    Best Gluten Free Beers