Widmer Ommision IPA 6Pk

Widmer Omission IPA 6-Pack is a gluten-reduced India Pale Ale brewed by Widmer Brothers Brewing in Portland, Oregon, at 6.7% ABV. Scored 88 points by Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine in a blind BJCP judging panel, Omission IPA stands apart as one of the first craft IPAs brewed with traditional malted barley while achieving gluten-reduced status through an innovative enzymatic process.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.7%  |  IBU: 65  |  Origin: Portland, Oregon  |  Style: Gluten-Reduced IPA  |  Brewery: Widmer Brothers Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Widmer Brothers Brewing Company, founded in 1984 in Portland, Oregon, is one of the pioneering craft breweries of the Pacific Northwest. Omission IPA is brewed using traditional malted barley, Cascade and Summit hops, and a proprietary application of Brewer's Clarex enzyme — originally developed to prevent chill haze — which breaks down gluten proteins during fermentation. This approach allows Omission to retain the full-bodied character of a conventional IPA while reducing gluten content, distinguishing it from gluten-free beers that rely on alternative grains like sorghum or rice.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Pine resin leads, followed by layers of grapefruit peel and citrus blossom. A subtle malty sweetness sits beneath the hop-forward aromatics.

Taste: The entry is crisp with immediate pithy hop bitterness at 65 IBUs. Mid-palate opens into juicy grapefruit, tangerine, and orange blossom flavors from the Cascade and Summit hop combination. A balanced malt backbone provides enough sweetness to keep the bitterness structured rather than aggressive.

Finish: Clean and refreshing with lingering pine and citrus. The finish dries out steadily without harsh astringency, encouraging another sip.

How to Drink Omission IPA

Pour into a tulip glass or standard pint glass at 45–50°F to let the hop aromatics open fully. Omission IPA works well straight from the bottle for casual drinking, but a proper pour reveals more of its citrus and pine complexity. Try it alongside a West Coast IPA Shandy — blended with fresh lemonade to amplify the citrus notes. It also serves as a solid base for a Michelada, where its bitterness balances the hot sauce and lime. For a simple twist, a Hop Drop — Omission IPA with a splash of grapefruit juice — plays directly into its natural flavor profile.

Best For

• Hop lovers seeking a full-flavored IPA with reduced gluten content
• Summer cookouts and outdoor grilling sessions
• Introducing gluten-sensitive friends to real craft IPA flavor
• Stocking a home fridge with a reliable, everyday West Coast-style IPA

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Omission IPA taste like? Omission IPA delivers bold pine and grapefruit hop flavors supported by a balanced malt sweetness, finishing crisp and clean with 65 IBUs of structured bitterness.

How does Omission IPA compare to Deschutes IPA? Omission IPA delivers a similarly assertive West Coast hop punch with pine and citrus character, but is brewed with Brewer's Clarex enzyme to reduce gluten — a distinction Deschutes IPA does not offer. Both beers share a Pacific Northwest hop-forward identity, though Omission tends toward slightly more malt balance.

Is Omission IPA good for people avoiding gluten? Omission IPA is classified as gluten-reduced, not gluten-free, because it is brewed with malted barley and then treated with an enzyme to break down gluten proteins. Individuals with celiac disease should consult their physician, as the beer may still contain trace amounts of gluten.

Where is Omission IPA made? Omission IPA is brewed by Widmer Brothers Brewing Company in Portland, Oregon, one of the city's longest-operating craft breweries, founded in 1984.

What foods pair well with Omission IPA? Grilled burgers benefit from the hop bitterness cutting through fatty beef. Fish tacos with citrus slaw echo the beer's grapefruit and tangerine notes. Sharp cheddar cheese contrasts the pine resin character. Spicy Thai dishes find balance against the malt sweetness. Grilled chicken with a citrus marinade creates a natural complement to the hop profile.

What sizes does Omission IPA come in? Omission IPA is commonly available in 12 oz six-packs, and has also been offered in 12 oz single bottles and variety packs.

Is Omission IPA worth the price? Omission IPA positions in the mid-range craft beer tier, and its 88-point score from Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine supports its standing as a quality IPA that happens to be gluten-reduced — not a compromise product priced for a niche market.

Why Omission IPA?

What separates Omission IPA from the growing field of gluten-free and gluten-reduced beers is its insistence on brewing with real malted barley rather than substituting alternative grains. The result is an IPA that tastes like an IPA — not an approximation of one. Its 88-point blind tasting score from Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine confirms that it holds its own against conventional IPAs on flavor alone. For drinkers who want a bold, hop-driven West Coast IPA with reduced gluten content and no sacrifice in character, Omission remains the benchmark.