Lakefront New Grist Variety 12Pk

Lakefront New Grist Variety 12Pk is a 12-pack of 12 oz cans featuring multiple gluten-free beer styles from Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. New Grist holds the distinction of being the first gluten-free beer to earn approval from the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) in 2006, a milestone that helped establish the entire gluten-free beer category in America.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~5.1% (varies by style)  |  Origin: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA  |  Gluten-Free Variety Pack  |  Brewery: Lakefront Brewery

Production & Heritage

Lakefront Brewery was founded in 1987 by brothers Russ and Jim Klisch in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and has grown into one of the state's most respected craft breweries. New Grist is brewed entirely with sorghum and rice rather than barley or wheat, making it safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The brewing process required years of development and close collaboration with the TTB to achieve federal certification as a truly gluten-free product — not merely "gluten-reduced" through enzyme treatment, but brewed from inherently gluten-free grains from the start.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The original New Grist pilsner-style leads with light apple and pear notes, followed by subtle citrus and a clean, grainy sweetness from the sorghum and rice base. The fruit-forward varieties in the pack introduce additional aromatic layers.

Taste: On the palate, expect a crisp, light body with a mild sweetness balanced by gentle carbonation. The sorghum base contributes a slightly fruity, almost cider-like character that distinguishes New Grist from conventional barley-based beers. Mid-palate, clean grain notes emerge with a subtle tartness that keeps each sip refreshing.

Finish: The finish is dry and clean with minimal bitterness, making the beer highly sessionable. A faint residual sweetness from the rice lingers briefly before fading.

How to Drink New Grist

New Grist drinks best well-chilled, straight from the can or poured into a pilsner glass to showcase its effervescence and pale golden color. Its light, approachable character also lends itself to beer cocktails: try it in a Shandy mixed with fresh lemonade to amplify its citrus notes; in a Michelada with lime, hot sauce, and Worcestershire for a savory brunch drink; or as a Radler blended with grapefruit juice for a low-ABV summer refresher.

Best For

• Stocking a home fridge for guests with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity
• Backyard barbecues and summer gatherings where variety is key
• Introducing gluten-free beer drinkers to multiple styles in one purchase
• Gifting to a craft beer enthusiast exploring the gluten-free category

Frequently Asked Questions

What does New Grist taste like? New Grist has a light, crisp profile with subtle apple-pear fruitiness, mild sorghum sweetness, and a dry, clean finish — closer to a refreshing pilsner or light lager than a heavy craft ale.

How does New Grist compare to Omission Lager? New Grist is brewed entirely from gluten-free grains (sorghum and rice), while Omission uses traditional barley and removes gluten through an enzymatic process, making it "gluten-reduced" rather than truly gluten-free — a critical distinction for those with celiac disease.

Is New Grist good for people new to gluten-free beer? New Grist is one of the most approachable gluten-free beers available, with a familiar light-lager drinkability that does not require an adjustment period from conventional beer drinkers.

Where is New Grist made? New Grist is brewed at Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where the brewery has operated since 1987 along the Milwaukee River.

What foods pair well with New Grist? Grilled chicken or fish tacos complement its light body; sharp cheddar or aged gouda echo its subtle sweetness; fresh salads with vinaigrette match its crisp acidity; and spicy Thai or Vietnamese dishes benefit from its cooling carbonation and mild sweetness.

What sizes does New Grist come in? New Grist is available in this 12-pack of 12 oz cans as well as individual six-packs of 12 oz bottles, depending on market availability.

Is New Grist worth the price? New Grist positions as a mid-range craft beer that carries a modest premium over conventional lagers, justified by its certified gluten-free status, craft brewery pedigree, and the specialized ingredients required for truly gluten-free brewing.

Why New Grist?

New Grist is not just another entry in the expanding gluten-free beer aisle — it is the product that created the category in the United States. Its 2006 TTB approval set the regulatory precedent that allowed every gluten-free beer that followed. Lakefront Brewery's commitment to using inherently gluten-free grains rather than post-brew enzyme treatments gives celiac sufferers a level of confidence that gluten-reduced alternatives cannot match. The variety pack format lets drinkers explore the breadth of the New Grist lineup in a single purchase, making it the most practical way to experience what nearly two decades of gluten-free brewing expertise tastes like.