Safety Break ISA: Crafted to Reduce Gluten

Safety Break ISA is crafted to reduce gluten. The finished product contains gluten. As of 2013, ELISA testing of hydrolyzed products is not recognized by the FDA. Those with Celiac disease/severe gluten intolerance should not consume any product that contains gluten. 

The Galbraith Mountain Series continues with batch No. 5, Safety Break India Session Ale. Even bigger news on the Boundary front; Safety Break was crafted to reduce gluten, with more batches on the horizon.

So what’s the difference between Gluten-Free and Gluten-Reduced Beer, and why is it labeled this way?

Beer in it’s strict definition is an alcoholic drink made from yeast-fermented malt flavored with hops. Gluten-Free Beer is made with entirely gluten-free grains, including sorghum, millet, buckwheat or rice and contains zero barley, wheat or rye. Thus, it can be officially be labeled as “gluten-free” according to the FDA.

In the United States, the FDA will not allow any product or beverage made with wheat, barley or rye to be labeled “gluten-free.” even if ELISA testing finds less than 20ppm gluten in the product. What you can state is; “crafted to reduce gluten.”

How do you make a gluten-reduced beer, when Barley is a main competent?

An enzyme (WLN400 Clarity Ferm) is added in the brewing process, that breaks down the proteins in barley. While gluten is not entirely removed, it significantly reduces the level of gluten. For those looking to reduce their daily gluten intake, this is a viable option.

A TTB Certified Beer Laboratory ELISA tested Safety Break India Session Ale and found gluten levels to be less than 10 parts per million, however, the FDA policy states there is no valid test to verify the gluten content of a fermented product. Thus Safety Break ISA cannot be deemed “risk-free” or safe for everyone, as the beer does contain small amounts of gluten. We tested Safety Break ISA through the ELISA certification process in order to provide people with additional information they can use to judge whether or not they want to consume the product.

“I’m very supportive of a beer that is reduced gluten, as long as it’s in accordance with the TTB label requirements. You’re supposed to say that the beer is crafted to reduce gluten, that the beer does contain gluten and that the tests that are now available are not reliable enough to measure the impact of the gluten. If somebody does that, I want to compete with them because that’s a fair practice.” — Pedro Gonzalez, founder of New Planet Beer Co. 

Boundary Bay Brewery Gluten Sample_8879

Further reading on Gluten Reduced Beers:

• http://beerpulse.com/2015/01/stones-gluten-reduced-delicious-ipa-now-available-coast-to-coast-3570/
• http://www.craftbrewingbusiness.com/ingredients-supplies/gluten-free-vs-gluten-reduced-an-important-beer-distinction/
• http://www.celiaccentral.org/research-news/study-validates-r5-competitive-elisa-10134/pg–1/
• http://www.whitelabs.com/other-products/wln4000-clarity-ferm-brewers-clarex

Batch 5000

18 years in the craft brewing industry and over 21 million pints sold, last week we began brewing our 5,000th batch of beer! This marks a significant milestone, and a point of celebration, not just for Boundary, but for the Bellingham community that established who we are, and what we’re all about.

“Our 5,000th batch highlights the local craft beer following, and just how much the industry has grown as a whole.” states Ops Manager Casey Diggs. “We couldn’t have done this without the support of the community. Not only in Bellingham,” Casey adds, “but the accounts all around Washington who continue to pour Boundary Bay Beer”.

In celebration of this achievement, our 5,000th batch will be a one-time-only Imperial Porter, and we’re asking that the public name it. Submit your ideas via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #batch5000. Cheers, and thank you for your support! 

Canning O’ The Red

The craft beer scene has seen tremendous growth in the production and distribution of canned brews, so why the paradigm shift? There are a lot of practical reasons behind the craft canning movement; efficiency, recyclability, and consumability to name a few. At the core, it’s cheaper to produce and better for the environment.

Cans are lightweight and easier to move around, in comparison to its heavier and more breakable, bottle counterpart. Distribution wise, a truck-load of aluminum cans proves to be a more portable process overall, as apposed to the glassware alternative. The same notion applies to the average outdoor adventure…canned packaging fits the occasion; light weight, unbreakable (unless you’re really trying) and satisfyingly crunchable once consumed.

But besides practically reasons, “Beer cans also have a certain nostalgic appeal” states Charles Passy of Wall Street Journal, “that retro-chic factor, in other words”.  “That sound of a beer can being opened”, ads Oskar Blues spokesman Chad Melis, “is one we associate with good times”  Namely the 60’s, when cans were also at a pinnacle point in popularity!

According to a study by the Beer Institute, in 2012 cans constituted 53.2% of the beer market, while bottles had a 36.5% share. If you look back to 2006, cans accounted for 48.3% of the market and bottles 41.9%. That’s a pretty significant gap, and it makes sense. Cans are more compact and less packaging means you can move the same amount of product in less trips, reducing your overall expense and carbon footprint simultaneously.

So, there’s clearly reasons behind the…canned-ness…and we thought, what better event than the Bellingham St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a day centered around the showcasing of GREEN-inspired innovations, to announce the arrival of our newest 100% recyclable product! Pick up a 16 oz. can of Boundary Bay Irish Style Red – just $2.25 at pint size! At 4% ABV, it’s the perfect session ale. Crack one and enjoy…wherever you might find yourself. Cheers!

Beer Release: Not Shawn’s Saison

Last week we introduced a new brew at Boundary Bay; Not Shawn’s Saison. It’s the third beer in our new Galbraith Mountain Series, with more recipes on the way. Named after Galbraith Mt. Trails, this series indends to capture a taste of the outdoors and the spirit of the PNW. Here’s what our Brewer Bryan had to say about Not Shawn’s:

In the style of a traditional Belgian, Farmhouse Saison, “Not Shawn’s Saison” is a balanced, dry, crisp, and memorable beer. At 6% ABV, it is a truly sessionable ale. It is brite as crystal and a mellow, golden-orange color and is never filtered. We gave this brew a little extra time and cellar-love to allow for the lemon, bubblegum, and melon aromas and superbly balanced, continental malt characters to fully develop. Styrian Golding noble hops harmonize incredibly well with the biscuit and grain flavors from pilsner malt. With a slight tang and just a touch of spicy rye malt and lemony citrus notes from New Zealand Pacific Gem Hops, this beer is complex, smooth, and refreshing – and leaves you wanting another! Let it warm a little in the glass to release even more of Not Shawn’s special aromas and flavors. You’d never know you aren’t in Brussels… “Sante!”

Introducing…The Galbraith Mountain Series

From the beginning, we knew that we wanted to make the kinds of beers we like to drink; big, bold, Northwest brews. Our new Galbraith Series features beers brewed with NW-grown hops. Named after the Galbraith Mt. trails, (located between Bellingham and Sudden Valley), the series intends to capture a taste of the great outdoors & the adventurous spirit of the PNW!

NOW ON TAP Cedar Dust IPA (No. 1) – Brewed with five varieties of big hops, all bred and grown in Washington State, Cedar Dust IPA has a distinctive herbal pine, citrus aroma. The addition of Mosaic hops, provide subtle blueberry undertones followed by a spicy, earth mouthfeel. Smooth and naturally carbonated, it has a unique blend of malts (including a secret dark malt) which provide just enough backbone to balance it’s big hop character. Complex, delicious and refreshing! As they say, a little wood makes a big difference…

ON TAP IN JANUARY Lost Giants Imperial CDA (No. 2) –  Sasquatch’s Choice! With 5lbs of hops per barrel brewed, our Imperial CDA is one of the biggest & boldest of it’s kind.  A massive beer, it’s full body, midnight black color & elusive  complex flavors, symbolize the Lost Giants who wander the PNW.

Dank floral, citrus-pine aromas are offset by subtle, roasted toffee-chocolate flavors and traces of dark fruit-like dates, plums & dried cherries; culminating in complex tastiness and a smooth, well-rounded, lingering bitterness. You’ll notice the luscious, tan head of foam hangs along for the ride (cheers – to natural carbonation!) Try pairing it with rich foods & desserts. Enjoy this hearty brew & try not to get Lost among the Giants!

And there will be plenty more to come…stay tuned! Cheers ~ from Boundary Bay

Winter Solstice & Some Cedar Dust

Join us for our 1st Winter Solstice Party & Craft Fair in the Beer Garden on Saturday, December 21st. We’re kicking things off the right way…at 4pm, we’ll tap the first brew in our new Galbraith Mountain Series; Cedar Dust IPA. Named after the Galbraith Mt. Trails, located between Bellingham and Sudden Valley, the series intends to capture a taste of the great outdoors and the adventurous spirit of the PNW.  Be one of the first to try it!

Santa and Mrs. Claus are going to be here too! They told us they’re riding in on a horse and buggy to give the reindeer some rest before the big night. They offered to take anyone who would like, on carriage rides around town. It’ll be free, so bring the kids on down and let them have a little chit chat with Santa. Figure out who’s been naughty, and who’s been nice :  )

We’ve also invited several local artists to set up booths in the garden to sell their hand-made creations. We’ll have items like wine-racks, pottery, jewelry, ornaments, scarves…It’s the perfect opportunity to get a little bit of holiday shopping done!

As always, we’ll provide the refreshments. There will be complementary hot cider, cookies and candy canes plus beer available for purchase. Deigo’s Taco Truck will also be joining us.

Santa, tacos, beer, trees, crafts…might sound a bit unconventional, but it’s the Boundary way, and no matter how strange, it’s always fun! Swing by and join us. Happy Holidays from your staff at Boundary Bay