Originally brewed solely for Milwaukee’s African World Festival, Sprecher Brewing Company’s Shakparo Ale has become available year round. Brewed with sorghum and millet in the true West African style, the ale is naturally free from gluten. Another African-style gluten-free beer brewed by Sprecher, Mbege, was made with bananas, but is not currently available.
Shakparo has a very crisp, fruity flavor and light, dry finish. It pairs pleasingly with spicy foods as well as salads, chicken or fish. For those who may be dismissive about the overall taste of a gluten-free beer, this one is good enough to have earned a bronze medal in the 2014 World Beer Cup competition! If you are interested in trying Shakparo, you’ll find it in most local liquor stores where Sprecher products are sold.
