Miski Brewing Introduces Ancestral Ale, an Organic Gluten-Free Quinoa Craft Beer

Craft beer aficionados in Toronto have a reason to celebrate as Miski Brewing, a prominent player in the craft beer scene, makes a groundbreaking entry into the local market. Their inaugural release, Ancestral Ale, is a pioneering Organic Gluten-Free Quinoa Craft Beer unveiled at the Toronto Beer Show.

"We are thrilled to introduce a gluten-free beer that caters to the discerning tastes of Toronto's vibrant craft beer community," said Ricardo Irivarren, Founder of Miski Brewing. “We recognized a lack of options for gluten free beer in the region and saw an opportunity to offer a sustainable, clean beer with exceptional taste.” 

What sets Miski Brewing apart is their innovative use of 100% quinoa, an ancient grain renowned for its exceptional health benefits and rich nutrient profile. This bold move in beer production has not only elevated the overall drinking experience but also posed unique challenges in the brewing process. Over a span of 2.5 years, in collaboration with the Niagara College Food & Beverage Innovation Centre (FBIC), Miski Brewing's experts meticulously honed their craft, finding the delicate balance between quinoa's natural nuttiness and carefully selected hops and yeasts.

“Choosing to use quinoa as the sole grain in the brewing process was far from simple,” said Adrian Popowycz, Bewmaster Professor and  Program Coordinator at Niagara College. “We had to find creative ways to produce the beer as the quinoa grain can clog up the traditional lauter tuns, making it challenging to obtain the necessary sugar extract,” shared Popowycz. “After several processing and equipment explorations, they were able to find a specialised piece of equipment, a mash filter, that allowed us to obtain the volume of extracts needed to create a commercially viable product.”  

The result is a truly exceptional and distinctive craft beer boasting a smooth and unique flavor profile. Ancestral Ale, Miski's inaugural creation, stands at the forefront of all-quinoa based beers, offering a refreshing twist on traditional beer with its captivating floral aromas and invigorating citrus notes. Notably, besides being gluten-free, Miski Brewing Craft Beers hold the prestigious certifications of being organic, kosher, and vegan.

“Choosing to use quinoa as the sole grain in the brewing process was far from simple,” said Adrian Popowycz, Bewmaster Professor and  Program Coordinator at Niagara College. “We had to find creative ways to produce the beer as the quinoa grain can clog up the traditional lauter tuns, making it challenging to obtain the necessary sugar extract,” shared Popowycz. “After several processing and equipment explorations, they were able to find a specialised piece of equipment, a mash filter, that allowed us to obtain the volume of extracts needed to create a commercially viable product.”

Toronto beer enthusiasts can now savor Miski's Organic Gluten-Free Quinoa Craft Beer, available for purchase at select LCBO and Groceries locations across Ontario. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the future of craft brewing with Miski Brewing's Ancestral Ale.

"We believe that great beer should be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions or preferences,” said Irivarren. “We want beer enthusiasts, health-conscious individuals, and anyone seeking a fresh and delightful drinking experience to try our beer and join us on this exciting journey.”

About Miski Brewing

Miski Brewing is an innovative craft brewery dedicated to producing exceptional, high-quality beers that push the boundaries of flavor and craftsmanship. With a commitment to organic ingredients, sustainable practices, and customer satisfaction, we strive to deliver unique and memorable drinking experiences for those who want smarter beer options. Our team of passionate brewers is constantly exploring new ingredients and brewing techniques to create beers that captivate and inspire. Our story is deeply tied to our appreciation for quinoa and the culture of the Incas in the Andes Mountains of Peru.