Posted in Press Releases, Widmer Brothers Brewing

Omission Beer Observes ‘Celiac Disease Awareness Month’ (PR)

PORTLAND, Ore., May 01, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — May is widely recognized as National Celiac Disease Awareness Month and the brewers of gluten-free Omission Beer are celebrating by donating dollars to the cause. During the month of May, Omission will contribute a portion of the proceeds from all 6-pack and case sales purchased in the Widmer Brothers retail store and bottles purchased in the Gasthaus Pub, to support research efforts at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in an effort to raise awareness and help find a cure. From May 1-31, Omission will offer two ways for craft beer-loving consumers to help this important work:

— Sales at the Widmer Brothers retail store. For the first time, Omission Beers will be available for purchase at the Widmer Brothers retail store. For every six-pack sold, Omission will contribute $1 to the cause.

— Bottle sales at the Gasthaus Pub. For every bottle of Omission Pale Ale and Omission Lager sold in the Gasthaus, $.50 will be donated. In addition, the Gasthaus will be featuring its new gluten-free menu all month.

The Widmer Brothers Gasthaus Pub and retail store are located at 929 N. Russell St. Portland, Ore. 97227.

Last month, Omission Beer introduced two new gluten-free craft beers: Omission Lager and Omission Pale Ale, which are only available in Oregon. Omission is the first craft beer brand in the United States focused exclusively on brewing great-tasting craft beers with traditional beer ingredients, including malted barley, that are specially crafted to be gluten-free.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac Disease is estimated to affect approximately one in 133 Americans. Celiac Disease is a lifelong inherited autoimmune condition affecting children and adults. When people with Celiac Disease eat foods that contain gluten, it creates an immune-mediated toxic reaction that causes damage to the small intestine and does not allow food to be properly absorbed.

Gluten-Free Omission Lager and Omission Pale Ale:

Omission Lager is a refreshing and crisp beer, brewed in the traditional lager style. Perfect for a variety of beer drinking occasions, Omission Lager’s aromatic hop profile offers a unique, easy-drinking gluten-free beer for those looking for a lighter and approachable beer style. Bold and hoppy, Omission Pale Ale is a hop-forward American Pale Ale, brewed to showcases the Cascade hop profile. Amber in color, Omission Pale Ale’s floral aroma is complemented by caramel malt body, making for a delicious gluten-free craft beer.

Omission Lager and Omission Pale Ale have a suggested retail price of $9.99 per six-pack and are now available in 12-ounce bottles at the Widmer Brothers Gasthaus Pub, and at retailers and bars throughout Oregon.

Gluten-Free, See Your Bottle’s Test Results Online

Each batch of Omission Beer is tested by an independent lab, Eurofins Scientific, the world leader in food and pharmaceutical products testing, to ensure that all Omission beers contain well below the international gluten-free standard of 20 ppm of gluten. Gluten levels in Omission beers are tested using the R5 competitive ELISA Beer is not released to consumers until test results are received and after an extended quality assurance hold.

Each bottle of Omission beer is stamped with a date code indicating when it was brewed and bottled. Consumers are encouraged to visit www.OmissionTests.com , where they can enter the code from their bottle and view their beer’s R5 competitive ELISA test results.

About Omission Beer

Omission Beer is a new brand of gluten-free craft beers, available only in Oregon. Brewed by Widmer Brothers Brewing in Portland, Ore., Omission is the first craft beer brand in the United States focused exclusively on brewing great-tasting craft beers with traditional beer ingredients, including malted barley, that are specially crafted to be gluten-free. Each batch of Omission Beer is tested using the R5 competitive ELISA test to ensure that it contains gluten levels that are well below the international standard for gluten-free of 20 ppm. Drinking is believing.

About OHSU

Oregon Health & Science University is the state’s only academic health and research university. As Portland’s largest employer with nearly 14,000 employees, OHSU’s size contributes to its ability to provide many services and community support not found anywhere else in the state. OHSU serves patients from every corner of Oregon and is a conduit for learning for more than 4,300 students and trainees. OHSU is the source of more than 200 community outreach programs that bring health and education services to each county in the state.

About Craft Brew Alliance

Craft Brew Alliance was formed with the merger of leading Pacific Northwest craft brewers Widmer Brothers Brewing and Redhook Ale Brewery in 2008. With an eye toward preserving and growing one-of-a-kind craft beers and brands, CBA was joined by Kona Brewing Company in 2010. Craft Brew Alliance launched Omission Beer in 2012. For more information about CBA, visit www.craftbrew.com .

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50261019&lang=en

SOURCE: Craft Brew Alliance