Neff Brewing Ignition Switch Belgian Pale Ale

Gluten Free Belgian-Style Pale Ale

Brewed by Neff Brewing in Oklahoma

Did you know that there is a dedicated gluten free brewery in Tulsa, Oklahoma? It’s called Neff Brewing and they opened their doors in late 2018. Today I’m reviewing one fo their flagships, the Ignition Switch Belgian-style Pale Ale.

This specialty pale is packaged in a 12 ounce cans that proudly display the words “Brewed For Everyone” on the top rim. The label matches the same space-theme branding you see across their other products. It also states that the beer is naturally gluten free, vegan, and contains no major allergens.

The Ignition Switch ABV is 5.3%. It’s alternative grain malt bill includes millet, buckwheat, rice, and quinoa. (So it’s safe for those of you who need to avoid oats.) Now let’s see how this baby pours…

The Taste Test

Ignition Switch Belgian Pale

The Ignition Switch poured with a cloudy marmalade orange color and a nice head that stayed for about a minute. When it fades, it leaves a ring of bubbles around the edge and some islands floating within, resembling Neff Brewing’s exact logo. (It’s a moon/planet.)

It smells fruity and spicy…like orange and clove. The taste is complex, and almost confusing, There’s a lot going on in both texture and flavor. Lots of bready malt and carbonation on the front, with the sweetness and mouthfeel of a belgian in the middle. Then it finishes with a bit of spicy, hoppy dryness on the throat, all while holding the malt character on the tongue. What an interesting blend of styles!

The Ignition Switch Belgian-style Pale seems to be the sort of beer that balances as it warms, when the edges of all its texture qualities begin to soften and blend more fluidly. This is when the magic of this hybrid style really takes hold.

In a world (or at least country) inundated with pale ales (ranging from pleasantly mild to wonderfully intense…hel-lo PNW pale ales!) it is a refreshing change to taste one that breaks the mold. I think the Ignition Switch is a wonderful accompaniment to the winter season.

So far, I’m impressed with the diversity of Neff Brewing’s gluten free beers. I hope to one day visit their taproom so I can taste everything else on the launch pad too! Oklahomans are lucky to have such a gem in their midst! Now if only every state could get their own dedicated gluten free haven…

#someday

Belgian Ales tend to draw quite a loyal fanbase, so if you enjoy them, allow me to recommend some other gluten free Belgian ales on the market. Beginning with the Ground Breaker Brewing Luella Belgian Pale Ale. I think it is the west coast equivalent of the Ignition Switch. I also enjoyed the Bierly Brewing Pumpkin Belgian Ale, but we all know the pumpkin season is short-lived! I love having the Ignition Switch as a year round go-to…especially if you are close enough to actually GO TO it.

Neff Brewing makes a large lineup of beers, many of which have been reviewed before on Best Gluten Free Beers. If you’re a fan of gluten free stout beers, check out the Astronaut Cookies Oatmeal Stout. Neff has a knack for spacey names, so be sure to keep your eye out for the Houston We Have A Problem Mexican Lager and the Apollo Blonde Ale.

If you’ve been a fan of Neff since the beginning, you know their name started out as New Era Fine Fermentations (NEFF, for short) but have since undergone an official rebranding due to a likeness with another brand. You can learn more about their name change here.

P.S. Like what I do for the gluten free beer community? Consider buying me a beer for my efforts! ;)