MILLERS FALLS — When Dan Kramer and Ben Anhalt took up the challenge of crafting a gluten-free beer, they ended up with a concoction of brown rice, millet and malted buckwheat “beer,” containing no ingredients that are usually found in beer, that clocks in at 9.3% alcohol by volume (ABV).
“People love it, not even just gluten-free people,” Anhalt explained.
Since this gluten-free recipe was developed 13 years ago, Element Brewing Co. has changed tremendously, and now serves nine different varieties of beer at its Bridge Street facility. The brewery that started by focusing on the simple elements of beer has moved down the street and started distilling, growing its products along the way.
In honor of its 13-year journey, the brewery will host a celebration on Saturday from 1 p.m. to midnight. The event will include music from Gabe Live, the Ashley & Bridget Duo and Lunar Carnival; a special cocktail and food menu; and a limited edition anniversary beer release that is a 15% ABV version of the business’ classic beer titled “Dark Element.”
Kramer and Anhalt, the two co-owners, started brewing in 1987 in the Boston area. By 2007, they had moved to the Pioneer Valley and were planning for their own brewery, which opened in 2009 in downtown Turners Falls before moving to its current location, and earning a distilling license, in 2015.
Anhalt explained that he and Kramer think of beer as the fusion of science and art. The trade takes scientific knowledge of a fermentation process, as well as a desire to experiment and an artistic sense to think outside the box and create something new.
“We wanted a name that embraces this,” Anhalt said.
Many of the distilled drinks include ingredients from local farmers. The co-owners pointed to their vodka containing local potatoes. Local lavender and hops are also used for many of their drinks. Their apple brandy is made in collaboration with Headwater Cider in Hawley.
Offering more than just beer suits a range of palates. Anhalt and Kramer say they are less interested in recreating what is popular, and more interested in creating and perfecting complex new flavors.
“We have always been contrary to industry trends,” Anhalt noted.
If customers aren’t interested in visiting the Bridge Street brewery itself, Element Brewing Co.’s beer and distilled products can be found in cans and bottles in area liquor stores. The business’ website is being updated, but its Facebook and Instagram pages regularly share information on new drinks and events.
Bella Levavi can be reached at blevavi@recorder.com or 413-930-4579.