New Planet 3R Raspbwerry Ale
New Planet 3R Raspberry Ale is a certified gluten-free fruit ale brewed at 5% ABV with sorghum, corn, and Oregon-grown raspberry puree. It earned a Gold medal at the Los Angeles In ternational Commercial Beer Competition in the gluten-free category and a Bronze medal at the 2010 Great American Beer Festival. Note that this expression has been discontinued by the brewery, making remaining bottles increasingly scarce.Quick Facts: ABV: 5% | Origin: Boulder, Colorado | Style: Gluten-Free Fruit Ale | Brewery: New Planet Beer CompanyProduction & HeritageNew Planet Beer Company, based in Boulder, Colorado, built its reputation on brewing flavorful beers accessible to those with gluten sensitivities. The 3R Raspberry Ale uses a base of fermented sorghum and corn extract rather than barley or wheat, achieving certified gluten-free status without relying on enzyme-treated conventional grains. Oregon-grown raspberry puree provides the fruit character, while additions of orange peel and hops round out the recipe. The "3R" name reflects the brewery's sustainability-minded ethos, and this expression became one of their signature releases before production ceased.Tasting NotesAroma: Fresh raspberry leads immediately, followed by a light grain sweetness from the sorghum base. A faint citrus note from the orange peel lingers underneath, giving the nose a zesty, inviting quality.Taste: The entry is crisp and lightly effervescent, with natural raspberry flavor arriving at the mid-palate without excessive sweetness. A subtle tartness from both the sorghum and the fruit puree creates a balanced interplay, while the body remains deliberately light and refreshing. The orange peel addition contributes a mild citrus brightness that keeps each sip moving forward.Finish: The finish is clean and relatively short, closing with a zesty, citrusy snap and a whisper of residual berry. The light sorghum character fades quickly, leaving a dry, sessionable impression.How to Drink 3R Raspberry AleServe chilled between 40–45°F in a tulip glass or standard pint to appreciate the pinkish-amber color and preserve carbonation. Its light body and fruit-forward profile make it a natural warm-weather pour straight from the bottle as well. Raspberry Shandy: Blend with fresh lemonade for a gluten-free twist on the classic shandy — the ale's natural tartness harmonizes with citrus. Beer Mimosa: Substitute for sparkling wine alongside orange juice at brunch — the low ABV and fruit notes keep things light. Radler-style serve: Mix with grapefruit soda for a low-alcohol, effervescent cooler where the raspberry and citrus complement each other. Best For Sharing at a summer barbecue with guests who follow gluten-free diets Introducing someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to craft beer Adding variety to a curated gluten-free beer tasting lineup Collecting a discontinued, award-winning craft release Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does 3R Raspberry Ale taste like? It delivers a crisp, lightly tart raspberry flavor with subtle citrus from orange peel and a clean, dry finish from its sorghum and corn base. The fruit character is present but not cloying, sitting closer to a refreshing session ale than a sweet lambic.How does 3R Raspberry Ale compare to Thirsty Dog Raspberry Ale? Thirsty Dog's version uses a traditional barley-based recipe, resulting in a fuller malt body and more pronounced sweetness, but it is not gluten-free. New Planet's 3R trades some of that malt depth for a lighter, crisper profile built on sorghum and corn, specifically designed for those avoiding gluten.Is 3R Raspberry Ale good for someone new to gluten-free beer? Yes — the 5% ABV keeps it approachable, and the raspberry puree masks some of the sorghum grain character that can be unfamiliar to first-time gluten-free beer drinkers. It serves as a friendly entry point into the category.Where is 3R Raspberry Ale made? It was brewed by New Planet Beer Company in Boulder, Colorado. Boulder's established craft beer scene provided a strong community for the brewery's gluten-free focused lineup.What foods pair well with 3R Raspberry Ale? Grilled chicken with a berry glaze mirrors the fruit notes nicely. Goat cheese salads benefit from the ale's tartness cutting through the creaminess. Dark chocolate desserts create a classic berry-chocolate contrast. Lemon-dressed seafood like ceviche complements the citrusy finish, and soft pretzels made with gluten-free flour keep the entire pairing accessible.What sizes does 3R Raspberry Ale come in? It was typically available in standard 12 oz bottles, often sold in six-packs. As a discontinued product, availability is limited to remaining retail stock.Is 3R Raspberry Ale worth the price? It positioned as a mid-range specialty craft beer, carrying a slight premium over mainstream gluten-free options due to its use of Oregon-grown raspberry puree and its GABF and LA International medal credentials. Its discontinued status may add collector or scarcity value.Why 3R Raspberry Ale?This ale earned recognition at two major competitions — a Gold medal at the Los Angeles International Commercial Beer Competition and a Bronze at the 2010 Great American Beer Festival — placing it among the most decorated gluten-free beers of its era. Its recipe relied on genuine Oregon raspberry puree rather than artificial flavoring, a detail that distinguished it from many competitors in the gluten-free space. With New Planet Beer Company having discontinued production, remaining bottles represent one of the few chances to experience an early, award-winning example of American gluten-free craft brewing. For anyone building a gluten-free beer collection or simply curious about the category's history, this is a meaningful bottle to track down.