Widmer Omission Pale Ale 6-Pack is a gluten-reduced pale ale brewed in Portland, Oregon, at 5.8% ABV, sold in a six-pack of 12 oz bottles. Brewed by Widmer Brothers Brewing Company, this ale distinguishes itself by using traditional barley rather than alternative grains, then reducing gluten post-fermentation with a proprietary enzymatic process — resulting in a beer that tastes like a genuine craft pale ale while testing below 20 ppm gluten per batch.Quick Facts: ABV: 5.8% | Origin: Portland, Oregon, USA | Style: Gluten-Reduced American Pale Ale | Brewery: Widmer Brothers Brewing CompanyProduction & HeritageWidmer Brothers Brewing Company, founded in 1984 in Portland, Oregon, is one of the Pacific Northwest's pioneering craft breweries. The Omission line was developed specifically to serve beer drinkers who avoid gluten but refuse to sacrifice flavor. Rather than substituting sorghum, rice, or millet for barley — a common approach in gluten-free brewing — Omission uses a standard grain bill of malted barley, hops, water, and yeast. After fermentation, the brewing enzyme Brewers Clarex™ breaks apart gluten protein chains. Every batch is then tested both internally and by an independent laboratory using the R5 Competitive ELISA method, with each batch measuring below 20 ppm gluten. The hop bill is built around Cascade hops, lending the beer its signature Pacific Northwest character.Tasting NotesAroma: Caramel malt rises first, followed by floral and pine resin notes from the Cascade hops. A subtle sweetness and toasty, biscuit-like warmth round out the nose.Taste: The entry is malt-forward with caramel sweetness and fresh toast flavors. Mid-palate, grassy and earthy spice notes emerge alongside bright floral and fruity hop character. Pine resin and a firm bitterness develop toward the peak, balanced by a smooth malt backbone that keeps the hop bite in check.Finish: Dry and moderately long, with lingering pine and a faint grassy quality. The malt sweetness recedes cleanly, leaving a crisp, refreshing close.How to Drink Omission Pale AlePour into a pint glass or tulip at 45–50°F to let the Cascade hop aromatics open fully. This is a versatile pale ale that works well on its own but also holds up in beer-forward mixed drinks. A Michelada benefits from the ale's malt sweetness against lime and hot sauce. A Beer Shandy pairs the pine and floral notes with fresh lemonade for a lighter warm-weather drink. A Hop Drop 'n Roll (pale ale with a shot of citrus vodka) amplifies the fruity hop character without overwhelming it.Best For Stocking the fridge for friends with gluten sensitivities who still want real craft beer Pairing with backyard grilling sessions where a hop-forward ale complements charred flavors Introducing someone skeptical of gluten-reduced beers to a full-flavored option Game-day gatherings where an approachable yet flavorful pale ale keeps everyone happy Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Omission Pale Ale taste like? Omission Pale Ale delivers caramel malt sweetness up front, followed by earthy, floral, and piney Cascade hop flavors with a dry, crisp finish. It drinks like a traditional American pale ale rather than the thin, sorghum-heavy character common in many gluten-free beers.How does Omission Pale Ale compare to Daura Märzen? Both are gluten-reduced beers brewed with barley and treated enzymatically post-fermentation, but they differ significantly in style — Omission is an American pale ale showcasing Cascade hops, while Daura is a European-style Märzen with a maltier, lager-like profile and lower hop bitterness.Is Omission Pale Ale good for people avoiding gluten? Every batch is tested via R5 Competitive ELISA and measures below 20 ppm gluten, though it is labeled "gluten-reduced" rather than "gluten-free" because it is brewed with malted barley. Individuals with celiac disease should consult their physician, as the FDA does not allow barley-based beers to carry a gluten-free label.Where is Omission Pale Ale made? Omission Pale Ale is brewed by Widmer Brothers Brewing Company in Portland, Oregon, a craft brewery founded in 1984 that is among the most established in the Pacific Northwest.What foods pair well with Omission Pale Ale? Grilled burgers and sausages match the malt sweetness and hop bitterness well. Sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese highlights the ale's caramel notes. Fish tacos with citrus slaw echo the Cascade hop fruitiness. Roasted chicken with herbs mirrors the beer's earthy, grassy tones. Pizza with roasted vegetables complements its toasty malt backbone.What sizes does Omission Pale Ale come in? This product is a six-pack of 12 oz bottles; Omission Pale Ale is also available in 12 oz single bottles and 12-pack configurations in some markets.Is Omission Pale Ale worth the price? Omission Pale Ale positions in the mid-range craft beer tier, typically priced comparably to standard craft pale ales rather than carrying the premium markup seen with many specialty gluten-free beers — making it strong value for drinkers seeking gluten-reduced options without sacrificing flavor or overpaying.Why Omission Pale Ale?The core differentiator here is process: by brewing with real malted barley and removing gluten enzymatically with Brewers Clarex™, Omission avoids the flavor compromises that plague beers built on alternative grains. Independent lab verification of every batch adds a layer of accountability rare in the gluten-reduced segment. The Cascade hop-forward profile gives the beer genuine Pacific Northwest identity rather than a generic, watered-down character. For anyone navigating gluten reduction who has been disappointed by the alternatives, this is one of the few options that tastes like it belongs in a craft beer lineup on its own merits.
