Made in New Jersey: From tragedy to thriving brewery, Jersey City business creates gluten-free beers for all
Departed Soles Brewing Company, located in the city's Powerhouse Arts District, offers a mix of traditional beers, nonalcoholic options and gluten-free brews.
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A Jersey City brewery is drawing attention for producing gluten-free beer while staying true to the craft beer experience.
Departed Soles Brewing Company, located in the city's Powerhouse Arts District, offers a mix of traditional beers, nonalcoholic options and gluten-free brews.
Owner Brian Kulbacki said the brewery began with a goal of creating a place where people with celiac disease could enjoy the same brewery experience as everyone else.
"We ended up opening up producing about 50% gluten free, 50% traditional beer and sort of evolved ever since then," Kulbacki said.
The brewery's story is rooted in friendship. Kulbacki said he and his best friend discussed opening a brewery after his friend was diagnosed with celiac disease. The dream took on new meaning after his friend died in a car crash in 2010 at age 24.
Departed Soles was created as a tribute to that friendship and the brewery they once imagined.
"Beer that tastes like real beer so that everyone can enjoy the camaraderie around craft beer," Kulbacki said.
The brewery produces all of its beer on-site and keeps traditional and gluten-free batches separate throughout the brewing and canning process to maintain safety standards.
Kulbacki said the most rewarding part is seeing groups of friends enjoy the experience together, including people who may have previously struggled to find gluten-free options.
