Warm weather’s finally made its way to Melbourne! I’ve not wanted to pre-empt summer’s arrival, given our fair city’s penchant for reverting to winter without notice, but it’s currently 30 degrees at 7.30pm and I’m thinking of a bbq for dinner.

Luckily the wonderful boys at Purvis Cellars have moved into my neighbourhood because a bbq on a balmy night isn’t complete without a beer or two. A bit of a challenge when you’re gluten free – but they’ve actually got a range of GF beers to whet the palate and I’m once more excited about knocking back a coldie.

I’m used to doing blind beer tasting sessions on my long-suffering non-gluten free brother in law to find an acceptable brew. I’ve had the unenviable party experience of being left with an esky full of gluten free beers even after every other drop of alcohol has been consumed – spectacularly failing to pass them off on what I thought was an unsuspecting crowd. So that’s an expensive lesson.

But no more. Right now I’m sipping a refreshing Spanish lager, Estrella Damm Daura, and completely understand how it won the “World’s best gluten free beer" awards in 2008 and 2009. I think this one will become my post-scuba dive beverage of choice this summer. It’s light and refreshing and has me hankering for my Barcelona travel days – all tapas, seafood and sunsets.

Not to be outdone, the Germans have the organic and gluten free Schnitzer Brau. It’s a sorghum brew, and so, so light (just not on the wallet!). I’m clearly still a fan of a pilsner. Back home, Billabong Brewing have a pale ale that reminds me of hoppier beer days. It’s a bit strong for my feminine taste, but I appreciate its boldness and distinct lack of millet aftertaste. They’ve got a Blonde, too, but I wasn’t a fan of that style before being diagnosed a Coeliac, so I haven’t rushed to try it.

Purvis don’t stock O’Brien’s. But I’m hoping they’ll revisit that decision. I confess the Pale was at the bottom of the esky mentioned above – some time ago now. And I had the poor grace to say as much to the brewer at this year’s Irresistible Gluten Free Show – which had an upside. I learnt that the recipe has been tweaked and am happy to say, O’Brien’s Pale Ale is summer-worthy. I’m already a big fan of their Brown Ale (but it’s the wrong season to be imagining stout pies) and I mentioned to the Purvis team that the Pale now holds its own in the gluten free beer world and has earned a spot on their shelves.

I’ll be going back to try the St Peter’s they stock, too. This is a UK beer that leans towards the pilsner, so just give me some more warm nights as an excuse.

But back to the bbq. Tonight it’s lamb chops topped with some delightful Onion Marmalade from Maleny Cuisine and the potato salad has a gorgeous gluten free mayonnaise from the team at Moredough Kitchens. Yum.
Cheers to summer nights... now I better fire up that barbie...