By Amy L. Schubert Food Writer Published Apr 26, 2007 at 3:16 PM

Sprecher Brewing Co. Inc. announced its new gluten-free West African style Shakparo Ale today.  The ale is marketed towards the growing population of people with gluten intolerances and Celiac disease, a genetic digestive disorder that causes sometimes life-threatening wheat allergies in approximately 1 percent of the American population. Sprecher’s Shakparo Ale is brewed with sorghum and millet in lieu of wheat.

According to Anne Sprecher, Shakparo is “an unfiltered, light, crisp ale with a cider or fruit profile and a dry vinous aftertaste, it is best characterized as an easy-drinking or session beer perfect for summer gatherings.  This beer pairs nicely with lighter fare such as sandwiches, salads, chicken, fish, and spicier foods.”  

Shakparo joins Lakefront’s award-winning New Grist and Anheuser-Busch’s Redbridge, both of which are sorghum-based beers, as options for beer loving Celiac sufferers. Shakparo is available in 16-oz. bottles.

Amy L. Schubert is a 15-year veteran of the hospitality industry and has worked in every aspect of bar and restaurant operations. A graduate of Marquette University (B.A.-Writing Intensive English, 1997) and UW-Milwaukee (M.A.-Rhetoric, Composition, and Professional Writing, 2001), Amy still occasionally moonlights as a guest bartender and she mixes a mean martini.

The restaurant business seems to be in Amy’s blood, and she prides herself in researching and experimenting with culinary combinations and cooking techniques in her own kitchen as well as in friends’ restaurants. Both she and her husband, Scott, are avid cooks and “wine heads,” and love to entertain friends, family and neighbors as frequently as possible.

Amy and Scott live with their boys, Alex and Nick, in Bay View, where they are all very active in the community. Amy finds great pleasure in sharing her knowledge and passions for food and writing in her contributions to OnMilwaukee.com.