The Danish brewer restarts a limited-edition brew, following research that it is heathier than regular beers

Carlsberg Group has launched a new red barley beer, claiming it offers health benefits and likening it to wine, according to a report in the United Kingdom’s The Telegraph newspaper.

The beer is brewed with red barley, which contains fewer hops and includes anthocyanins – naturally occurring compounds found in grape skins. These compounds are believed to offer several health benefits, including reducing the risk of cancer, improving memory, and managing diabetes.

This new beer should not to be confused with traditional red ales which are made with roasted barley and kilned malt.

The red barley used in the beer was developed through novel cross-breeding techniques at Carlsberg’s research lab, using a process called “Find-It”. This is a non-GMO breeding method not requiring gene editing, recently invented by Carlsberg.

The red barley beer was initially launched in 2019 in collaboration with UK Soccer team, Liverpool FC, as a limited-edition brew, but Carlsberg is now reintroducing it as part of a broader effort to develop healthier beer options.

Carlsberg has long been known for its contributions to brewing science, having pioneered the yeast strain Carlsbergensis in 1883, a discovery that forms the foundation of many modern lagers.

The brewer continues to push the boundaries of brewing innovation, recently mapping the genome of male and female hops. This research could assist brewers worldwide in creating more specific and tailored beer varieties.

According to The Telegraph report, Carlsberg’s research findings are expected to be published in a scientific journal soon.