A Dark Night beer. – Departed Soles
A Dark Night beer, by Jersey City’s Departed Soles Brewing Company has been named Best Gluten-Free Beer by USA TODAY 10BEST. The achievement comes after placing second in 2024, while Departed Soles’ Birdie Juice came in second place this year after winning the top spot last year.
The 2025 version of 10BEST featured 20 gluten-free beers brewed throughout America, which were nominated by an expert panel and voted by its readers as the best. The pedigree of entrants ranged from Great American Beer Festival winners to World Beer Cup champions, as well as winners of many other international competitions and previous 10BEST winners. Each beer was selected by an expert panel of judges and debated before going to a month-long public vote.
“To have this award chosen by consumers, that makes it particularly meaningful,” said Brian Kulbacki, owner and head brewer of Departed Soles. “Craft Beer is facing immense challenges. From rising costs to contracting distribution, less ‘drinking local’ and rampant pay-to-play, making ends meet is getting harder and harder. To have Birdie Juice place again is humbling. To have A Dark Night rise to the top is not just a blessing — but motivating. It’s the hero we need right now!”
Departed Soles is New Jersey’s only brewery to offer options brewed with 100% certified gluten-free ingredients, brewed and canned on dedicated equipment. It is Jersey City’s first modern craft brewery.
