As should be obvious to even the Artic Wolf, there are a substantial number of people who may have extreme allergies and reactions to certain foods. This is simply another reason why we so strongly promote complete and honest labeling of rum.
The Wolf recently reviewed a potato-based vodka named "Luksusowa", and as he tends to do, borrows heavily and apparently uncritically on distiller/distributor marketing hype. In his review he stated:
Is this the Wolf howling? Or is he just regurgitating again?Wolf: "It is a good alternative spirit for those who are gluten intolerant or those who may have Celiac disease."
I was quite struck by this amazing recommendation as honestly, other than insincere recommendations to "drink responsibly" I'd never seen any alcoholic beverage promoted in this fashion. My scrupulous internet research could find nothing confirming Luksusowa's claim except their own cheesy website...
There's a couple problems with this amazing claim...Luksusowa: " There are currently estimated to be one million people in the United States who may have Celiac Disease -- many of whom are unaware that they even have the illness. People with Celiac Disease (a.k.a. gluten sensitive enteropathy) are unable to properly digest products made from wheat, rye, barley and oats. Consuming these grains causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea.
“The quality of life is greatly improved with every new choice that becomes available to celiacs,” said Elaine Monarch, Executive Director, Celiac Disease Foundation. “Some people who are diagnosed with Celiac Disease still want to be able to enjoy an adult beverage. They can with Luksusowa Original Potato Vodka.”
1. I can find no such statement by either Elizabeth Monarch and/or her Celiac Disease Foundation making such a specific recommendation for Luksusowa Original Potato Vodka. I am so sure she didn't that I have contacted the Foundation to substantiate this alleged quote.
An astute reader challenged the Wolf on this point, whereupon he engaged in his usual shuck and jive speculations, and to his credit admits he really doesn't know. Yet he leaves the original recommendation intact (above), that Luksusowa would be a great choice for those with Celiac disease.
Let me go a little further with this.
2. Claims of "gluten free" are simply not reliable. The FDA proposed 20ppm of gluten to meet this standard, but since 2008 has failed every year to construct any labeling requirements. To the contrary, the FDA has classed gluten as GRAS ("generally recognized as safe"), so therefore, and read this carefully...
It is currently up to the manufacturers of "gluten free" food items to guarantee such a claim! That's right - the distillers can claim any fuckin thing they want, and it seems this vodka has done exactly that.
3. From what I can find, only Australia and the EU require the labeling of gluten based on the minimum detectible amount - 5 ppm.
Enough! Basta!
IMHO the Wolf has simply got to stop drinking the Koolaid and to stop uncritically regurgitating distiller ad copy. He should stick with his bitter finding, tannin tasting tastebuds and simply limit his findings to his usual simple reviews.
When you make health recommendations that risk severe reactions by susceptible individuals with a serious disease, you have gone far, far, far beyond rational reviewing. Stop it!!! And why oh why would anyone even begin to go down that road?
He's not a medical expert, so it can't be that. And he apparently didn't do due diligence, but rather just stepped in the due doo. Nope, like real wolves who gorge and then regurgitate to feed their young...
He apparently just spews out whatever was presented to him, with no regard for who gets splattered later. My recommendations: do not - under any circumstances - ever trust any spirits reviewer for medical advice. Period.
You have been warned...
