Does Honey Whiskey Have Gluten in It? Celiac and Gluten-Sensitive Guide

October 26, 2025 •

2 min read

While the distillation process typically removes gluten from spirits, some flavored products can reintroduce it after the fact. This raises the critical question for many: Does honey whiskey have gluten in it? The answer depends entirely on the specific brand's manufacturing process and ingredients added post-distillation.

Quick Summary

The gluten content of honey whiskey is brand-dependent due to added flavorings. While the distillation process purifies the spirit, additives can reintroduce gluten. Individuals with celiac or gluten sensitivity should research specific products carefully.

Key Points

Distillation is Key: The process of distillation purifies spirits, removing gluten proteins from the base grains, making pure whiskey generally gluten-free.
Flavorings Add Risk: Honey whiskey is a flavored liqueur, and ingredients added after distillation can reintroduce gluten into the final product.
Check the Brand: Whether a specific honey whiskey is gluten-free depends entirely on the brand's exact ingredients and manufacturing process, so verification is crucial.
Listen to Your Body: Individual sensitivity levels vary, so even trace amounts from additives or cross-contamination might cause a reaction for some individuals.
Look for Alternatives: For zero risk, stick to naturally gluten-free options like wine, cider, or unflavored spirits such as rum and tequila.

The Science Behind Distillation and Gluten Removal

Whiskey is made from grains like barley, wheat, and rye. Distillation is a key process that separates the alcohol from other components. Gluten proteins are large and do not vaporize during distillation, effectively removing them from the spirit. In 2020, the TTB allowed distilled spirits made from gluten grains to be labeled "gluten-free" if they adhere to good manufacturing practices and test as gluten-free.

The Additive Dilemma: Flavorings and Honey

Unlike pure whiskey, honey whiskey is a flavored product created by adding honey and other flavorings to distilled whiskey. While pure honey is gluten-free, the flavorings in commercial honey whiskey can contain gluten-derived ingredients or be subject to cross-contamination. For example, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey is not certified gluten-free because of ingredients added after distillation.

Comparing Honey Whiskey to Other Drinks


Beverage	Base Ingredients	Processing Method	Gluten Status for Celiacs	Key Consideration
Unflavored Whiskey	Grain mash (barley, corn, rye)	Distillation	Generally Gluten-Free	Distillation removes gluten
Honey Whiskey	Distilled Whiskey + Flavorings	Distillation, then Mixing	Variable (Check Brand)	Additives post-distillation can contain gluten
Wine	Grapes	Fermentation	Naturally Gluten-Free	Usually safe, but check for additives in some varieties
Cider	Apples	Fermentation	Naturally Gluten-Free	Generally safe, but some flavored ciders might contain gluten additives
Traditional Beer	Grain mash (barley, wheat)	Fermentation	Contains Gluten	Not distilled, gluten remains in the final product
Rum	Sugarcane/Molasses	Distillation	Naturally Gluten-Free	Safe as long as no flavorings are added after distillation

What to Look for and How to Stay Safe

For those with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity, researching specific brands of honey whiskey is crucial. Always check with the manufacturer for definitive gluten-free status, as some brands like Evan Williams Honey Reserve have confirmed their product is gluten-free, while others like Jack Daniel's advise caution due to added ingredients. Read labels carefully and be aware of potential cross-contamination in mixing environments. It's also important to note that some individuals with celiac disease may still react to distilled spirits from gluten grains.

Naturally Gluten-Free Alternatives

Safe alternatives include wine and champagne from grapes, cider from apples, and naturally gluten-free distilled spirits like rum (from sugarcane) and tequila (from agave). Gluten-free beers are also available.

Conclusion

The gluten content of honey whiskey depends on the brand's ingredients added after the distillation process. While the distilled whiskey base is typically gluten-free, added flavorings can reintroduce gluten. For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it is essential to confirm the gluten-free status with the specific brand. Naturally gluten-free options like unflavored spirits, wine, and cider provide a safe alternative. You can find more information from organizations like Beyond Celiac.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the distillation process removes gluten proteins, not all whiskey is guaranteed to be gluten-free. Flavored or infused whiskeys, including honey whiskey, have ingredients added after distillation that may contain gluten. Always check the specific brand.

Yes, natural, pure honey is inherently gluten-free. The potential for gluten comes from cross-contamination during processing or from added, gluten-containing ingredients in flavored honey products.

If a distilled spirit is labeled 'gluten-free,' it means the manufacturer has verified that no gluten is present, even from additives. However, because alcohol labeling can be complex, and some brands opt not to certify, directly contacting the company is the safest approach for honey whiskey.

All flavored whiskeys carry a potential risk for the same reason as honey whiskey: ingredients are added after distillation. Individuals with gluten sensitivities should investigate the specific brand and its additives.

Some highly sensitive individuals may react even to trace amounts, despite the purification of distillation. Others may have adverse reactions due to ingredients added after distillation, such as flavorings or caramel coloring.

Based on manufacturer statements, some brands like Evan Williams Honey Reserve have been confirmed as gluten-free. However, product formulations can change, so it is always best to check with the manufacturer for the most current information.

Safe options include naturally gluten-free beverages like wine, cider, and unflavored spirits such as rum or 100% agave tequila.

Pure whiskey is distilled, and the process removes gluten. Honey whiskey is a liqueur where flavorings, including honey, are added after distillation, and these additives can potentially contain gluten.

No. While purity laws exist in some regions (like Scotland and Ireland), no such universal rule applies in the U.S. Always check the ingredients for any post-distillation additives.