Is Evan Williams Kentucky bourbon gluten-free? The Definitive Answer

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to major celiac organizations, all pure, distilled spirits are considered gluten-free due to the distillation process. This scientific fact confirms that Evan Williams Kentucky bourbon is safe for the vast majority of people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Quick Summary

Pure, distilled Evan Williams bourbon is gluten-free because the distillation process effectively removes gluten proteins from the final product. Caution is advised with flavored varieties and for individuals with extreme sensitivities.

Key Points

Distillation removes gluten: The distillation process used to make all bourbons, including Evan Williams, purifies the spirit by vaporizing the alcohol and leaving behind the gluten proteins.
Pure bourbon is safe for most: Medical and celiac organizations agree that pure, distilled bourbon is safe for people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance.
Flavored versions carry risk: Liqueurs and flavored Evan Williams products, such as Honey Reserve, may contain gluten from additives introduced after distillation.
Highly sensitive individuals should be cautious: While rare, some with extreme sensitivities may react even to distilled grain alcohol, and should consult a doctor.
Check for additives and flavorings: Always read labels and be aware of cocktails or liqueurs that may contain gluten sources added post-distillation.
Naturally gluten-free options exist: For zero risk, choose spirits like rum, tequila, or potato-based vodka, which are not made from gluten-containing grains.

The Science Behind Distillation and Gluten

All true Kentucky Straight Bourbons, including Evan Williams, are produced using a grain mash bill. While this mash bill includes gluten-containing grains, the distillation process fundamentally separates gluten from the final spirit. Gluten is a protein that is non-volatile, meaning it cannot evaporate. During distillation, the alcohol and other volatile compounds are heated, vaporize, and are collected and cooled. The heavy, non-volatile gluten proteins are left behind in the still. This process effectively purifies the spirit, leaving no gluten in the final product.

Evan Williams' Mash Bill and Gluten Content

Evan Williams uses a specific mash bill for its bourbon. For instance, the Evan Williams Black Label and Bottled-in-Bond variants use a mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley. While rye and barley are gluten-containing grains, the distillation process renders them irrelevant to the gluten content of the final spirit. As long as no gluten-containing additives are introduced after distillation, the finished product will be gluten-free.

Potential Risks and Cautions for Highly Sensitive Individuals

While scientific consensus points to distilled spirits being gluten-free, a small percentage of highly sensitive individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance report reactions to grain-based alcohols. The reason for this is not fully understood but may be linked to specific personal sensitivities or a minute level of cross-contamination. Risks can also arise from flavored products or mix-ins.

Flavored Whiskeys and Liqueurs

Many brands offer flavored versions of their spirits. Evan Williams, for example, offers a Honey Reserve variant. The crucial distinction is that additives like honey, sweeteners, or other flavorings are introduced after the distillation process is complete. Some of these additives may contain gluten or be processed in facilities that handle gluten, creating a risk of contamination. Always scrutinize flavored versions and consult the manufacturer directly if you have concerns. This distinction is critical for maintaining a strict gluten-free diet.

Naturally Gluten-Free Alternatives

For those who wish to avoid any remote risk, there are naturally gluten-free spirits that are not made from gluten-containing grains in the first place. These include:

Rum: Made from sugarcane or molasses.
Tequila: Made from the agave plant.
Potato or Corn-Based Vodka: Distilled from naturally gluten-free sources.
Wine and Hard Cider: Produced from fruits, not grains.

Comparison: Evan Williams Bourbon vs. Naturally Gluten-Free Spirits


Feature	Evan Williams Bourbon	Naturally Gluten-Free Spirits (e.g., Tequila, Potato Vodka)
Starting Ingredients	Mash bill with corn, rye, and barley.	Ingredients contain no gluten from the start (e.g., agave, potatoes).
Distillation	Removes gluten protein through vaporization.	No gluten to remove; distilled for purity and concentration.
Gluten Status	Considered gluten-free by science and major health organizations.	Inherently and completely gluten-free.
Risk of Additives	Flavored versions and liqueurs may pose a risk.	Generally low risk unless flavors or mix-ins are added post-distillation.
Celiac Safety	Safe for most, but caution for highly sensitive individuals is recommended.	The safest option, as there is no possibility of trace gluten from grain origin.

Conclusion

In summary, yes, pure Evan Williams Kentucky bourbon is gluten-free. The distillation process, a fundamental part of producing all straight bourbon, removes gluten proteins from the final product, a fact endorsed by leading celiac disease organizations like Beyond Celiac and the Celiac Disease Foundation. The only exceptions to this are flavored versions of the product, such as the Honey Reserve, which introduce potential gluten-containing additives after distillation. For those with extreme sensitivities, naturally gluten-free alternatives like rum or tequila offer a zero-risk choice. When in doubt, stick to the unflavored, distilled product, and always contact the manufacturer directly for specific product information. Further information on this topic can be found on the Beyond Celiac website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all pure, distilled bourbon is considered gluten-free due to the distillation process, which removes all gluten proteins from the final liquid. However, flavored bourbons or liqueurs may contain gluten additives.

Evan Williams is made from a mash bill containing corn, rye, and barley, but it is distilled. Distillation involves vaporizing the alcohol, which leaves the non-volatile gluten proteins behind in the still, resulting in a gluten-free spirit.

It is not recommended to drink flavored versions, like Evan Williams Honey Reserve, on a strict gluten-free diet. The flavorings and additives are added after distillation and may contain gluten.

A naturally gluten-free alcohol, like rum or tequila, is made from ingredients that never contained gluten. A distilled spirit, like bourbon, may start with gluten-containing grains but is purified to remove the gluten.

For most individuals with celiac disease, pure Evan Williams is safe. However, a small number of extremely sensitive people may react to distilled spirits. The primary risk is with flavored variants.

Stick to the unflavored, straight bourbon varieties. Flavored products are the main source of potential gluten contamination. You can also contact the manufacturer directly with questions.

No, the standard Evan Williams mash bill includes rye and malted barley in addition to corn. However, the distillation process makes the final product gluten-free.