Is Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine gluten-free? A complete guide

December 21, 2025 •

4 min read

While roughly 1 in 100 people worldwide have celiac disease, many more follow a gluten-free diet for sensitivity or preference. If you're wondering, "Is Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine gluten-free?" the answer is a resounding yes, confirmed by the distillery and retailers.

Quick Summary

Pure distilled spirits like Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine are naturally gluten-free because the distillation process removes all gluten proteins from the final liquid. This makes it a safe and popular choice for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Key Points

Officially Gluten-Free: Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine is officially gluten-free, a fact confirmed by the distillery.
Distillation is key: The spirit is purified by distillation, a process that removes gluten proteins, even when made from a corn mash.
Natural flavors are safe: The blackberry flavor is infused using natural, gluten-free ingredients that do not reintroduce any gluten into the final product.
Safe for celiacs: This moonshine is considered a safe alcoholic beverage option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
Check for certifications: For high sensitivity, look for products with official third-party gluten-free certification, though pure distilled spirits are inherently safe.
Avoid 'gluten-removed': Unlike naturally gluten-free spirits, products that have had gluten 'removed' are not considered safe for those with celiac disease.

The Distillation Process: Why It Makes Moonshine Gluten-Free

The fundamental reason that Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine is gluten-free lies in the science of distillation. The process involves heating a fermented mash to a specific temperature, which causes the alcohol (ethanol) to vaporize while leaving behind non-volatile components like gluten. The vapor is then collected and cooled, condensing back into a liquid spirit.

Separating Gluten from the Grain

Ole Smoky's base moonshine is made from a corn mash, and traditionally, grains like corn, rye, and barley are all used in moonshine production. While these grains contain gluten, the gluten proteins are too large and heavy to turn into vapor during the distillation process. They remain in the leftover mash, never making it into the finished spirit. This holds true for all traditionally distilled spirits, including whiskey, rum, and vodka.

Ole Smoky Blackberry: The Role of Flavorings

For flavored spirits, the gluten-free status depends heavily on the additives used after distillation. Some artificial flavors or syrups could potentially contain gluten. However, Ole Smoky ensures that its products, including the Blackberry Moonshine, remain gluten-free by using natural, safe flavorings. Their process involves infusing the already-distilled corn spirit with natural blackberry flavors, which do not reintroduce any gluten into the final product.

The Importance of Certifications

While pure distilled spirits are inherently gluten-free, some individuals with severe sensitivities or celiac disease prefer products with official certification. Certifications from organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) require strict testing to ensure gluten levels are below 10 parts per million (ppm) and mandate robust protocols to prevent cross-contamination. Ole Smoky is widely recognized as a gluten-free brand and has appeared on verified lists. Always check the packaging for specific certifications if you have a high sensitivity.

Comparison: Ole Smoky vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages

This table provides a quick comparison of Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine's gluten-free status compared to other common alcoholic beverages.


Beverage Type	Gluten-Free Status	Reason
Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine	Yes	Distilled from a corn mash, flavored with gluten-free ingredients.
Pure Distilled Spirits (Vodka, Rum, Tequila)	Yes	Distillation process removes gluten, regardless of the grain used.
Beer (Traditional)	No	Made from barley or wheat, which are not distilled and contain gluten.
Gluten-Free Beer	Yes	Made from gluten-free grains (e.g., rice) or has gluten removed, below 20 ppm.
Wine & Cider	Yes	Naturally gluten-free, derived from fruit.
Flavored Malt Beverages	Varies	Many contain barley and gluten; ingredients must be checked carefully.

Creative Cocktails with Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine

The delightful and fruity profile of Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine makes it a versatile mixer for a variety of refreshing cocktails. Try these simple recipes:

Blackberry Bramble: Combine 2 oz Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with a fresh blackberry and a lemon twist.
Blackberry Mule: Pour 2 oz Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine into a copper mug filled with ice. Add the juice of half a lime and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Blackberry Bourbon Smash: Muddle a few mint leaves and blackberries in a shaker. Add 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine, 0.5 oz simple syrup, and 0.5 oz lemon juice. Shake well, strain into an ice-filled glass, and garnish with more mint.

Conclusion: Savor the Flavor, Safely

For those managing a gluten-free diet, enjoying a delicious, flavorful spirit like Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine doesn't have to be a risk. The distillation process, combined with the brand's commitment to using safe, natural flavorings, ensures the product is free of gluten. Always double-check labels, especially for flavored products from other brands, but rest assured that this particular moonshine is a safe and tasty choice for your gluten-free cocktail creations. To learn more about gluten and spirits, consider visiting Coeliac UK's alcohol guide for an authoritative source.

The Difference Between 'Gluten-Free' and 'Gluten-Removed'

It's important to distinguish between naturally gluten-free products and those with gluten removed. While Ole Smoky Moonshine is naturally gluten-free due to distillation, some products like certain beers have gluten removed after fermentation. The Celiac Canada and Coeliac UK websites explicitly state that 'gluten-removed' products are not safe for individuals with celiac disease, as they have still been in contact with gluten. Stick to naturally gluten-free options like pure spirits for peace of mind.

Considerations for Cross-Contamination

While Ole Smoky's process aims for purity, it's always wise for those with extreme sensitivities to consider cross-contamination. This risk can occur if equipment is shared with gluten-containing products, though reputable distilleries have strict sanitation protocols. Choosing a certified gluten-free product offers the highest level of assurance, though pure, distilled spirits are generally considered very safe for celiacs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for pure distilled spirits like moonshine, vodka, or whiskey, the distillation process consistently removes gluten proteins. It is scientifically impossible for gluten to transfer into the final distilled liquid.

Yes, Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine is considered safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. The spirit is distilled from corn, and the flavorings do not contain gluten.

The base spirit is distilled from a corn mash and then infused with natural blackberry flavors to achieve its signature taste. The corn used is a primary ingredient in many Ole Smoky products.

Most of Ole Smoky's moonshine flavors are gluten-free, including Blackberry, Apple Pie, and White Lightnin'. However, individuals with extreme sensitivity should check each specific product's label or website for confirmation, especially for cream-based or unusual flavors.

For pure distilled spirits, you can be confident that the distillation process removes gluten. If it's a flavored spirit, like Blackberry Moonshine, it's best to verify with the manufacturer or choose a brand with a third-party gluten-free certification for maximum reassurance.

Reputable distilleries like Ole Smoky follow strict manufacturing and sanitation protocols to prevent cross-contamination. While the risk is minimal for distilled spirits, those with severe sensitivities may prefer to stick to products with an official gluten-free certification.

Yes, many liquor and wine outlets accurately list Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine as gluten-free, often noting its certification status. These listings are generally reliable and consistent with information from the manufacturer.