Understanding a Gluten-Free Nutrition Diet: Does Bourbon Have Gluten?

October 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, distilled spirits like bourbon are considered safe for individuals with celiac disease because the distillation process effectively removes the gluten protein. This scientific fact directly addresses the common question: Does bourbon have gluten?

Quick Summary

Pure, distilled bourbon is considered gluten-free due to the distillation process, which separates the gluten proteins from the alcohol. Concerns exist regarding potential gluten additives in flavored products and rare cross-contamination incidents, but standard, unflavored bourbon is generally safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Key Points

Distillation removes gluten: Pure, distilled bourbon is gluten-free because the distillation process effectively removes the gluten proteins from the grain mash.
Made from gluten grains: Bourbon typically uses a mash bill of 51% corn, but often includes wheat, rye, or barley, which do contain gluten before distillation.
Beware of flavorings: Flavored bourbons or liqueurs may have gluten-containing additives introduced after distillation, so always check the label.
Minimal cross-contamination risk: While a theoretical risk exists in shared facilities, pure spirits are generally considered safe, and proper cleaning practices are standard.
Alternatives are available: For extreme sensitivity, consider bourbons made from 100% corn or naturally gluten-free spirits like tequila, rum, and wine.
Check with professionals: Those with celiac disease should consult their doctor before consuming distilled spirits.

The Science Behind Distillation: Why Gluten is Removed

To understand why pure bourbon is gluten-free, one must first grasp the process of distillation. Bourbon is an American whiskey made from a fermented mash of grains, with the mash bill legally required to be at least 51% corn. The remainder can consist of other grains, such as rye, wheat, or barley, which do contain gluten.

However, during distillation, the fermented mash is heated in a still. Since alcohol and water have lower boiling points than gluten proteins, they vaporize and rise, leaving the heavier gluten proteins and other solids behind in the still. The vapor is then condensed back into a purified liquid, or distillate, which is essentially gluten-free. Organizations like Beyond Celiac and the Celiac Disease Foundation confirm that this process effectively removes harmful gluten peptides, making the final product safe for most people with celiac disease.

Potential Pitfalls: When Bourbon Might Not Be Gluten-Free

While the distillation of pure bourbon results in a gluten-free spirit, there are specific scenarios where gluten can be reintroduced. This usually occurs after the distillation process is complete. Two primary concerns are additives and cross-contact.

Flavored Bourbons and Whiskey Liqueurs: Products that add flavorings, colorings, or other ingredients after distillation pose a risk. Some of these additives, such as those used for honey, cinnamon, or other flavored whiskeys, may contain gluten or be derived from gluten-containing ingredients. It is crucial to read labels carefully and, if necessary, contact the manufacturer to verify the gluten-free status of flavored products.
Cross-Contamination: Though considered a minimal risk for most pure, distilled spirits, the possibility of cross-contamination exists in facilities that also produce gluten-containing products. For individuals with a severe sensitivity to gluten, trace amounts could potentially end up in the finished product. Proper cleaning practices are generally standard, but it is a consideration for the most sensitive consumers.

The Importance of the Mash Bill

As mentioned, bourbon's mash bill must be at least 51% corn, but the other grains significantly influence its flavor profile. For individuals who prefer maximum peace of mind, seeking out bourbons made exclusively from gluten-free grains can be an option.

Common Mash Bill Varieties:

Traditional Bourbon: Typically uses a combination of corn, rye, and malted barley, with the gluten removed during distillation.
Wheated Bourbon: Uses corn, wheat, and malted barley. The distillation process also removes the gluten here, resulting in a smoother, sweeter profile.
100% Corn Bourbon: Made entirely from corn, these bourbons are naturally gluten-free from the start and can be a suitable choice for those with extreme sensitivities. Brands like Hudson Baby Bourbon offer a 100% corn option.

A Comparative Look at Gluten in Spirits

To better understand the gluten content of various alcoholic beverages, here is a comparison table:


Beverage	Production Method	Source Grains/Ingredients	Is it Gluten-Free?	Comments
Pure Bourbon	Distilled	Corn (51%+), Wheat/Rye/Barley	Yes	Distillation removes gluten. Safe for most individuals.
Flavored Whiskey	Distilled, with additives	Corn, Wheat/Rye/Barley, Additives	No (Potentially)	Additives or flavorings added post-distillation may contain gluten.
Vodka	Distilled	Potatoes, Grapes, or Grains	Yes	Distilled from gluten or non-gluten grains, the final product is gluten-free.
Rum	Distilled	Sugarcane, Molasses	Yes	Naturally gluten-free as it's not made from grains.
Tequila	Distilled	Blue Agave	Yes	Naturally gluten-free from agave plant.
Traditional Beer	Fermented	Malted Barley, Wheat	No	Fermentation does not remove gluten. Avoid unless certified gluten-free.
Hard Cider	Fermented	Apples	Yes (usually)	Naturally gluten-free, but check for additives that could contain gluten.

Gluten-Free Alternatives for a Balanced Diet

For those who prefer not to risk it or simply want more variety, several naturally gluten-free options are available:

Tequila: Made from the agave plant, tequila is a naturally gluten-free spirit.
Rum: Derived from sugarcane or molasses, rum is another safe, gluten-free choice.
Wine and Cider: These fermented fruit-based beverages are naturally gluten-free, though it is always wise to check for potential fining agents that might contain gluten, particularly in some wines.

Conclusion

For those navigating a gluten-free diet, the question of whether does bourbon have gluten? is a common and important one. The scientific consensus is that pure, unflavored bourbon is a safe choice, thanks to the distillation process that removes gluten proteins, even when made from gluten-containing grains. The primary risks lie with flavored varieties and potential, though rare, cross-contamination. For those with extreme sensitivities or those seeking complete peace of mind, opting for bourbons made from 100% corn or choosing other naturally gluten-free spirits like tequila or rum are excellent alternatives. As with any dietary concern, consulting a healthcare professional is always the best course of action. For more information on living with celiac disease, you can visit the Celiac Disease Foundation's website.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, pure, unflavored, and straight distilled bourbon is considered safe for most people with celiac disease. The distillation process removes the gluten protein from the final liquid product, making it gluten-free.

The gluten protein is not volatile and does not vaporize during the distillation process, so it remains behind in the still with the other fermented grain solids. The collected vapor is then condensed into a purified, gluten-free spirit.

Yes, flavored bourbons or whiskey liqueurs may have gluten-containing additives introduced after the distillation process. It is important to read the ingredients and check with the manufacturer for clarification.

The risk of cross-contamination in distilleries is considered minimal for pure distilled spirits, but it is a potential concern for individuals with high sensitivity. For most, this risk is not a factor.

In the United States, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) permits spirits distilled from gluten-containing grains to be labeled 'gluten-free' if good manufacturing practices prevent the introduction of gluten after distillation. However, the label must also state it was made from gluten grains and that it cannot be verified all gluten was removed.

For 100% corn-based bourbons, options like Hudson Baby Bourbon are available. Naturally gluten-free alternatives include tequila (from agave), rum (from sugarcane), wine (from grapes), and hard cider (from apples).

For severe gluten sensitivity, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended. It may be safest to choose spirits that are made from naturally gluten-free ingredients from the start, such as rum or tequila, to eliminate any theoretical risk.