Understanding Your Options: What Bourbons Are Certified Gluten-Free?

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to expert organizations like Coeliac UK, all distilled spirits are gluten-free, including bourbon, because the distillation process removes gluten proteins. However, navigating the world of whiskey for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can still be complex, raising the question: what bourbons are certified gluten-free and completely safe?

Quick Summary

Pure, distilled bourbon is considered gluten-free due to the distillation process, which eliminates gluten proteins from the final product. While specific certifications are rare, most standard bourbons from well-known brands are considered safe, though caution is advised for flavored varieties.

Key Points

Distillation is Key: The process of distillation removes gluten proteins from the fermented grain mash, making most pure, distilled bourbon gluten-free.
Check for Additives: Flavored bourbons or products with added ingredients after distillation can reintroduce gluten, so check labels and confirm with the manufacturer.
Opt for 100% Corn: Bourbons made from 100% corn mash, such as Hudson Baby Bourbon or Balcones Texas Blue Corn Bourbon, are naturally gluten-free and carry the lowest risk.
Know Your Brands: Major brands like Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, and Wild Turkey produce pure, distilled bourbons that are generally considered safe for those with gluten sensitivity.
Be Aware of Labeling: Due to TTB regulations, spirits distilled from gluten grains can't be labeled 'gluten-free' without a disclaimer, so third-party certification is rare.
Assess Personal Sensitivity: Some highly sensitive individuals may choose to avoid grain-based alcohols altogether, though pure, distilled bourbon is widely accepted as safe by celiac organizations.

The Science Behind Gluten-Free Bourbon

At its core, bourbon is an American whiskey. Legally, it must be made from a mash bill containing at least 51% corn, but the remaining percentage often includes gluten-containing grains like wheat, rye, or barley. This can cause concern for people on a gluten-free diet, including those with celiac disease.

The key to bourbon's gluten-free status is the distillation process. Distillation involves heating the fermented grain mash until the alcohol evaporates, leaving the non-volatile proteins, including gluten, behind. The alcohol vapor is then collected, cooled, and condensed into the final, purified spirit. This scientific process effectively removes all gluten from the liquid that ends up in the bottle, even if gluten grains were part of the initial mash bill.

Can Pure Distilled Bourbon Be Labeled 'Gluten-Free'?

In the U.S., the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has specific regulations for labeling distilled spirits. An alcoholic beverage distilled from gluten-containing grains can be labeled 'processed to remove gluten' but must include a disclaimer that the gluten content cannot be verified. This is because while distillation removes the protein, no current testing method can reliably quantify trace amounts, and there's always a theoretical, though very small, risk of cross-contamination post-distillation. For this reason, consumers looking for products with official third-party certification may find options limited compared to naturally gluten-free spirits like tequila or rum.

Are Common Bourbon Brands Gluten-Free?

For most individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, pure, distilled bourbon from major brands is considered safe. Organizations like Beyond Celiac and Celiac.com list many popular bourbons as generally acceptable because of the distillation process.

Commonly accepted bourbons include:

Jim Beam: While its mash bill includes gluten-containing grains, the finished, distilled product is considered safe.
Maker's Mark: Contains winter wheat in its mash bill, but the distillation process removes the gluten.
Knob Creek: A product of Jim Beam, this bourbon is also safe for most people on a gluten-free diet due to distillation.
Wild Turkey: The company has confirmed its products are free of gluten proteins after distillation.
Bulleit Bourbon: Contains rye and barley but is considered gluten-free due to distillation.
Four Roses: Another brand whose distillation process renders the product safe.

The Importance of Avoiding Additives and Flavorings

The primary risk for gluten exposure in bourbon comes from flavorings or other ingredients added after the distillation process. These additives may contain gluten and can reintroduce the protein into the final product. While major brands of flavored bourbons often confirm their products are gluten-free, it is crucial to exercise caution, especially with smaller or independent distillers. Always check the label or contact the manufacturer to verify the safety of flavored varieties. Examples of potential culprits include certain honey-flavored whiskeys or seasonal releases.

100% Corn Bourbons: The Safest Bet?

For those with extreme sensitivity to gluten or those who prefer to avoid any alcohol derived from gluten grains, 100% corn bourbons are an excellent, low-risk option. Since corn is naturally gluten-free, these bourbons carry no risk of gluten contamination from the initial mash bill.

Some examples of 100% corn bourbons include:

Hudson Baby Bourbon: Made from 100% corn, offering extra peace of mind.
Balcones Texas Blue Corn Bourbon: Uses 100% Texas-grown blue corn for a unique profile.
Yellow Rose Outlaw Bourbon: Another 100% corn-based whiskey from Texas.

Comparison of Bourbon Types


Aspect	Traditional Distilled Bourbon	100% Corn Bourbon	Flavored Bourbon (Standard)
Mash Bill	$\geq$ 51% corn, plus other grains like wheat, rye, or barley	100% corn or maize	$\geq$ 51% corn, plus additives post-distillation
Gluten Status	Gluten removed during distillation. Considered safe for most individuals.	Naturally gluten-free. The safest option for those with high sensitivity.	Potential risk. Additives could reintroduce gluten. Always verify.
TTB Labeling	May be labeled as "processed to remove gluten" with a disclaimer.	Generally has no gluten disclaimer needed if only naturally gluten-free grains are used.	Varies based on additives. Requires confirmation from manufacturer.
Flavor Profile	Complex and varied based on the grain mixture (e.g., sweeter with wheat, spicier with rye).	Often sweeter with a strong, distinct corn note.	Flavors added after aging, such as honey or maple.
Risk of Issue	Very low for pure, unflavored varieties.	Extremely low.	Moderate to high, depending on the specific product and sensitivity level.

The Final Word on Gluten-Free Bourbon

While pure, unflavored bourbon is generally safe for people with celiac disease due to distillation, a small degree of caution may be necessary for those who are highly sensitive. The safest and most definitive options are those made from 100% corn mash. For any flavored bourbon, it's essential to confirm the gluten-free status with the manufacturer, as additives could introduce gluten back into the finished product. For peace of mind, consulting resources like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) for information on various products is a reliable approach.

Conclusion

For most individuals on a gluten-free diet, a glass of pure, distilled bourbon can be enjoyed with confidence. The scientific process of distillation effectively removes the gluten proteins from the finished spirit, rendering it safe. By understanding the basics of bourbon production, including mash bills and the potential for added flavorings, you can make an informed and delicious choice. For those who prioritize a 100% gluten-free grain base, excellent corn-based bourbons are available, ensuring a worry-free experience for even the most sensitive individuals. Always read labels and, when in doubt, stick to pure spirits or verify with the distillery directly.

Gluten-Free Certification Organization

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, standard Jim Beam bourbon is considered gluten-free. Although its mash bill contains gluten-containing grains, the distillation process removes the gluten proteins, making the final product safe for most people on a gluten-free diet.

Yes, pure, unflavored Maker's Mark is generally considered gluten-free. It contains winter wheat in its mash bill, but the distillation process removes the gluten.

Pure bourbon is distilled, which removes gluten. Flavored bourbons, however, have ingredients added after distillation, and those additives could potentially contain gluten. This makes it important to verify with the manufacturer for flavored versions.

Yes, as long as it is a pure, distilled, and unflavored bourbon. The distillation process is a reliable method for removing gluten. Reputable organizations like Beyond Celiac confirm that distilled spirits are safe.

The risk of cross-contamination in distilleries for distilled products is considered very low, especially for major brands that follow strict cleaning and handling protocols. The distillation process itself is a significant safeguard.

In the U.S., the TTB regulates alcohol labeling. For spirits made from gluten-containing grains, a 'processed to remove gluten' label can be used but must include a disclaimer that gluten content cannot be verified. This makes official certification complex.

Yes, bourbons made from a 100% corn mash are naturally gluten-free from the source. Brands like Hudson Baby Bourbon and Balcones Texas Blue Corn Bourbon are examples of this.