Is Bourbon Gluten Free? Get A Definitive Answer In 2025

When transitioning to a gluten-free diet, it can be hard to know which alcoholic beverages are safe for you to drink. And if you want to drink certain types of alcohol for weight loss, it gets even more confusing. 

One popular spirit, bourbon whiskey, is made from grains like corn, a gluten-free grain, barley, and rye. And compared to other alcoholic drinks, it has no sugar or carbs.^[1]

But wait, barley and rye have gluten! So is moderately drinking bourbon gluten-free and healthy? The answer is a little complicated, so let’s break it down.

What Is Bourbon Made From?

Bourbon whiskey is a type of whiskey that, according to U.S. regulations,^[2] must contain at least 51% corn to be labeled as bourbon. Besides corn, bourbon makers often use wheat and rye in small amounts. Some bourbons consist of up to 80% or even 100% corn, such as Hudson Baby Bourbon and Texas Blue Corn Bourbon.

These grains are mashed together and cooked to create a sweet liquid known as the mash. After this process, the mash is put into new charred oak barrels, where it ages for at least two years. The aging process helps impart unique flavors from the wood and extracts tannins from the oak.

Bourbon is a distilled alcohol, which is a purification process it undergoes to leave impurities behind and give the final product. During this distillation process, the traces of gluten protein are removed. 

Distillation involves heating a liquid until it vaporizes, in this case, the bourbon that still has gluten in it. This vapor is then captured and cooled, condensing it back into a liquid in a separate container. As the steam is much lighter than the liquid form of the bourbon, impurities, such as gluten proteins and, unfortunately, vitamins, are left behind as they are too heavy. 

Does Bourbon Have Gluten?

Despite gluten proteins being too heavy to remain after distillation, some debate exists about whether bourbon whiskey is safe for those on a gluten-free diet. While most experts agree that pure distilled bourbon should not contain gluten, some believe that if gluten ingredients are used in the mash, they should not be labeled as gluten-free.

In August 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration^[3] decided that distilled foods made from grains containing gluten – such as rye, barley, and wheat – could be labeled as gluten-free. 

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau^[4] took a little longer to catch up, and they now allow manufacturers to call their distilled drinks gluten-free, even if they’re made from grains that contain gluten. Previously, they did not allow alcohol-containing gluten grains as an ingredient to be labeled gluten-free, even if it was distilled.  

The Gluten-Free Certification Organization^[5] can give a gluten-free certification to distilled alcoholic drinks if they meet all their standards, which may be different again.

You can see why it’s confusing! For the most part, bourbon in its purest, distilled form, even when wheat, barley, or rye is included in the mash, is recognized as gluten-free. The distillation process typically makes most bourbons safe for those with celiac disease. 

However, it’s essential to be vigilant for hidden gluten in bourbons that incorporate flavorings or other additives post-distillation.

How To Make Sure Your Bourbon Is Gluten-Free

Labeling allergens, including gluten, for alcoholic beverages overseen by the TTB^[6] is not mandatory, so some bourbon that is considered gluten-free may not be labeled as such, which can be confusing. 

To be safe, if you are highly reactive to gluten, make sure that you purchase gluten-free bourbon and that it’s clearly labeled as such, or check with the manufacturer. Keep an eye out for any added ingredients to the bourbon for additives or flavoring after distillation that may contain gluten. 

Other Gluten-Free Alcohol Options

Life on a gluten-free diet does not have to be boring, even if you can no longer enjoy your favorite beverage. If you don’t want to take the chance on bourbon or any alcohol made with any kind of gluten-containing grain, even if it has been distilled, there are plenty of other gluten-free alcoholic beverages you can try.

1. Corn vodka: Made from yellow corn.
2. Grape vodka: Distilled from grapes.
3. Potato vodka: Made from potatoes.
4. Tequila: Made from the heart of the agave plant.
5. Rum: Made from sugarcane molasses or juice.
6. Cognac: Distilled from white grapes.
7. Most wines: Typically made from a variety of grapes.

These can be enjoyed as they are or used as the base for a variety of cocktails. Remember, even if these seem like great gluten-free options, always check the label or contact the manufacturer if you have any doubts about the ingredients!

How To Get Enough Nutrients On A Gluten-Free Diet

While alcohol can be fun to have every so often, it’s not recommended as part of a healthy lifestyle. When on a gluten-free diet, it’s important to focus on eating a wide variety of foods to ensure that you are not missing out on any nutrients. Excessive amounts of alcohol can cause nutrient deficiencies^[7] that make it hard to stay healthy, and its caloric value can wreak havoc if you are on any kind of weight loss diet. 

It’s also important to focus on eating foods high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables, and proteins like legumes and nuts. Whole grains are another great source of nutrients, but remember to choose gluten-free certified ones. To cover any gaps, consider gluten-free supplements or protein powders. 

Conclusion

Mostly, no gluten is present in distilled alcohols such as bourbon, as the distillation process leaves the gluten proteins behind. However, gluten may be present in trace amounts if it has been added after the distillation process or picked up from contaminated equipment. 

For those looking to enjoy gluten-free alcohol, it’s essential to read labels carefully and contact the manufacturer if you have any doubts about the ingredients. Popular distilled spirits like vodka, tequila, rum, and cognac are all typically gluten-free and may be enjoyed with your gluten-free meals!

Frequently Asked Questions

---