Are you sipping your whiskey safely?
For the majority, drinking bourbon can create a transient feeling of bliss and relaxation, but is this also the case for people who are allergic to gluten?
At some point, you may have asked, “Is there wheat in bourbon?” Because if there is gluten in bourbon, you can just think about the unthinkable effects of having flare-ups after finishing a glass of a gluten-filled liquor.
Read on so you can raise your bourbon glass on the rocks without having to worry about a nasty trip to the bathroom after.
With our list of the 10 best gluten-free liquor, you can confidently drink up without feeling down.
Bottoms up! You no longer have to worry if there’s gluten in bourbon.
In this article, aside from the 10 best bourbon brands that you can safely consume, we will also cover three bourbon brands that you should avoid if you are gluten-intolerant.
Is Bourbon Gluten-Free?
Yes, bourbon, in its purest form is gluten-free, even those that are made from grains, such as wheat, rye, or barley.
The distillation process removes the gluten proteins. However, because of the presence of the above-mentioned grains, there may still be trace amounts of gluten.
The good news is that the level of gluten is already below the threshold that is considered safe for most individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
Having said this, what is more important is to look out for hidden ingredients, flavorings, or additives containing gluten that are added after the distillation process.
Aside from this, there’s also the risk of gluten cross-contamination in the facilities, and some brands are following practices that can potentially introduce gluten into the final product.
These processes include the usage of barrels that were previously used to age spirits or wines, as well as beers or malted beverages.
Additionally, in some cases, bourbon may be blended with other spirits or additives during the production process. These additional components could potentially contain gluten, so it’s crucial to confirm the gluten-free status of any blended bourbon.
10 Bourbon Brands That Are Safe to Consume If You’re Gluten Free
What bourbon is gluten-free? Well, as mentioned earlier, all bourbon, in its purest form, is gluten-free. And below are ten of the best bourbon brands that you can enjoy if you have gluten sensitivity:
1. Hudson Baby Bourbon
With its distinctive caramel, oak, and vanilla flavor profile, Hudson Baby Bourbon offers a premium tasting experience.
Although it has a higher price tag compared to other brands, true bourbon connoisseurs will find that the complexity and craftsmanship of this whiskey make it worth the investment.
Hudson Baby Bourbon is a premium option that is ideal for enjoying and appreciating the subtler details of a well-crafted whiskey because of its smoothness and richness of flavor.
2. Jim Beam
Jim Beam is a solid, reasonably priced bourbon with a well-rounded flavor profile. It offers a pleasurable drinking experience at a fair price with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice.
While it may lack the complexity of more expensive selections, Jim Beam remains to be a go-to option for bourbon enthusiasts because of its affordability and consistent flavor.
Jim Beam offers a good and delightful whiskey experience without breaking the bank, whether it is sipped neat, in cocktails, or on the rocks.
3. Wild Turkey
The flavor profile of Wild Turkey bourbon is distinctive among its competitors, being powerful and robust. It offers exceptional value for bourbon lovers looking for a tasty experience thanks to its reasonable price point.
Having a drink with this combination of oak, caramel, and spice is a unique and memorable experience. Wild Turkey is definitely a bang for the buck with its affordability and rich flavor. It’s a great option for those seeking to experience and enjoy the robust side of bourbon without sacrificing their budget.
4. Evan Williams
Evan Williams bourbon strikes the ideal chord between flavor and price.
It provides good value for the money with its smooth and approachable flavor profile that includes notes of vanilla, oak, and caramel.
For those looking for a trustworthy, affordable bourbon without sacrificing flavor, Evan Williams is a go-to option.
5. Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Whiskey
With its outstanding flavor, premium bourbon Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Whiskey justifies its higher price point.
It gives a genuinely decadent sipping experience provided by its full-bodied personality and harmonious balance of sweetness and spice.
6. Old Crow Kentucky Straight Whiskey
Old Crow Kentucky Straight Whiskey is a budget-friendly bourbon with a no-frills taste profile.
Its simple blend of vanilla, oak, and caramel is easy to drink and offers decent value for its price.
While it may not have the complexity of higher-end bourbons, Old Crow provides a solid option for those seeking a straightforward and affordable whiskey.
7. Elijah Craig
Elijah Craig offers a genuinely decadent sipping experience provided by its full-bodied personality and harmonious balance of sweetness and spice. It has a rich and nuanced flavor profile with hints of vanilla, caramel, and spice.
For those looking for an exceptional drinking experience that highlights the finer qualities of a well-aged spirit, this bourbon’s craftsmanship and quality make it a rewarding investment. Bourbon connoisseurs won’t certainly mind paying the premium price for a sip of this whiskey.
8. Maker’s Mark
Known for its smooth and well-balanced flavor, Maker’s Mark bourbon is a dependable and approachable choice. It makes for a tasty and enjoyable drink with its blend of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
Maker’s Mark is a popular option for bourbon aficionados looking for a dependable and pleasurable whiskey due to its affordable price and excellent consistency.
9. Balcones Texas Blue Corn Bourbon
The Texas Blue Corn Bourbon from Balcones is a distinctive, tasty bourbon with a particular personality. It has a sweet and smokey flavor with hints of vanilla and spice and is made from roasted blue corn.
For bourbon aficionados looking for something unique and unusual, it’s a worthwhile investment because its greater price reflects the craftsmanship and quality of this remarkable whiskey.
10. Garrison Brothers Bourbon
Garrison Brothers Bourbon is a premium, hand-crafted, and award-winning bourbon with a rich and complex taste. The rich and sophisticated flavor profile it gives for its higher price is highlighted by flavors of caramel, vanilla, and wood.
With its outstanding craftsmanship and attention to detail, the Garrison Brothers is a top choice for bourbon lovers looking for an opulent and decadent whiskey.
3 Bourbon Brands to Avoid If You’re Gluten Free
For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it is generally safe to consume distilled gluten-free liquor, such as bourbon. But if you want an extra layer of confidence and protection from surprising flare-ups, your best bet is to avoid bourbon brands that use wheat or rye, or brands that contain higher amounts of these ingredients, such as Four Roses, Redemption High Rye, and Basil’s Hayden.
1. Four Roses
Four Roses should be avoided by those with gluten sensitivity as it contains grains that contain gluten, such as wheat and barley, and its rye content is listed at 20-35%.
2. Redemption High Rye
Those who are sensitive to gluten should stay away from Redemption High Rye due to its high rye content (36%). Rye contains gluten, which can trigger adverse reactions in individuals with gluten sensitivity.
3. New Holland Beer Barrel Bourbon
New Holland Beer Barrel Bourbon should be avoided by those with gluten sensitivity due to its production process that involves using beer that contains gluten as a base for the bourbon. This can lead to cross-contamination, making it unsafe for individuals with gluten sensitivity. Aside from that, it also contains a high percentage of rye at 44%.
Raise a Glass to our Gluten-Free Bourbon Champion
The best brand of gluten-free bourbon in our opinion is Hudson Baby Bourbon, which is made entirely of maize.
This premium bourbon is produced in small amounts and has a smooth, mellow flavor that is ideal for sipping or blending into your favorite drink. So, for a gluten-free indulgence, we’d say cheers to Hudson Baby Bourbon!
Hunter Branch is the Founder and Director of Editorial for Bourbon Inspector. He has been writing about and professionally reviewing bourbon since 2020 (and has been drinking it for much longer). He’s been able to interview big names in the bourbon industry like Trey Zoeller from Jefferson’s Bourbon and his work has been featured in publications like TastingTable, Mashed, and more.