Everyone who is sensitive to gluten or has celiac disease wants to enjoy their drinks without experiencing a later reaction.
It has been a thing that most celiac disease sufferers or gluten sensitivity might not react to alcohol made from gluten-containing grains.
However, a sizable number react, which is why there is disagreement about whether alcoholic beverages like bourbon are safe.
This article will provide a detailed understanding of gluten-free bourbon, allowing readers to make informed decisions about whether to drink.
What is Bourbon?
Bourbon is a popular whiskey made primarily from corn and aged in charred oak barrels.
It is a staple in many bars and liquor stores and is known for its distinct, rich flavor.
However, most people who follow a gluten-free diet may be hesitant to try bourbon due to its traditional production method, which involves using grains such as wheat, barley, and rye.
These grains contain gluten, which can be problematic for some with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
Therefore, the question of whether bourbon is truly gluten-free is a source of confusion for many, and this article aims to clarify the topic.
Is Bourbon Gluten-Free?
Gluten is traditionally present in bourbon during production, specifically in the grain mixture used to make the whiskey. Corn, wheat, barley, and rye are commonly used in bourbon production.
These grains are ground and mixed to create a mash, fermented, and distilled to make the final product.
Barley and rye, which are primarily used in the production of bourbon, contain gluten.
However, during the fermentation process, enzymes break down the starch in the grains into sugar, which is then converted into alcohol by yeast.
The distillation process further concentrates the alcohol and removes impurities.
The final product is then aged in charred oak barrels, giving it distinct flavor and color.
The gluten proteins in these grains can survive the distillation process and may still be present in the final product, although at a lower level.
That means bourbon is not entirely considered gluten-free.
However, some bourbon manufacturers now use gluten-free alternatives, such as millet, quinoa, or rice, in their production process to make gluten-free bourbon.
As Someone With Gluten Intolerance, Should You Drink Bourbon?
Individuals with celiac disease should be careful when consuming bourbon, as it is traditionally made using grains like wheat, barley, and rye, which contain gluten.
The gluten proteins in these grains can survive the distillation process and may still be present in the final product, although at a lower level.
As a result, some people with celiac disease might be able to deal with that small amount of gluten, while others may not.
However, gluten-free alternatives are available in the market by distilling them with other options such as millet, quinoa, or rice.
These gluten-free bourbons suit individuals following a gluten-free diet, including people with celiac disease.
Individuals with celiac disease need to consult their healthcare professional and check the product’s label before consuming any alcoholic beverages, including bourbon.
They should also consider the potential for cross-contamination during production and the use of gluten-containing ingredients or additives in manufacturing.
It is best recommended that individuals with celiac disease adhere to a strict gluten-free diet, as consuming gluten can cause serious health complications.
Gluten-Free Bourbon
Making gluten-free bourbon is like traditional bourbon production but uses alternative grains that do not contain gluten.
These alternative grains include millet, quinoa, and rice.
The process begins by selecting and sourcing the alternative grains, which are then cleaned and ground into a fine powder.
Next, the ground grains are mixed with water and enzymes to create a mash.
Finally, the mash is fermented, and the resulting liquid is distilled to increase its alcohol content.
After distillation, the liquid is aged in the charred oak barrels for more than two years, as required by law for bourbon.
The gluten-free bourbon is then bottled and labeled as gluten-free.
It’s important to note that even when using alternative grains, the process of distillation, aging, and bottling may expose the gluten-free bourbon to cross-contamination with gluten-containing products, so it’s essential that a gluten-free facility is used during production and that the bourbon is labeled gluten-free.
Using alternative grains such as millet, quinoa, or rice allows for the production of gluten-free bourbon that retains the distinct flavor and characteristics of traditional bourbon while making it accessible to those following a gluten-free diet.
Common Brands of Gluten-Free Bourbon Include:
Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Discovery Series: Distilled from a mash bill of corn, millet, and rice, this gluten-free bourbon has a smooth finish with notes of caramel and vanilla.
Old Elk Distillery’s Gluten-Free Bourbon: Made from corn, millet, and brown rice, this bourbon has a rich, full-bodied flavor with notes of caramel and spice.
New Holland Artisan Spirits’ Knickerbocker: This gluten-free bourbon is made from a blend of corn, millet, and quinoa.
It has a smooth, balanced flavor with notes of caramel and vanilla.
Copper Fox Distillery’s Wasmund’s Single Malt: This gluten-free bourbon is made from malted barley, wheat, and rye treated with enzymes to break down the gluten, then aged in charred oak barrels.
It has a smooth and warm flavor with notes of vanilla and spice.
Smooth Ambler’s gluten-free bourbon: This bourbon is made from a mash bill of corn, millet, and malted barley treated with enzymes to break down gluten.
It has a robust, full-bodied flavor with notes of caramel and vanilla.
Others include:
- Bulleit
- Old Crow
- Jim Beam
- Four Roses
- Wild Turkey
- Elijah Craig
- Evan Williams
- Knob Creek
- Maker’s Mark
- Basil Hayden’s
- Hudson Baby Bourbon
It’s always best to check the label for gluten-free certification or consult with the manufacturer for more information about gluten content in the product, as the process and ingredients may change over time.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the traditional process of making bourbon, its gluten content, and the process of making gluten-free bourbon.
We also provided a list of popular gluten-free bourbon brands and their characteristics.
It’s always recommended for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities to consult with their healthcare professional and check the product’s label before consuming any alcoholic beverages, including bourbon.
They should also consider the potential for cross-contamination during production and the use of gluten-containing ingredients or additives in manufacturing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What bourbon is 100% gluten-free?
It is important to note that gluten can be found in grains such as barley and rye, and it can survive the distillation process at lower levels. Therefore, it isn't easy to find a bourbon that is 100% gluten-free. However, gluten-free alternatives are available in the market by distilling them with other options such as millet, quinoa, or rice. Some popular gluten-free bourbon brands include Bardstown Bourbon Company's Discovery Series, Old Elk Distillery's Gluten-Free Bourbon, New Holland Artisan Spirits' Knickerbocker, Copper Fox Distillery's Wasmund's Single Malt, and Smooth Ambler's gluten-free bourbon.
Does Jim Beam bourbon have gluten?
Jim Beam bourbon is made from a traditional mash bill of corn, wheat, barley, and rye. These grains contain gluten, which can be problematic for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. During the distillation process, gluten proteins are broken down, but some traces of gluten may still be present in the final product. The level of gluten present in Jim Beam bourbon is typically very low, but it may not be suitable for individuals with severe gluten sensitivities.
