Is Bourbon Gluten-Free?

From The New Day Notebook · Facts last checked October 21, 2026 · General information, not medical advice

Yes, pure, distilled bourbon is considered gluten-free. Although bourbon is made from a mash that can contain gluten grains like wheat or rye, the distillation process is the reason why.

Distillation separates the alcohol from the original mash components, including the gluten proteins. The Celiac Disease Foundation includes distilled spirits on its list of gluten-free foods. The main exceptions to watch for are bourbons with added flavorings or other ingredients after distillation, and bourbon-based cocktails made with gluten-containing mixers.

Bourbon and gluten at a glance

Why bourbon is considered gluten-free

Bourbon begins as a fermented mash of grains. While this mash often contains gluten, the next step in the process is what makes the final product suitable for a gluten-free diet. That step is distillation.

During distillation, the liquid mash is heated until it turns into a vapor. This vapor contains alcohol and water, but it leaves heavier components like proteins and carbohydrates behind. Gluten is a protein, so it does not carry over into the vapor. The vapor is then cooled and condensed back into a pure liquid spirit. This process effectively removes the gluten, resulting in a gluten-free liquid, even when the original ingredients contained gluten.

Where gluten can hide

While plain bourbon is gluten-free, gluten can be introduced after the distillation process is complete. Look closely at two main areas:

• Flavored Bourbons: Some bourbons have flavorings, colorings, or other additives introduced after distillation. These additives could contain gluten from ingredients like malt or wheat-based flavor extracts. Always check the label for ingredients or a gluten-free certification.
• Cocktail Mixes: When you drink bourbon in a mixed drink, the other ingredients matter. Many classic bourbon cocktails use naturally gluten-free components, but some pre-made cocktail mixes or bar-specific syrups might contain gluten. Asking the bartender or reading the ingredients list on a mix is the safest approach.

Tips for buying and drinking bourbon

For people who need to avoid gluten, a few simple practices make enjoying bourbon straightforward. When shopping, stick to plain, unflavored bourbon for the most certainty. If a flavored bourbon looks appealing, check the packaging for a “gluten-free” label. In the United States, a product with this label must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten, a standard set by the FDA.

When you are at a bar or restaurant, ordering bourbon neat, on the rocks, or with a simple, known gluten-free mixer like club soda is a reliable choice. For a more complex cocktail, ask the bartender about the ingredients in their mixes and syrups. Clear communication helps ensure your drink is prepared safely.

When to loop in your doctor or dietitian

People with celiac disease require a strict gluten-free diet for their health. If you are starting a gluten-free diet for medical reasons or have questions about how alcohol fits into your specific needs, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. Do not begin a gluten-free diet before completing testing for celiac disease, as the tests require gluten to be present in your system for an accurate result.

• If you think gluten is making you unwell, ask about celiac disease testing before cutting gluten out: testing needs gluten in the diet
• If you have celiac disease and still have symptoms on a gluten-free diet
• If you are unsure whether oats, wheat starch or a specific ingredient suits you
• For help planning a gluten-free diet that still meets your nutrition needs

Sources

• Celiac Disease Foundation: Gluten-Free Foods
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Gluten-Free Labeling of Foods

Last checked October 21, 2026. Recipes and ingredients change: always read the current label.