Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people opting to avoid gluten for health, dietary, or lifestyle reasons. For those who follow a gluten-free diet, checking labels and asking questions is an important part of navigating food and drink choices. When it comes to alcoholic beverages like flavored rums, one of the key questions is often whether or not they contain gluten.
What is Cayman Jack?
Cayman Jack is a brand of flavored rums produced by the Cayman Spirits Company. They are distilled in the Cayman Islands and come in a variety of tropical flavors like mango, pineapple, coconut, banana, vanilla, and more. The rum is marketed as an “island spirit” meant to evoke the islands of the Caribbean.
Cayman Jack rums have gained popularity in recent years for their wide range of flavors and publicity from celebrity endorsers. They are often used as a base for cocktails but can also be enjoyed on their own over ice or mixed with sodas and juices.
Are flavored rums generally gluten-free?
Flavored rums like Cayman Jack are typically distilled from molasses made from sugarcane. Molasses itself does not contain gluten, so pure rum is generally considered gluten-free. According to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), rum is officially defined as a spirit “produced at less than 95% alcohol by volume (190 proof) from sugar cane by-products and distilled at less than 190 proof.”
The potential issue with flavored rums like Cayman Jack is the added flavorings and chemicals used to produce the different flavors. These added ingredients could potentially introduce traces of gluten into the final product.
Most flavored rums today use “natural flavors” derived from fruits, spices, essences or extracts to create the flavors. These are typically gluten-free. However, some lower-quality flavored rums may use “artificial flavors” which can sometimes contain gluten.
Are Cayman Jack rums gluten-free?
According to the manufacturer, all varieties of Cayman Jack rum are gluten-free. This applies to all their current flavors including mango, pineapple, coconut, vanilla, banana, cherry, etc.
On their website’s FAQ section and in response to consumer inquiries, Cayman Jack Spirits states that their products do not contain any gluten ingredients. They note that while their rums are not actively tested for gluten, the company’s suppliers certify that none of the added natural flavors or ingredients contain gluten.
So while not certified gluten-free, Cayman Jack rums are made without any intentional addition of gluten and are considered safe for those following a gluten-free diet. As with any product, individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should check with their healthcare provider if concerned.
Are there any exceptions?
Based on the manufacturer’s statements, all current varieties of Cayman Jack rum are formulated to be gluten-free. However, there are a couple of exceptions to note:
- Discontinued/seasonal flavors – Cayman Jack has produced limited edition seasonal flavors over the years that may have had different formulations. It’s unclear if every special release has been gluten-free, so discontinued or seasonal flavors should be checked individually if still available.
- Country-specific formulations – While Cayman Jack rums sold in the United States are said to be gluten-free, formulations produced for other countries may potentially differ. Those purchasing Cayman Jack abroad would need to check labels and contact regional distributors to confirm gluten status.
- Third-party facilities – Though uncommon, some limited cases of cross-contamination may occur if Cayman Jack rums are bottled or produced in facilities that also handle gluten-containing products.
So while the Cayman Jack rums sold in the U.S. are labeled gluten-free by the manufacturer, there are some potential exceptions to keep in mind when analyzing different production runs, limited editions, and international formulations.
Verifying the gluten-free status
For those who need to follow a strict gluten-free diet, it may be best to take extra steps to verify the gluten-free status of any particular Cayman Jack product. Here are some tips:
- Check the label – Look for any mention of gluten, wheat, barley or rye. Terms like “gluten-free” or “no gluten ingredients” are reassuring.
- Contact the manufacturer – Cayman Jack customer service can provide up-to-date information on specific products.
- Look for third-party certification – Though not currently certified gluten-free, some limited runs may have independent lab testing.
- Research online – Check forums and resources like Celiac.com to see if other consumers have safely consumed a particular Cayman Jack product.
- When in doubt, avoid – If unable to verify the gluten-free status of a flavored rum, those with celiac disease or sensitivities may want to avoid, just to be safe.
Doing a bit of extra research can provide added assurance that a particular flavored rum meets individual gluten-free needs and diet restrictions.
Drinking Cayman Jack rum on a gluten-free diet
Based on all current information, Cayman Jack rum appears to be a gluten-free friendly choice for those following a gluten-free diet. Here are some tips for enjoying Cayman Jack rum:
- Drink it straight – Cayman Jack can be enjoyed on the rocks or neat for those who don’t mind the stronger rum taste.
- Mix with gluten-free mixers – Cayman Jack rum pairs well with gluten-free sodas, juices, coconut water, etc.
- Use in gluten-free cocktails – Cayman Jack works great in place of traditional rum in gluten-free tropical cocktails.
- Avoid questionable mix-ins – Skip the rum cakes and instead stick to gluten-free garnishes like pineapple chunks, maraschino cherries or lime wedges.
- Verify shared equipment – Make sure any bartending equipment used is thoroughly cleaned if also used for gluten-containing ingredients.
- Check other ingredients – Review the gluten-free status of any additional ingredients used in cocktails or recipes.
With some care taken to avoid cross-contamination, Cayman Jack can be a gluten-free friendly addition to cocktails, mixer drinks and more.
Other flavored rums
In addition to Cayman Jack, there are other flavored rum brands that offer gluten-free options:
| Brand | Gluten-Free Status |
|---|---|
| Bacardi | Labeled gluten-free |
| Captain Morgan | Not certified but generally believed to be gluten-free |
| Malibu | States all varieties are gluten-free |
| Cruzan | Rums contain no gluten ingredients but not actively tested |
It’s always a good idea to check each brand and flavor individually, as formulations can vary. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly to confirm the gluten-free status of a particular flavored rum product.
Are other alcoholic beverages gluten-free?
For those managing gluten intolerance or celiac disease, rum is generally considered one of the safer alcoholic beverage options. But what about other types of alcohol?
Gluten-Free Alcoholic Beverages
- Wine – Most wines are reliably gluten-free, just avoid those filtered using gluten-containing agents
- Distilled liquors – Vodka, gin, whiskey, tequila, rum and other distilled spirits are generally gluten-free
- Ciders – Most major hard cider brands offer gluten-free options
- Gluten-removed beer – Specialized beers that have gluten removed through processing
- Certified gluten-free beer – A growing number of small craft beers actively test and certify their products as gluten-free
Potentially Unsafe
- Beer – Most regular beers contain gluten
- Coolers/pre-mixed drinks – May contain gluten sources like malt, barley, etc.
- Grain alcohols – Vodkas or other liquors distilled from wheat, barley, rye, etc. rather than grapes, potatoes, sugar cane.
- Flavored liquors with undisclosed ingredients – Unclear additives may potentially contain gluten.
When in doubt, contact the manufacturer of any alcoholic beverage to understand their gluten testing practices and level of gluten risk.
Being gluten-free and social
One challenge some people face when adhering to a strict gluten-free diet is navigating social situations involving alcohol. Here are some tips for sticking to your gluten-free diet while still being social:
- Bring your own drinks – Offer to bring your own gluten-free beers, ciders, etc. to share at parties
- Suggest gluten-free spots – Recommend bars or restaurants with solid gluten-free happy hour options
- Check menus in advance – Do research before meeting friends at a new spot so you know your options
- Explain politely – Tell servers about your dietary needs and ask about preparation procedures
- Avoid embarrassment – Kindly pass on gluten-containing items rather than making a big fuss
- Appreciate accommodations – Thank hosts and establishments that make an effort for you
- Stay safe – Don’t feel pressured to cheat; stand firm for your health
With proactive planning and effective communication, you can maintain an active social life while sticking to your gluten-free diet.
The bottom line
When shopping for gluten-free alcoholic beverages, flavored rums like Cayman Jack tend to be a safe bet, based on the process of distilling from sugar cane molasses. According to the manufacturer, all flavors of Cayman Jack rum sold in the U.S. are formulated to be gluten-free, though independent lab certification is unavailable.
For those with celiac disease or who follow a strict gluten-free diet, taking the extra step to verify the gluten-free status of each specific Cayman Jack product with the manufacturer is advised. But for most who simply prefer to avoid gluten, Cayman Jack can be considered a gluten-free friendly option that expands the range of tropical cocktails and drinks to enjoy.
