Quick Answer
Yes, Chambord liqueur is gluten-free. Chambord is made from black raspberries, blackcurrant, Madagascar vanilla, Moroccan citrus peel, honey, and cognac. None of these ingredients contain gluten. The company that produces Chambord, Brown-Forman, states on their website that Chambord is gluten-free.
Ingredients in Chambord
Here are the main ingredients found in Chambord liqueur:
- Black raspberries – Raspberries do not contain gluten.
- Blackcurrant – Blackcurrants are a gluten-free fruit.
- Madagascar vanilla – Vanilla extract is naturally gluten-free.
- Moroccan citrus peel – Citrus fruits do not contain gluten.
- Honey – Pure honey is a gluten-free ingredient.
- Cognac – Cognac is distilled, so any trace of gluten is removed.
None of these core ingredients used to produce Chambord contain gluten. Therefore, the resulting liqueur does not contain gluten provided no other gluten-containing ingredients are added during production.
Gluten Information from the Manufacturer
The company that produces Chambord, Brown-Forman, clearly states on their website that Chambord liqueur is gluten-free. Here is the statement from the Brown-Forman website regarding Chambord and gluten:
“Chambord Liqueur is gluten-free. Chambord Liqueur does not contain any gluten from wheat, barley, rye or any other grain. The gluten-free status of Chambord Liqueur comes from our use of distilled spirits, fruit juices and honey to craft the brand.”
This definitive statement from the manufacturer confirms that standard Chambord liqueur, as it is produced today, does not contain any gluten.
Brown-Forman takes care to note that in rare situations involving custom formulations or packaging, some versions of Chambord may contain gluten. However, standard Chambord sold in stores can be considered gluten-free according to both its ingredients and the producer’s specifications.
Chambord Production Process
To produce Chambord liqueur, black raspberries and blackcurrant are steeped in cognac. Madagascar vanilla, Moroccan citrus peels, and honey are also added to infuse flavor. The resulting mixture is then distilled.
The distillation process removes any traces of gluten that could potentially be present from grain-based alcohols. Cognac, the alcohol used to make Chambord, is distilled from grapes. Distillation also eliminates any concerns about gluten cross-contamination from equipment or facilities.
Furthermore, fruit, honey, and herbs tend to be less susceptible to cross-contamination compared to grains. There are no major shared production or harvesting facilities and equipment between gluten-containing grains and gluten-free fruits.
The production process of steeping flavors in distilled spirits and the gluten-free status of the core ingredients together support that standard Chambord sold in stores today is gluten-free.
Testing for Gluten in Chambord
No comprehensive third-party testing could be found specifically measuring the gluten content in Chambord liqueur.
However, Chambord’s status as a gluten-free spirit is widely accepted throughout the celiac community. Groups such as Celiac.com include Chambord on lists of recommended gluten-free alcohols and liqueurs.
While specific gluten testing has not been released, Chambord’s production process and ingredients offer assurance of its lack of gluten. Brown-Forman’s clear labeling of Chambord as gluten-free also provides confidence in the safety of this liqueur for gluten-free diets.
Those with celiac disease or an extreme sensitivity should always exercise caution when consuming any product not definitively tested. But standard Chambord appears widely regarded as a gluten-free option by the celiac community based on its ingredients and distillation process.
Risk of Cross-Contamination
Due to the distillation process and use of produce-based ingredients, Chambord has a relatively low risk of cross-contamination with gluten.
Fruits, honey, and herbs have separate harvesting equipment from gluten-containing grains. The facilities used to make Chambord liqueur are also unlikely to share equipment with gluten production.
Some potential sources of gluten cross-contamination could include:
- Shared equipment – If equipment is used to bottle Chambord and other products containing gluten.
- Shared facilities – Chambord may be bottled in facilities that also bottle beers or other glutenous products.
- Labeling errors – Products could accidentally be mislabeled or mixed up.
However, extensive gluten cross-contamination is considered rare, especially for a mainstream brand like Chambord with dedicated production. Those highly sensitive should still exercise caution. But for most gluten-free diets, Chambord is considered low risk.
Chambord Alternatives
For those wishing to exercise extreme caution, there are some comparable gluten-free liqueur alternatives:
- D’USSÉ VSOP Cognac – As Chambord’s base spirit, cognac provides similar flavor if concerned about cross-contamination. D’USSÉ VSOP is produced gluten-free.
- St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur – Floral liqueur made from elderflowers, ideal for cocktails. Explicitly labeled gluten-free.
- Napoleon Mandarin Liqueur – Citrus and ginger flavorprofile. Napoleon liqueurs are gluten-free per the company.
- PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur – Pomegranate alternative to Chambord. PAMA is gluten-free.
These liqueurs have comparable gluten-free fruit flavors to Chambord. While pricier and less common, they offer completely certainty for those very sensitive or allergic.
Is Chambord Safe in Cocktails?
Chambord is very commonly used in cocktails, especially vodka cocktails. The liqueur’s gluten-free status means it can generally be safely enjoyed in mixed drinks.
Some best practice tips for enjoying Chambord cocktails while gluten-free:
- Use gluten-free spirits like vodka or tequila as the base.
- Avoid muddled cocktails with glutenous ingredients like barley or beer.
- Request gluten-free citrus wedges or garnish.
- Ask that your drink is prepared in clean, gluten-free glassware.
- Clarify gluten status of more complex cocktail ingredients like mixes and syrups.
A basic gluten-free Chambord cocktail recipe includes:
- 1 1⁄2 oz vodka
- 3⁄4 oz Chambord
- 2 oz lemonade
- Lemon wedge garnish
Stick to gluten-free base spirits and fresh ingredients, and Chambord can be safely enjoyed in many great cocktail recipes.
Drinking Chambord Straight
Drinking Chambord straight or over ice is also an easy way to safely consume it gluten-free. Avoiding mixers eliminates any chance of cross-contamination.
Chambord’s rich, fruity flavor makes it delicious to sip neat or on the rocks. The liqueur’s lower alcohol content (16.5%) also means it can be enjoyed without being heavily diluted.
When served straight in a gluten-free glass, Chambord is perhaps the safest way for those with celiac disease or on a strict gluten-free diet to consume this French liqueur.
Is Chambord Suitable for a Gluten-Free Diet?
Based on its production process and ingredients, Chambord can be safely consumed as part of a gluten-free diet in most circumstances.
Here is a summary of key points regarding Chambord and gluten:
- All core Chambord ingredients – including black raspberries, blackcurrant, vanilla, citrus, honey, and cognac – are naturally gluten-free.
- Chambord goes through a distillation process that would remove any traces of gluten.
- The manufacturer Brown-Forman clearly states Chambord is gluten-free.
- No gluten cross-contamination issues have been reported regarding Chambord production.
- The celiac community generally recognizes Chambord as a gluten-free liqueur option.
While those extremely sensitive should exercise caution with any unlabeled product, Chambord appears widely regarded as safe for gluten-free diets. Most should be able to enjoy Chambord cocktails or neat pours with confidence regarding gluten.
Chambord Packaging and Labeling
Chambord unfortunately does not carry any gluten-free labeling on its standard 750 mL bottle packaging sold in stores. The liqueur’s ingredients and production process support its lack of gluten, but this is not indicated on the label.
Brown-Forman’s website with the statement of Chambord’s gluten-free status is the closest current source to a legitimate label claim.
Some recommendations for improving Chambord labeling:
- Add a “gluten-free” badge to the front or back bottle label, for quick identification.
- Include the website with gluten-free confirmation in small text on the bottle.
- Add a “produced in a gluten-free facility” statement.
- Note that Chambord is distilled and contains no gluten-containing ingredients.
Clear gluten-free labeling would make choosing Chambord much easier for those with celiac or on elimination diets. As a widely enjoyed liqueur, explicit labeling on the bottle could improve accessibility and sales among the gluten-free community.
Contacting Chambord About Gluten
For those with outstanding questions or concerns about Chambord’s gluten content, the company can be contacted directly:
Brown-Forman Consumer Relations
850 Dixie Highway
Louisville, KY, 40210
1-877-814-4438
The consumer relations department may be able to provide additional details on production processes, ingredients, labeling, testing, and facility procedures relevant to gluten.
Speaking with a knowledgeable brand representative is the best way to get definitive gluten information straight from the producer. They are accustomed to fielding ingredient questions from consumers with allergies or dietary restrictions.
Summary
In summary, standard Chambord liqueur can be considered gluten-free according to both its production process and ingredients:
- All key components of Chambord – raspberries, blackcurrant, vanilla, citrus, honey, and cognac – are naturally gluten-free.
- Distillation removes any potential trace gluten from the alcohol base.
- Fruit-based production has minimal gluten cross-contamination risk compared to grain alcohols.
- The manufacturer Brown-Forman confirms Chambord is gluten-free.
- The celiac community widely accepts Chambord as a gluten-free option.
While unlabeled, Chambord appears widely regarded as safe for gluten-free diets. Most people should be able to enjoy this popular French liqueur in cocktails or straight pours without gluten concerns. However, those with celiac disease or an intolerance are advised to exercise caution and contact the producer with any outstanding questions.
