Ole Smoky peach moonshine is gluten-free. Moonshine is a distilled spirit made from corn, and the distillation process removes gluten proteins. Ole Smoky uses a proprietary recipe, but their products do not contain wheat, barley, rye or other gluten-containing ingredients. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, Ole Smoky moonshine products are generally considered safe to consume.
What is moonshine and how is it made?
Moonshine refers to high-proof distilled spirits, originally made illegally without government oversight. Traditional moonshine uses corn as the main ingredient, with added sugar and yeast. The corn mash is fermented, then distilled multiple times to increase the alcohol content. This process removes gluten from the final product.
Today, “moonshine” is also made legally by distillers like Ole Smoky Distillery in Tennessee. They use a similar process to traditional moonshine, distilling a corn whiskey mash. The methods may vary, but distillation removes gluten protein from the final spirit.
Key facts about moonshine distillation
- Uses ingredients like corn, sugar, and yeast
- Involves fermenting, then heating/distilling the mash
- Distillation purifies and concentrates the alcohol
- Gluten proteins are too large to carry over in distillation
- The result is a high-proof “moonshine” spirit
Why is distillation important for gluten content?
Distillation is a key step in removing gluten from the finished moonshine. Gluten proteins are too large to evaporate and condense during the distillation process. This separates the alcohol from the original grain mash, leaving gluten behind.
Here’s an overview of how distillation works:
- The fermented mash is heated in a still
- Alcohol evaporates at a lower temperature than water
- Alcohol vapor condenses and is collected as distillate
- Larger molecules like gluten proteins are left behind
- The result is purified, gluten-free alcohol
Multiple distillation runs further concentrate the alcohol while removing trace impurities. This thorough purification is what removes gluten proteins, resulting in a gluten-free final product.
Distillation and gluten molecules
Gluten molecules are proteins made up of long chains of amino acids. Two main proteins, gliadin and glutenin, account for the majority of gluten in grains like wheat, rye, and barley.
These large protein molecules cannot evaporate during distillation. Only the smaller alcohol and water molecules can vaporize and condense. So gluten stays in the original mash, while pure alcohol condenses into the distillate.
What ingredients are in Ole Smoky moonshine?
Ole Smoky Distillery uses a proprietary process for their moonshine. However, their products are gluten-free, which means they do not contain prohibited grains:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Rye
- Malt
Instead, they likely use ingredients like:
- Corn – Provides starch to ferment into alcohol
- Sugar – Food for the yeast during fermentation
- Yeast – Converts sugars into alcohol
- Fruit – Provides flavor in flavored versions
- Filtered water – Dilutes to drinking strength
The use of corn, not prohibited grains, and thorough distillation makes Ole Smoky moonshine gluten-free and safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Ole Smoky peach moonshine
Ole Smoky peach moonshine is the company’s classic moonshine infused with peach flavor. The ingredients include:
- Corn – Base grain for fermentation
- Sugar
- Yeast
- Peach puree/juice – Provides peach flavor
- Water
Again, no gluten-containing grains are used in Ole Smoky moonshine recipes. And multiple distillations remove any traces of gluten, resulting in a gluten-free finished product.
Why is gluten content important?
Determining if a spirit like moonshine is gluten-free is critical for those who must follow a gluten-free diet, such as people with:
- Celiac disease
- Non-celiac gluten sensitivity
- Wheat allergies
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
- Autism or neurological disorders
For these individuals, consuming gluten can cause severe health issues. Even small amounts can trigger symptoms and damage to the body. That’s why distilled spirits that remove gluten during production are important.
Effects of gluten in those with celiac disease
For those with celiac disease, consuming gluten stimulates an autoimmune response, causing damage to the small intestine. Effects may include:
- Severe intestinal inflammation
- Nutrient malabsorption
- Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
- Weight loss, failure to thrive in kids
- Fatigue, headaches, depression
- Bone loss, joint pain
- Skin rash, mouth sores
- Long-term risks like osteoporosis, infertility, cancer
Following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet is the only treatment for celiac disease currently. So verifying the gluten content in foods and beverages like Ole Smoky moonshine is extremely important.
What certifications apply to gluten-free labeling?
For a product to be labeled “gluten-free” in the United States, it must meet standards set by the FDA:
- Does not contain wheat, rye, barley or crossbreeds
- Contains less than 20 ppm gluten
Alcohol labeling is regulated separately. Spirits made from gluten-grains must include an allergen statement. But distilled products are generally accepted as gluten-free due to distillation removing gluten proteins.
Ole Smoky moonshine products do not make a “gluten-free” claim on their labels. However, their FAQ states the products are gluten-free based on their distillation process and corn-based recipes.
Other gluten-free certifications
Some other programs certify products as gluten-free, including:
- Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO)
- Celiac Sprue Association Recognition Seal (CSA)
- NSF Gluten-Free Certification
- Gluten Intolerance Group Certification (GFCO)
Manufacturers must meet strict standards and testing protocols for these designations. Ole Smoky moonshine currently does not carry any third-party gluten-free certifications.
Is moonshine safe on a gluten-free diet?
Moonshine that is produced properly, using gluten-free grains and undergoing distillation, is generally considered safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Here are some key points:
- Made primarily from corn, not prohibited gluten grains
- Thorough distillation removes gluten proteins
- Should not contain detectable gluten residues
- Ole Smoky states its moonshine is gluten-free
- No wheat, barley, rye or malt ingredients
Those following a gluten-free diet should feel comfortable consuming Ole Smoky moonshine in moderation. However, individuals with celiac disease should consult their doctor.
Risks and precautions
There is a small risk of gluten cross-contact during processing at distilleries, as wheat whiskey is also often produced. And those with celiac disease need to consume less than 10-20 ppm of gluten per day.
So individuals with celiac disease should use caution with distilled spirits:
- Consult doctors about personal risk factors
- Look for certified gluten-free options if very sensitive
- Check brand websites for production details
- Drink in moderation to limit exposure
- Be aware that cocktail mixes may contain gluten
Being informed and careful supports a healthy gluten-free lifestyle. But properly distilled moonshine like Ole Smoky’s appears to be a gluten-free option.
Is all moonshine gluten-free?
Most traditional corn-based moonshine is gluten-free, but not all moonshine necessarily meets gluten-free standards. Here are factors to consider:
- Grain ingredients – Corn is gluten-free, wheat and barley contain gluten
- Mash bill – The percentage of each grain used
- Fermentation process – Possible cross-contamination
- Distillation equipment – Shared stills could cross-contact
- Bottling/packaging – Another chance of cross-contact
- Labeling – Should alert to allergen contents like wheat
So it’s important to research each brand’s production details and testing standards to assess gluten content. Ole Smoky thoroughly describes their gluten-free process and corn-based recipe.
Other whiskey types
Grain whiskeys like rye, wheat, malt, and barley whiskeys are not distilled gluten-free. Even bourbon, made primarily from corn, often includes small amounts of barley malt.
In these cases, the gluten-containing grains remain in the mash and distillate. This means they are not safe for those with celiac disease, unless specifically labeled gluten-free.
Conclusion
Based on its production process and corn-based recipe, Ole Smoky peach moonshine is considered gluten-free. The distillation process removes gluten proteins from the final product, making it safe for those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance.
However, individuals managing gluten sensitivity should always use caution and consult doctors when incorporating distilled spirits into a gluten-free diet. Whilerare, there is a small risk of cross-contamination.
Overall, Ole Smoky can be considered a gluten-free moonshine option. But researching production details and purchasing reputable brands is important for gluten-free consumers looking to enjoy moonshine.
Summary
- Ole Smoky uses corn, not gluten grains, to make its moonshine
- The distillation process removes gluten proteins
- Ole Smoky states its moonshine is gluten-free
- Those with celiac disease should still use caution
- Properly distilled moonshine is generally safe on a gluten-free diet
Learn more about the production process at Ole Smoky by visiting their website or distillery. Enjoy your favorite flavor of gluten-free moonshine responsibly!
Frequently Asked Questions
Could Ole Smoky moonshine contain traces of gluten from grains other than corn?
It is unlikely since Ole Smoky states they use a proprietary corn mash bill and their moonshine is gluten-free. The distillation process would remove traces of gluten from any grains used. However, absolute gluten content can depend on production methods.
Does the peach flavoring contain gluten?
No, the peach puree or natural flavors added to Ole Smoky peach moonshine should not contain gluten. The peach infusion takes place after the distillation process, so would not affect gluten content.
Is all alcohol labeled gluten-free safe for celiacs to drink?
Not necessarily. Caution is still recommended as “gluten-free” labels on alcohol only mean it was made from gluten-free grains. Those with celiac disease should verify production methods, look for gluten testing, and drink in moderation.
Can moonshine be made from barley or wheat instead of corn?
Yes, moonshine can be made from other grains like wheat or barley instead of the traditional corn base. However, these would contain gluten and would not be safe for those with celiac disease unless specifically labeled gluten-free.
Is grain alcohol gluten-free?
Alcohol labeled as “grain alcohol” is distilled from a mixture of gluten-containing grains. It is generally not considered gluten-free unless specifically noted. Vodka and other grain neutral spirits often use wheat or wheat blends. Those with celiac disease should avoid or verify gluten content.
| Brand | Made From | Gluten-Free? |
|---|---|---|
| Ole Smoky Moonshine | Corn | Yes |
| Jim Beam Bourbon | Corn, rye, barley malt | No |
| Tito’s Vodka | Corn, wheat | No |
| Smirnoff Vodka | Corn, wheat, rye | No |