Bourbon is a popular spirit distilled from a mash made primarily of corn. This gives bourbon a signature sweet, smooth taste loved by many. However, for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, determining which bourbons are safe to drink can be tricky. This article will provide a quick guide on identifying gluten-free bourbons.
What is bourbon?
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey made from a mash containing at least 51% corn. It must be aged in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of 2 years to be called straight bourbon. Other requirements include:
- Distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% ABV)
- Entered the barrel for aging at no more than 125 proof (62.5% ABV)
- Bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV) or more
Bourbon takes its name from Bourbon County, Kentucky, where it was first produced in the late 18th century. Today, bourbon is made across the United States, though Kentucky remains its spiritual home.
Why is bourbon considered gluten-free?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. However, the primary grains used in bourbon are corn, wheat, and malted barley.
The distillation process removes gluten from the finished spirit, as the proteins cannot evaporate and distill over with the alcohol. As long as the bourbon is distilled to at least 140 proof (70% ABV), which removes over 99% of gluten, it can be considered gluten-free.
Major bourbon organizations like the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States and Kentucky Distillers Association consider bourbon safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
What are some popular gluten-free bourbon brands?
Here are some top gluten-free bourbon brands:
Jim Beam
Jim Beam is one of the best-selling bourbon whiskey brands in the world. It’s produced by Beam Suntory and distilled in Kentucky.
Popular Jim Beam bourbons that are gluten-free include:
- Jim Beam White Label – The classic #1 selling bourbon worldwide
- Jim Beam Black – Aged for 8 years, extra-aged bourbon
- Jim Beam Double Oak – Aged in new charred oak barrels, then finished in second charred oak barrels
- Jim Beam Devil’s Cut – Made from the leftover bourbon trapped in wood pores during the aging process
Maker’s Mark
Maker’s Mark is known for its hand-dipped red wax-sealed bottles. This popular wheated bourbon brand is distilled in Loretto, Kentucky.
Gluten-free Maker’s Mark bourbons include:
- Maker’s Mark Bourbon – Their standard bourbon, aged to taste
- Maker’s 46 – Finished with toasted French oak staves for added complexity
- Maker’s Mark Cask Strength – Uncut to barrel proof for bold flavor
Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey is distilled near Lawrenceburg, Kentucky and owned by Campari Group. Its bourbons are aged for at least 4 years.
Gluten-free Wild Turkey offerings include:
- Wild Turkey 101 – Iconic bourbon with a high rye content, giving a spicy kick
- Wild Turkey Longbranch – A mellow, refined bourbon finished in Texas mesquite barrels
- Wild Turkey Rare Breed – A barrel proof blend uncut and unfiltered
Four Roses
Four Roses Distillery is located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky and now owned by Kirin Brewery Company. Their gluten-free bourbons include:
- Four Roses Yellow Label – A blend of all ten Four Roses bourbon recipes
- Four Roses Small Batch – An award-winning blend of select Four Roses recipes
- Four Roses Single Barrel – Bottled from individual barrels aged up to 8 years
Buffalo Trace
Buffalo Trace Distillery has been making bourbon for over 200 years. It’s located in Frankfort, Kentucky. Some of its popular gluten-free bourbon brands are:
- Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon
- Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
Other gluten-free bourbon brands
In addition to the major distillers above, here are some other brands of bourbon that are considered gluten-free:
Angels Envy
This Louisville, Kentucky distillery ages their bourbon and rye whiskey in port wine barrels for unique flavor profiling. Their offerings include:
- Angels Envy Bourbon
- Angel’s Envy Rye Whiskey
- Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bourbon
Old Forester
Old Forester was founded in Louisville in 1870. Their gluten-free bourbons include:
- Old Forester 86 Proof
- Old Forester 100 Proof
- Old Forester Single Barrel
Michter’s
This Louisville-based distillery handcrafts very small batch bourbons. Their gluten-free products include:
- Michter’s US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- Michter’s US*1 Toasted Barrel Bourbon
- Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Woodford Reserve
This small-batch super premium bourbon is distilled in Woodford County, Kentucky. Their gluten-free bourbons:
- Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select
- Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
EH Taylor
Colonel E.H. Taylor bourbons from the Buffalo Trace Distillery are “Bottled in Bond” at 100 proof. Their gluten-free offerings include:
- E.H. Taylor Small Batch
- E.H. Taylor Single Barrel
- E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
Jefferson’s
Made in Louisville, popular Jefferson’s bourbons include:
- Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
- Jefferson’s Reserve
- Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea
New Riff
This new Kentucky craft distillery offers gluten-free bourbon and rye:
- New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon
- New Riff Kentucky Straight Rye
How to enjoy gluten-free bourbon
Here are some tips for enjoying your favorite gluten-free bourbon:
Neat or on the rocks
Sipping bourbon neat or on the rocks allows you to savor the aromas and flavors. Adding an ice cube can open up the bourbon.
With club soda or sparkling water
For a light, refreshing drink, mix your gluten-free bourbon with plain club soda or sparkling mineral water over ice. Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge.
In classic cocktails
Bourbon stars in cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, and Mint Julep. Use your favorite gluten-free bourbon for a safe, delicious drink.
In cooking
Add a splash of bourbon to sauces, marinades and baked goods. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind rich, vanilla, caramel notes.
With gluten-free mixers
Mix your bourbon with gluten-free ginger beer, cola or lemonade. Also use gluten-free liqueurs like triple sec, for bourbon cocktails.
The bottom line
Bourbon offers a wonderful taste of America. Thanks to distillation removing gluten, people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance can also enjoy this iconic spirit. Stick to reputable gluten-free brands, and sip your bourbon neat, on the rocks, in cocktails or even cooking. Here’s to enjoying gluten-free bourbon in good health!
