Is Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Gluten-Free?
For individuals with gluten intolerance, knowing which foods and drinks to avoid is critical. Many alcoholic beverages contain gluten, including beer, ale, and malt beverages. However, whiskey is a bit trickier as it can be made from a variety of grains, including wheat, barley, and rye, all of which contain gluten. In this article, we’ll answer the question: Is Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Gluten-Free?
What is Jack Daniel’s Whiskey?
Jack Daniel’s is a Tennessee whiskey brand that has been around since the late 1800s. The company is known for its distinct charcoal-mellowed flavor and square-shaped bottles. Jack Daniel’s is made using a mash bill that includes corn, rye, and barley. The whiskey is then aged in oak barrels, which gives it its signature taste.
Gluten in Whiskey
To understand if Jack Daniel’s whiskey is gluten-free, it’s essential to understand how whiskey is made. Whiskey is distilled from a fermented mash of grains, which can include wheat, barley, rye, and other grains. During the distillation process, the gluten proteins are typically removed, making most whiskey gluten-free. However, there is still a possibility of gluten contamination during the production process.
Is Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Gluten-Free?
Jack Daniel’s has stated that their whiskey is gluten-free. However, it is important to note that Jack Daniel’s whiskey is not certified as gluten-free. This means that although the company believes that their whiskey is gluten-free, they have not undergone the necessary testing and certification process to verify this claim.
In 2012, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) conducted a study to test various distilled alcohols for gluten. The results of the study showed that Jack Daniel’s whiskey contained less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. The FDA considers any product with less than 20 ppm of gluten to be gluten-free, which would support Jack Daniel’s claim that their whiskey is gluten-free.
Other Gluten-Free Whiskey Options
If you are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease, it’s important to verify that your whiskey is gluten-free. While Jack Daniel’s whiskey may contain less than 20 ppm of gluten, it is not certified as gluten-free. There are other whiskey brands that are certified as gluten-free, such as:
- Dry Fly Distilling’s Triticum Straight Wheat Whiskey
- Corsair Distillery’s Ryemageddon Whiskey
- Koval Distillery’s Millet Whiskey
- New Columbia Distillers’ Green Hat Gin and Barrel-Aged Gin
- St. George Spirits’ Single Malt Whiskey and All-Purpose Vodka
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Jack Daniel’s whiskey may be considered gluten-free by the company and may contain less than 20 ppm of gluten, but it is not certified as gluten-free. If you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, it is important to verify the gluten-free status of your whiskey before consuming it. There are certified gluten-free whiskey options available, so be sure to do your research and choose a brand that meets your dietary needs.
