Is whiskey gluten free?

Sources disagree. The publishers we cite give different answers for whiskey; both sides are shown below, in their own words. Packaged foods differ, so check the label of the product you buy.

What the sources tell us

Whiskey is distilled, and the Gluten Intolerance Group says that makes it gluten-free. The National Celiac Association agrees that distilled spirits are considered free of gluten protein even when the starting grain is wheat, barley or rye, and it lists whisky among its examples.[3][7][5]

The association explains why. During distillation the alcohol vaporizes and is captured, while gluten proteins are heavy molecules that cannot vaporize and stay behind in the mash. It applies the same principle to whiskey, with one exception: gluten-containing flavorings added back after distillation.[6]

The Gluten Intolerance Group adds a caveat in its article on fermentation and distillation. It says an alcoholic beverage could still encounter gluten or traces of gluten after distillation, such as whiskey aged in a beer barrel, and that the safe bet is to look for labeled or certified gluten-free spirits.[2]

For people who would rather avoid gluten grains altogether, the group notes that some whiskeys are made with sorghum or corn, and it suggests looking for GFCO-certified spirits.[4]

The GFCO list includes MR TOMS WHITE WHISKEY from MR TOMS SPIRITS.[1]

Where the sources disagree

Depends on the product

"traces of gluten after distillation such as whiskey aged in a beer barrel. The safe bet is looking for labeled or certified gluten-free spirits."

Gluten Intolerance Group · Depends · gluten.org/2020/12/09/does-fermentation-or-distillation-make-a-product-gluten-free · fetched 2026-10-23

Naturally gluten-free

"Distilled alcohol ... is considered gluten free. ... Examples of pure distilled spirits are vodka, gin, whisky, brandy, rum, and tequila."

National Celiac Association · Naturally gluten-free · nationalceliac.org/celiac-disease-questions/is-alcohol-made-from-grain-safe-for-celiacs · fetched 2026-10-23

"The same principles can be applied to distilled alcohol such as whiskey or vodka. This is why 100% distilled alcohol is considered gluten free"

National Celiac Association · Naturally gluten-free · nationalceliac.org/celiac-disease-questions/distillation-and-enzymatic-process · fetched 2026-10-23

"Distilled spirits are considered to be free of gluten protein ... Pure distilled spirits such as vodka, gin, whisky, brandy, rum, and tequila"

National Celiac Association · Naturally gluten-free · nationalceliac.org/alcohol-on-the-gluten-free-diet · fetched 2026-10-23

"Whiskey is distilled so it is gluten-free."

Gluten Intolerance Group · Naturally gluten-free · gluten.org/2022/03/11/gluten-free-irish-cuisine · fetched 2026-10-23

Certified gluten-free alternatives

Products on the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) list. Each links to its GFCO listing. A product counts as certified only when its package also carries the GFCO mark.

MR TOMS WHITE WHISKEY (MR TOMS SPIRITS)

GFCO certified GFCO listing

Sources