Is Wild Turkey Rare Gluten Free?

Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, not just for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, but also for people looking to improve their overall health and wellness. This has led to greater demand for gluten-free alcoholic beverages, including gluten-free whiskey and bourbon. Wild Turkey is one of the most iconic bourbon brands, so it’s understandable that many whiskey drinkers are curious if it can fit into a gluten-free lifestyle. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at Wild Turkey and whether or not it’s considered rare gluten free.

What is Wild Turkey Bourbon?

Wild Turkey is a brand of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that’s distilled and bottled at the Wild Turkey Distilling Co. facility in Lawrenceburg Kentucky. It was first introduced in the 1940s and is known for its distinctive flavor profile with notes of vanilla, pear and citrus.

Wild Turkey uses a high-rye mash bill containing 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley The corn is gluten-free, but the rye and barley contain gluten. During the distillation process, the gluten proteins should theoretically be removed from the final spirit

In addition to their flagship Wild Turkey 101 bourbon, they also produce several other expressions including Rare Breed, Russell’s Reserve, Kentucky Spirit, and Master’s Keep Their products have won numerous awards at spirits competitions over the years

Is Bourbon Generally Gluten-Free?

Bourbon is made from a mash of grains that contains at least 51% corn. The remaining portion may contain gluten-containing grains like wheat, rye, and malted barley.

During the distillation process, the ethanol alcohol is separated from the grain mash. According to many reputable celiac organizations, the gluten proteins should not carry over into the final distilled spirit.

Most major bourbon brands are considered gluten-free, although the mash bills and fermentation processes can vary. Some distilleries also reuse barrels that previously stored beer or other gluten-containing beverages which could introduce traces of gluten into the bourbon. People with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity should use caution and check with the distiller.

Is Wild Turkey Specifically Gluten-Free?

Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer on whether Wild Turkey bourbon is 100% gluten-free. The company does not label their whiskey as gluten-free or provide detailed information about their production processes.

In 2008, Wild Turkey sent a consumer this response regarding gluten in their bourbon:

“Gluten is a class of proteins found in certain cereals, particularly wheat, rye, barley and oats. They are volatile and, in the production of distilled spirits from such cereals, they are not distilled into the spirit product. For example, by definition bourbon is produced from an original mash of at least 51% maize. The remaining 49% of the cereal grains in the mash may contain gluten. However, during distillation gluten would remain as part of the spent grains and not on the distillate or finished product.”

While this provides some reassurance, the lack of third-party gluten testing means there is still uncertainty. Trace amounts of gluten could slip through the distillation process. The response also confirms Wild Turkey uses rye in their mash bills which is a concern for those highly sensitive.

Tips for Drinking Wild Turkey Bourbon Gluten-Free

If you want to enjoy Wild Turkey bourbon as part of a gluten-free diet, here are some tips to reduce the risk of gluten exposure:

• Start with a small serving and monitor symptoms for several days to check your individual tolerance.
• Choose Wild Turkey 101 bourbon since it has the highest percentage of corn in the mash bill. Avoid other expressions that have more rye or barley.
• Look for newly bottled batches and avoid bourbon from barrels that may have previously stored beer.
• Ask your local liquor store if the bourbon was filtered through gluten grains after distillation. This could reintroduce gluten.
• Enjoy bourbon on ice or with gluten-free mixers like ginger ale, juice, or soda water. Avoid wheat-based whiskey stones.
• Check for cross-contamination at bars or restaurants where bourbon is served.

The distillation process makes it unlikely there is much residual gluten left in Wild Turkey bourbon. But the lack of certification means there is some ongoing debate if it can fit into a strict gluten-free diet, especially for those highly sensitive. Using caution and moderation is advised.

Other Gluten-Free Bourbon Brands

For those that react negatively to Wild Turkey or want maximum gluten assurance, there are several other recommended gluten-free bourbon options:

Jack Daniel’s

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is made from a mash of 80% corn, 12% barley, and 8% rye. They state their whiskey contains no detectable gluten and can be enjoyed gluten-free.

Jim Beam

Jim Beam Straight Bourbon Whiskey contains no wheat in the mash bill. The company confirms their standard bourbon and rye varieties are gluten-free.

Maker’s Mark

This popular wheated bourbon contains no rye or barley. Maker’s Mark is distilled and aged on site at their Kentucky distillery. Their products are considered gluten-free.

Woodford Reserve

Woodford Reserve uses a high corn mash bill and produces their bourbon at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery. They state their bourbon is gluten free.

Knob Creek

Knob Creek bourbon has a mash bill of 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley. No wheat is used. Their standard bourbon expressions are believed to be gluten-free.

Double-checking the mash bill, distillation process, and getting confirmation directly from the distiller can provide assurance that a bourbon is gluten-free. Those highly sensitive should take extra precaution. But overall, most major straight bourbon brands can be enjoyed on a gluten-free diet with proper care and moderation.

The Verdict on Wild Turkey and Gluten

• Wild Turkey’s mash bill contains gluten-containing rye and malted barley. But the gluten proteins should theoretically be removed during distillation.

• The company does not label or guarantee Wild Turkey as gluten-free. Traces of gluten could potentially remain.

• Those with celiac disease or who are highly gluten-sensitive should use caution and start with a small serving size.

• Choosing newly bottled Wild Turkey 101 and avoiding other expressions reduces gluten risk.

• Other major bourbon brands may be safer since they have higher corn content or provide gluten-free confirmation.

• Enjoying bourbon from dedicated gluten-free facilities provides maximum assurance.

While the consensus is that Wild Turkey should be gluten-free, the lack of transparency and testing means slight uncertainty remains. Using proper precautions and moderation is advised if enjoying Wild Turkey bourbon as part of a gluten-free diet, especially for those highly sensitive.