For those avoiding gluten, alcoholic beverages like whiskey and bourbon can be tricky. Wild Turkey is a popular bourbon, but with conflicting information out there you may wonder – is Wild Turkey Rare gluten-free?
This article will take a thorough look at:
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Wild Turkey’s ingredients and distillation process
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The potential for cross-contamination
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What experts and consumers say about its gluten levels
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How sensitive you need to be to try it
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Some safer gluten-free bourbon alternatives
Let’s dig in and find out if this iconic whiskey is really gluten-free or not.
What Ingredients Are in Wild Turkey Bourbon?
Wild Turkey uses two different mash bills to produce its bourbon and rye whiskey variants
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Bourbon 75% corn 13% rye 12% barley
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Rye whiskey: 37% corn, 51% rye, 12% barley
The corn is gluten-free. However, both rye and barley contain gluten. So Wild Turkey is not considered a gluten-free beverage.
Does Distillation Remove the Gluten?
Distillation heats and condenses the bourbon to purify it. Many claim this process removes gluten from the final liquor.
But research shows that distillation does not completely eliminate gluten. Trace amounts may remain in the parts per million (ppm) range.
This tiny amount is generally considered safe for most people, unless you have celiac disease or are highly sensitive.
What Do the Experts Say About Wild Turkey and Gluten?
While there’s no consensus, here’s what some leading voices say about Wild Turkey’s gluten content:
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Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG): Designates Wild Turkey as ” unsafe” for celiacs
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Celiac.com: Suggests it contains enough gluten residues to cause issues for sensitive individuals
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GlutenDude: Gives Wild Turkey a “high likelihood of safety” rating for those without celiac
So most experts urge at least some caution with Wild Turkey, especially for those with celiac or who react strongly to trace gluten.
What Are Drinkers’ Experiences with Wild Turkey?
Reviews are mixed. Some drinkers report enjoying Wild Turkey with no gluten reactions.
But a number of consumers do report reactions like stomach pain, headaches or fatigue after drinking Wild Turkey.
So it seems results vary person-to-person depending on individual sensitivity levels.
How Sensitive Do You Need to Be to Drink It?
Here are some general guidelines on who may be able to handle Wild Turkey:
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No celiac disease or wheat allergy: Little risk of reaction
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Non-celiac gluten sensitivity: Potential reactions, drink in moderation
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Celiac disease: Not recommended due to potential trace gluten
Talk to your doctor if uncertain about your tolerance. They can provide personalized advice.
Safer Gluten-Free Bourbon Alternatives
If unsure about Wild Turkey, some good gluten-removed options include:
- Tin Cup
- Koval
- New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon
There are also many gluten-free vodkas, rums, wines and ciders to choose from. Our gluten-free alcohol list has even more ideas.
The Bottom Line on Wild Turkey Rare and Gluten
While the distillation process removes most gluten from Wild Turkey, trace amounts may remain.
This small level is likely safe for those without celiac. But people with celiac or who are highly gluten-sensitive should use caution or avoid it.
If in doubt, opt for a bourbon or other spirit that’s labeled gluten-free to be on the safe side. This lets you relax and enjoy your drink with confidence!
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Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a “barrel proof bourbon,” which means that after it has been distilled, no water has been added to lower the proof or water down the flavor. It’s a unique marriage of Wild Turkey 6, 8, and 12-year-old stocks, giving it a remarkably smooth flavor.
| Product Type | Whiskey |
| Style | Bourbon |
| ABV | 58.4% |
| Dietary | Gluten Free |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Kentucky |
| Awards | Gold, 2021 SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION |
Whiskey Review – Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon Whiskey with Russell’s Reserve 10 Comparison Ep: 207
FAQ
Which bourbons are not gluten-free?
What bourbon is 100% gluten-free?
Which Scotch brands are gluten-free?
What is Wild Turkey rare breed made from?
Is wild turkey gluten-free?
Wild Turkey contains several grains including corn (gluten-free) and rye (not gluten-free). The proteins from these grains are removed from the distillation process which supposedly makes Wild Turkey gluten-free. What’s a gluten-free person to do? It honestly depends on your sensitivity.
Is my Turkey gluten-free?
Don’t assume a turkey is gluten-free based on the label alone. Numerous brands use gluten when processing their turkeys. Be sure to read the label carefully and check for any hidden gluten in any of the ingredients. Be especially cautious of any seasoning or gravy packets that come with otherwise gluten-free turkeys.
Which whiskey brands are gluten free?
Here are all the whiskey brands that are gluten free. Fireball Cinnamon Whisky (don’t drink if allergic to gluten) Hudson Bay Bourbon Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey Jameson Irish Whiskey (don’t drink if allergic to gluten) Maker’s Mark Queen Jennie Whiskey Wild Turkey Bourbon For a complete listing of all gluten free whiskey flavors, click here.
Are Diestel turkeys gluten-free?
Diestel turkeys are fed gluten-free grains without fillers and are raised under strict standards. Empire Kosher Poultry, Inc., sells gluten-free whole turkeys in several sizes, along with half turkey breasts, turkey thighs, turkey drumsticks, and ground turkey. Empire brand turkey products can be found in most major grocery stores.
Are deli meats gluten-free?
And we’ve done articles on brands of gluten-free ham and gluten-free turkey, but not deli meats in general. These brands of deli and lunch meat that are either labeled gluten-free, or are naturally gluten-free meaning that they contain no gluten ingredients and list no wheat or gluten allergens, and for most celiacs they are considered safe.
Does Jennie-O sell gluten-free Turkey?
Jennie-O brand sells a number of gluten-free turkey products including Jennie-O Prime Young Turkey, fresh or frozen, Jennie-O Turkey Store Oven-Ready Turkey Breast, and Jennie-O Frozen Turkey Breast. Jennie-O turkey products can be found in many major grocery stores.