For most people, knowing if something does or does not contain gluten is a non-issue. It’s something we don’t even think about. However, there are groups of people, like those with Celiac Disease, who need to live gluten-free lifestyles in order to keep themselves healthy.

Because of this, knowing which spirits contain brandy and which ones don’t, is actually more important than you may initially think. Even if you are someone, or know someone, who is trying to go gluten-free for whatever reason, don’t forget to factor alcohol into the mix.

Some alcohols are suitable for a gluten-free lifestyle, and others are not. Even some that are technically gluten-free may not be safe to drink because of contamination during manufacturing.

In this article, we will cover whether brandy is gluten free, and all things associated (see also ‘Is Gin Gluten Free?’). We will also include a list of drinks that are and are not gluten free to help you stay safe.

However, please remember to check labels before you purchase, as it should be able to tell you if there is a chance of any cross contamination.

Is Brandy Gluten Free?

Thankfully, yes. Brandy that is pure and distilled (also known as eau de vie) is luckily considered to be gluten free. This is because the spirit is made with fruit such as grapes, which are naturally gluten free.

With that being said, be wary of brandy options with different flavors. While the base product itself might be safe for those with celiac to enjoy, additives and flavorings can change that.

Always double-check the label to see if you can spot gluten ingredients, and find out where the product was manufactured.

Issues with cross contamination are common, and can have serious health consequences.

Brandy Vs Ouzo

It should be noted that some connoisseurs also consider ouzo to be a type of brandy. This is a traditional Greek alcohol that is made using grapes, spices, and anise. Ingredients such as alcohol, water, anise essential oil, aromas, and sugar may be added to ouzo, depending on the variety.

As such, this is a drink you might want to avoid if you are avoiding gluten. In many cases, the flavorings contain crushed grains.

You can always try to contact the manufacturer to find out about the safety, or you can opt for drinks that we already know are gluten-free.

Brands Of Gluten Free Brandy

Any kind of pure, distilled brandy will be gluten free and safe for consumption. This includes brandy that is made from grapes (such as Armagnac, pisco, and cognac) , and also plain options like Camus, Hennessy, Courvoisier, and Rémy Martin.

You only need to worry about brandy containing gluten if it has been mixed with something else. As long as you stick to the basics, however, you should be absolutely fine and have nothing to worry about.

What About Flavored Brandy?

Flavored brandy makes things more confusing for those who need to stay away from gluten. This is because alcohol manufacturers are not required to list every single ingredient used in their products. As such, there is always a possibility of a drink containing some kind of gluten.

This gluten usually comes in the form of barley-based sweeteners or wheat-based natural flavorings. However, since they do not have to be listed, they can cause real problems.

Companies such as E&J and Paul Masson should be avoided for safety if you are on a gluten-free diet. These brands have a wide range of flavored brandies, including red berry, peach, apple, vanilla, and more.

Mixed Drinks Containing Brandy

Be very wary with mixed drinks, even if they contain brandy. In many cases, there will be additives and other alcohols that are not safe for individuals with a gluten intolerance.

A good example of this is the Old Fashioned. This drink can contain rye whiskey or bourbon, and there can be trace amounts of gluten. These kinds of drinks are also more at risk of cross contamination during the manufacturing process.

So, if you live with celiac disease or another kind of gluten intolerance, it would be safer to stay away from these.

Why Should You Know If Brandy Is Gluten Free?

It is crucial to know if brandy is gluten free if you or someone you know lives with celiac disease or another gluten intolerance. By being aware of the ingredients used in products, you can keep yourself and those around you safe.

Which Alcohols Are Gluten Free?

The following drink types are generally considered to be gluten free. However, please be wary of ingredients listed on the labels, especially if there are different flavorings added to the mixtures:

• Wines
• Cider**
• Distilled spirits
• Liqueurs and mixed drinks**
• Some beers**

**Not all drinks will be gluten free, as some may contain additives and flavorings that contain gluten. You should always double-check the label to look at the ingredients.

You should also try and find out where the drinks were produced, as cross contamination can still cause major health issues for those who need to live a gluten free life.

Alcoholic Drinks That Contain Gluten

The following drinks are drinks that individuals with Celiac Disease and gluten intolerances should stay away from in order to keep themselves as healthy as possible:

• Lagers
• Beers
• Ales
• Stouts

All of these drinks are traditionally made via a fermentation process, and gluten is used to get the finished result. Anyone with gluten intolerances should steer clear of these drinks, and opt for something else.

Final Thoughts

Pure, distilled brandy does not contain gluten. This makes it safe for individuals with celiac disease and other types of gluten intolerances to enjoy it.

However, flavored brandies can get confusing as it is not a requirement for brands to list all the ingredients used in the product. This means that ingredients and flavorings containing gluten may be added to the product, and it does not need to be stated.

Because of this, it is safer to stay away from flavored brandy, and stick to the pure options that you know are safe for you.