Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity are on the rise, and attention is becoming focused on the variety of food and beverage options available to those who are forced to remove or avoid key elements within their diet.

People with sensitivities need to avoid grains such as wheat and rye, containing gluten, to manage their condition, which can have a major impact on what they can eat and drink.

When it comes to alcoholic beverages, there are now more options available than ever before, but many people are still left wondering if they can enjoy spirits like gin without having to worry about possible health risks associated with consuming gluten-containing products.

So, is gin gluten-free? We took a closer look at the information you need to make a safe, informed choice that does not adversely risk your health and comfort.

What Is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in barley, rye and wheat. It is responsible for giving dough its elasticity and can be found in many processed foods, such as bread, cereals, baked goods and pasta.

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, ingesting gluten can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms.

Gluten intolerance or sensitivity can also be caused by cross-contamination, which is when gluten-containing ingredients come into contact with gluten-free ingredients.

Gluten And Alcohol

It is important to note that not all alcoholic beverages are gluten-free. Beer, for example, is made with wheat or barley and therefore contains gluten.

However, many distilled spirits, such as gin, vodka, whiskey, and rum are generally gluten-free. It is important to check the label of your chosen spirit to make sure it does not contain any added ingredients that could contain gluten.

Is Gin Gluten Free?

Gin is a spirit crafted from juniper berries and other botanicals, such as coriander, angelica root, orris root, and citrus peel. It is usually distilled with grain alcohol, which can be derived from wheat, rye, or barley.

The good news for celiacs is that gin is generally gluten-free.

This is because, despite the main ingredients – barley, rye, or wheat – containing gluten, the distillation process removes most of the proteins and other components from the grain alcohol, leaving behind a pure spirit that does not contain any gluten.

However, it is important to check the label of your chosen gin to make sure it does not contain any added ingredients that could contain gluten.

Some gins may also be made with grain alcohol that has not been distilled, so it is important to check the label for any allergen information.

Top Gluten-Free Gin Brands

If you are looking for gluten-free gin, there are many brands available on the market. Some of the top gluten-free gins include:

• Whitley Neill

Whitley Neill is a brand who have long been known for its high-quality gins, and its products have the added bonus of being gluten-free!

Recipes are made with natural botanicals, including juniper, angelica root, coriander, orris root, and citrus peel, and the gin is distilled with grain alcohol that has been carefully distilled to remove any gluten.

• Gordon’s

Gordon’s is one of the most popular gins on the market, and it is also gluten-free. The gin is made with juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root, and other botanicals, and, once again, is distilled with grain alcohol that has been carefully distilled to remove any gluten.

• Hendrick’s

Hendrick’s is a unique gin that is made with cucumber and rose petals, as well as juniper berries and other botanicals and is a great choice for those looking for a gluten-free gin.

Other great gluten-free gin brands include:

• Beefeater
• Bombay Sapphire
• Tanqueray
• Manchester Gin

Signs Of Gluten Intolerance

In some cases, individuals may unexpectedly experience an intolerance to gin after drinking alcohol that contains gluten. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have a previously undetected gluten intolerance:

• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Skin rashes

If you experience any of these symptoms after drinking gin, it is important to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying health issues.

Other Gluten-Free Alcoholic Beverages

In addition to gin, there are many other gluten-free alcoholic beverages available. These include:

• Cider

Cider is a popular alcoholic beverage that is made from apples or pears and is naturally gluten-free.

• Vodka

Vodka is a distilled spirit made from grains, potatoes, or other starches that have been carefully distilled to remove any gluten.

• Rum

Rum is made from sugarcane and molasses and is also naturally gluten-free.

• Tequila

Tequila is made from the agave plant and is naturally gluten-free.

• Wine

Wine is made from grapes and does not contain any gluten. However, wine can have a rich array of ingredients, so it is important to check the label of your chosen wine to make sure it does not contain any added ingredients that could contain gluten.

• Omission Beer

Worried that a gluten intolerance means that you are banned from beer? This is not automatically the case – as long as you choose the right product.

Omission beer is a craft beer that is brewed with malted barley and hops but has been specially crafted to remove any gluten.

It should be noted that these products can contain traces of gluten, so are best avoided if you have a severe intolerance or allergy. For those with a mild intolerance, however, this can be a great option.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, gin is generally gluten-free simply by natural design and the processes used to bring it to life.

However, it is important to check the label of your chosen gin to make sure it does not contain any added ingredients that could contain gluten – or, better yet, why not discover your closest distillery and have a go at creating your very own gluten-free gin; perfect for peace of mind, a unique product, and a lot of fun!