Simchas Torah 5785
Letter from Rabbi Nathanson
Rabbi Raichik has asked that this abbreviated list be distributed, and that no alcohol listed as Not Recommended (below or on the cRc website) be brought to Shul so everyone can be comfortable with the mashke that is available. Please also remember that not all of our guests are frum, so please do not bring non-mevushal wine to shul.
In general, American Whiskey does not require kosher certification. (See elsewhere for general recommendations for Bourbon and Rye.) Two exceptions are: 1 - Some have begun adding flavors and/or aging the liquor in wine casks. Such items would not be acceptable without certification, and consumers can determine if a given liquor has this issue by carefully reading the bottle's label. 2 - Some whiskey companies are owned by Jews who do not sell their chametz; those brands are not recommended. Nevertheless, due to potential kashrus considerations regarding flavorings and blending materials used in standard American and Blended Whiskey, it is preferable to only use products labeled as "Straight" whiskey. White Whiskey and Moonshine require certification.
Canadian Whisky often contains added wine. This wine, assumed to be non-kosher, creates considerable kashrus concerns. This applies even to products labeled as 100% Rye. Accordingly, Canadian Whisky is recommended only if it is known to only contain kosher ingredients or has reliable certification.
Mezcal requires reliable certification due to significant concerns regarding ingredients and shared equipment.
Unflavored sake is acceptable without hashgacha. Flavored sake (e.g., Coconut Sake) and sake which states on the label or company website that it was aged or finished in wine casks, require hashgacha. Nevertheless, due to potential kashrus concerns, it is preferable to only consume premium sake labeled as Junmai.
Many Scotches are aged in casks that previously held sherry, sauterne, port or other wines. Others have special "finishes" or multiple "maturations" that include aging in wine casks. All of these practices raise kashrus concerns. The cRc policy is that Scotch is permitted unless the label or company website state that it is aged in a wine cask, has a special finish, or an extra maturation (as noted above). The label and company website of each bottle should be carefully checked before using it, and one should avoid wording such as double or triple finish, double or triple matured, dual casks or finish, European or French casks, Madeira finish, port, sauterne, or sherry and other wine casks. The cRc listings of acceptable Scotches includes products that are certified and/or known to not have been aged in wine casks.
Unflavored Blanco Tequila may be used without hashgacha provided that it is made from 100% agave and is CRT approved (with the exception of those products which state on the label or company website that they were aged or finished in sherry or other wine casks). Regarding Anejo and Reposado Tequila, and other aged varieties, it is advisable to only utilize with a reliable hechsher due to the possibility that it may contain non-kosher glycerin. Flavored Tequila, Rosa Tequila, Cristalino, and Mezcal require a reliable hechsher.
Unflavored vodka is acceptable unless the label states that it is produced from grapes, wine, milk, lactose, or whey. Special attention should be paid to vodka from France, Ireland, and New Zealand. Flavored vodka requires reliable certification.
For more information see https://consumer.crckosher.org/liquor/