Buffalo Trace announced a new line of Kosher whiskeys.

The company said it believes to these are the first authentic Kosher Whiskey under the guidance of the Chicago Rabbinical Council (cRc-Kosher). However, a quick search in the Orthodox Union Kosher Product search shows many bourbons have been deemed “Pareve” Kosher and Kentucky bourbon has a storied Jewish history. Even today, Rabbi Chaim Litvin has been acclaimed for keeping Kentucky bourbon Kosher, while much has been written about Kosher whiskey, especially Scotch. (Updated: When I first read the statement of being the first Kosher Whiskey, I understood this to be the first under the cRc guidelines and not first Kosher whiskey period. I’ve updated to avoid any possible confusion.)

The labels depict both Buffalo Trace Distillery logo and the cRc-Kosher logo.  Each expression of Buffalo Trace Kosher Whiskey with an SRP of $39.99 per 750ml bottle. 

Buffalo Trace said it began working with cRc in 2010.  The new whiskey is available in three styles, Kosher Rye Recipe Bourbon; Kosher Wheat Recipe Bourbon; and Kosher Straight Rye Whiskey, the company said, and start shipping from Buffalo Trace after Passover ends on April 16.  

Kosher law mandates that whiskey should not be owned or consumed by Jews during Passover. In 2012 the cRc oversaw the sale of new American Oak Kosher barrels in a contract of sale to a non-Jewish executive, Buffalo Trace Distillery President Mark Brown, where they were filled with whiskey and put away in specially marked “Kosher whiskey” barrels to age, Buffalo Trace said.

Once the whiskey reached its desired age earlier this year, the bottling lines at the Distillery were flushed completely beforehand to ensure the whiskey was not exposed to any non-Kosher spirits, the company confirmed. This allocated whiskey will be released after Passover ends this year on April 16. Bottles will sell through wholesalers and retailers before Passover begins again in 2021.

 “We’re excited that our partnership which we began ten years ago has come to fruition,” stated Rabbi Sholem Fishbane, kashrus administrator Chicago Rabbinical Council, “Our members have shown great interest in the prospect of being able to enjoy a Kosher whiskey. We are very happy Buffalo Trace has taken the steps to make sure this happens.” 

The new Kosher whiskey line is limited, but it will be an annual release each year after Passover.