BREAKING: CRC Issues Clarification on Grey Goose Vodka, After False Reports Spread on Social Media

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CHICAGO (VINnews) — Rumors have been swirling across social media, implying that the Chicago Rabbinical Council (CRC), in addition to other kashrus agencies, have prohibited the unflavored version of Grey Goose Vodka, due to it being produced from wine.

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It turns out that story was based on a misunderstanding. In fact, the tumult appears to have been started by someone on What’s App.

The CRC has just released a statement of clarification on their website.

Here is the statement:

“Those who keep kosher would never eat in a restaurant without a reliable hechsher, nor bring products into their homes unless verified to be kosher. The assumption is that prepared food and beverages are not kosher until verified otherwise. It is well-known that we maintain one of the largest kosher Liquor Lists in the world, investing considerable research to find acceptable kosher liquor options for consumers. We firmly believe that products which are certified-kosher are preferable to those listed as approved, as these avoid any kashrus issues. Nevertheless, as a community-based hechsher, we feel it is important to do careful research and provide options for those who may not have access to certified products.

It has come to our attention that a popular vodka, produced in France, was considered acceptable in kosher homes even without a hechsher. The cRc has always advised that vodka produced in France, Ireland, and New Zealand requires special attention out of concern that it may be produced from wine or dairy alcohol. In fact, there have been persistent rumors that this vodka from France contains alcohol produced from wine. As we know, wine products require special hashgacha to avoid the concern of stam yeinam – wine produced by non-observant Jews. As stated, we believe that unless a particular product meets generally accepted guidelines for kosher liquor, the assumption is that the product is not kosher until verified otherwise.

Because of the above, we never officially published that it was not recommended nor did we say it was recommended. We simply left it off our kosher liquor list because vodka from France needs to be verified as kosher.

In recent days, a consumer that spoke to one of our staff correctly posted on a WhatsApp Group that we do not recommend it, but this was misinterpreted and reposted by others outside the cRc (without contacting us first) to state that we have firsthand knowledge that there is wine in the product. This is untrue. Our position was based on the stated concern.

After extensive research, we have now discovered that there is a special run produced under hashgacha specifically for the Israeli market (with kashering the lines to avoid any contact with equipment used for non-kosher products) and we have verified that the source for the standard alcohol for this company is solely grain based.
However, this same company does produce a non-kosher version of vodka which contains grape based alcohol, but the standard unflavored version is solely grain based. Therefore, as long the company continues to maintain special kosher runs, the above information is considered accurate.

We once again maintain that it is best to consume these products with a proper hechsher.”

After issuing a letter earlier Thursday, the Belzer Vaad hakashrus has released an updated statement, which seems to indicate that Grey Goose unflavored vodka is no worse than any liquor without a hechsher, in that the only potential concern is bliyos from the casks (which is always a concern without a hechsher).

The following is an updated letter from Rav Asher Eckstein:

 


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11 Comments
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Metushelach
Metushelach
2 years ago

We learn from this fiasco: the extent of the mess that people create when using WhatsApp to pasken / relay piskei din. Take your sheilos to your rav and get a solid teshuva.

Rce
Rce
2 years ago

Confusing… They’re only allowing the run with the hechsher? But then they also confirmed that the regular version is also grain based? But then, being that treif version is produced, so the machinery needs kashering? So is the regular version ok or not? Unclear… Not obvious to me that the original report was false as your headline states

Voice of reason
Voice of reason
2 years ago

Very hard to understand the final verdict, as it seems only the ones in the special run are permissible

Smokey
Smokey
2 years ago

Anyone else agree that Klal Yisroel has bigger concerns than this? PS easy solution is to not drink any liquor, even kosher ones.