This Passover Enjoy a Round-The-World Wine Adventure without leaving home

March 14, 2021 by evebushman

The question posed annually at the Passover Seder – “Why is this night different from all other nights” – takes on a special meaning again this year. No doubt, this year’s Seder will be unusual, but the trying circumstances can also be an opportunity to relate to aspects of Passover in a different manner than in the past. Central to the Seder is the commandment to drink four cups of wine. Should it be just any wine? Or should this year’s four cups be filled with the finest?

Bayonne, NJ – This Passover, spend your holiday in Israel, Italy, or France — without ever having to leave your Seder table. NJ-based Royal Wine, the world’s largest purveyor of kosher wines and spirits, offers exceptional Passover selections from around the globe – including a label from NBA All-Star Amaré Stoudemire — in a wide range of tastes and prices.

Kosher wines have experienced a renaissance over the past two decades. Believe it or not, the best-selling imported Moscato in the U.S. happens to be kosher! Experience outstanding kosher options at any price point. New varieties from wineries around the world make kosher wines a great choice for everyone. Whether for the Passover Seder or at a simple dinner with friends, these top-quality wines are sure to satisfy on all occasions.

Stoudemire Origins 2018 and Stoudemire Clarity Rosé 2020 – After establishing a line of kosher wines produced in the Upper Galilee (imported and distributed by the Royal Wine Corp.), Amare expands his offerings to California in collaboration with Herzog Wine Cellars (USA). SRP: $24.99.

Herzog Lineage Rosé 2020– This casual rosé’s flavors include pomegranate, raspberry, and tart cherry (USA). SRP 19.99

Château Roubine Rosé 2020 (Côtes de Provence, France) – The rosé wines of this top-ranking classed growth Provence Château are now imported exclusively by Royal Wine Corp. and are kosher for Passover, as well. SRP: 19.99-59.99

Herzog Generation IX Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District Napa Valley 2018 – Herzog’s new flagship wine from the prized Stags Leap district, famous for putting California on the world wine map in 1976 (USA). SRP: $249.99

Bartenura Prosecco Rosé – Top quality pink sparkling wine from Italy, great for the Passover seder and all year round for small family gatherings and celebrations (Italy). SRP: 19.99

Château Meyney Saint-Estèphe 2018 – This famed Bordeaux Estate joins Royal’s family of high-end Bordeaux Châteaux producing kosher varieties (France). SPR: $79.99

Sforno – A new line of high value, affordable quality kosher wines produced by the celebrated Riglos winery, and retailing between $10-15 (Argentina).

Can’t get enough of these stellar releases? Here are some more offerings from around the world:

Israel:

Gush Etzion, a great boutique winery in the Judean Hills returns to America with an impressive array of high-quality wines. SRP: $22.99 – $59.99
Barkan Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, a practically unmatched wine in quality and price ($19.99).

France

Champagne Barons De Rothschild, an elegant and classic champagne from this famed family of wines ($79.99)

Chateau Lascombes 2018, A Grand Cru from Margaux; SRP: $159.99

Italy

Bartenura, Rosato Cans, after the successful launch of Bartenura Moscato Cans, here comes the Rose version! SRP: $14.99/four-pack

Chile

Alfasi Reserve Carmenere, top QPR Carmenere from this booming New World region SRP: $10.99

Argentina

Flechas de Los Andes Gran Malbec, Malbec from part of the Rothchild wine estates SPR: $29.99

Kosher For Passover Vodka: LVOV Vodka distilled from beets; SRP: $20

What Makes Kosher Wine Kosher? – Ten Things to Know About Kosher Wine

“People may be surprised to learn that most kosher wines are certified for year-round use, as well as for Passover,” says Jay Buchsbaum, VP Marketing & Wine Education, Royal Wine Corp. Here are more facts to help you understand what makes wine kosher: 10 Things to Know about Kosher Wine; www.TheKFWE.com (Virtual Wine Fest, FEB 21) Passover 2021 begins sundown MARCH 27

About Royal Wine/Kedem

Founded in 1848, Royal Wine Corp. has been owned and operated in the United States by the Herzog family, whose winemaking roots go back eight generations to its origin in Czechoslovakia.

Today, Royal Wine’s portfolio of domestic and international wines range from traditional wine producing regions of France, Italy, and Spain, as well as Israel, New Zealand, Argentina and more.

The company owns and operates the Kedem Winery in upstate New York, as well as Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard, California, a state-of-the-art-facility featuring guided wine tours, a fully staffed modern tasting room, gift shop and catering facilities. Additionally, the winery houses the award-winning restaurant Tierra Sur, serving the finest, Mediterranean-inspired, contemporary Californian Cuisine. Follow Royal Wine Corp at: @royalwinecorp; https://www.facebook.com/RoyalWineCorp

15th Annual Kosher Food and Wine Experience 2021 Goes Virtual- LiveCast Sunday, FEB 21

February 3, 2021 by evebushman

New York, NY – With sold-to-capacity crowds, the annual Kosher Food and Wine Experience (KFWE) is undisputedly among the hottest tickets in the kosher culinary world. These massive events in New York, California, Israel, Miami, and London attract thousands of restaurateurs, chefs, caterers, and foodies who wait all year to sample the latest and greatest in fine kosher wines and creative cuisine.

Fans of the expo will be thrilled to know that social distancing won’t spoil the party this year. In fact, those coveted tickets won’t be needed when the 15^th annual Kosher Food and Wine Experience goes virtual on Sunday, February 21 at 5:30 p.m. Eastern time.

All are welcome to sip and savor with the pros during this free livecast, presented by Royal Wine Corp. Program highlights include guided wine tastings with Jay Buchsbaum, VP of Marketing and Wine Education for Royal Wine; Erik Segelbaum, Food & Wine Magazine’s 2019 Sommelier of the Year; wine blogger Gabriel Geller, Royal Wine’s director of PR; and others.

“We spent quite a bit of time behind the scenes trying to figure out how to safely bring this experience to people while still capturing the essence of the show,” noted Buchsbaum. “Yes, things will be a little different this year, but the virtual format creates new opportunities. For instance, the more intimate setting means we can do a deeper dive into the wines, wineries, and winemaking process.”

Another innovative twist is the Official KFWE Tasting Kit, which will allow home viewers to sample wines with the experts. Each kit includes 100mL samples of 25 featured wines – each enough for 2-3 pours – from some of the world’s most prestigious wineries. Kits also include a tasting guide, recipe cards, and shopping lists so guests can cook along too. Available for $250 (plus processing and shipping fees), tasting kits can be ordered through www.TheKFWE.com. Order by February 12 to ensure delivery in time for the event. Must be at least 21 years old to purchase.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a KFWE without the food. Celebrity chef, restauranteur, and James Beard Award winner Michael Solomonov will be on hand along with Chef Gabe Garcia of Tierra Sur and personalities from Kosher.com, the leading website for all things kosher. Viewers can watch their demonstrations and cook along in real-time. Detailed recipe cards with shopping lists and prep instructions will be available for download ahead of time.

“Just as Erik Segelbaum and Michael Solomonov are respected and admired in the global mainstream wine and culinary world,” noted Royal Wine’s Gabe Geller, “kosher and Israeli wines deserve the same indiscriminating quality and appreciation. KFWE was created to spread that message far and wide. So even though we are presenting on a smaller physical scale this year, KFWE 2021 will drive that message home to more people than ever.”

This year’s event focuses on the following releases – all of which are kosher for Passover:

Carmel Signature Mediterranean 2017

Barkan Special Reserve Winemaker’s Choice Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Shiloh Secret Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Jezreel Valley Argaman 2017

Binyamina The Chosen Diamond 2017

Gush Etzion Winery Blessed Valley Chardonnay 2019

Tulip Black Tulip 2017

Netofa Dor 2017

Flam Noble 2017

Tabor Malkiya Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Psagot Peak 2017

Teperberg Essence Malbec 2016

Hagafen Estate Bottled Coombsville Napa Valley Dry White Riesling 2018

Covenant Red C 2017

Herzog Variations Be-leaf Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Herzog Generation IX Stags Leap District Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Chateau Leoville Poyferre Saint-Julien 2017

Chateau de Santenay Les Bois de l’Alier Mercurey 2019

Château Guiraud 1er Cru Sauternes 2019

Chateau Giscours Margaux 2017

Chateau Montviel Pomerol 2018

Capcanes Flor de Primavera Peraj Ha’abib Montsant 2017

Elvi Wines Herenza Rioja Reserva 2014

Terra di Seta Chianti Classico Riserva 2016

Sforno Gran Reserva Red Blend Mendoza 2020

For more information on KFWE 2021, to register, or to purchase the Official KFWE 2021 Wine Tasting Kit, visit www.TheKFWE.com. Participants will receive a viewing link for the livecast along with recipes, shopping lists, and a sneak peek at featured wines.

About Royal Wine/Kedem

Since 1948, Royal Wine Corp., also known as Kedem, has been owned and operated in the United States by the Herzog family, whose winemaking roots date back eight generations to 19th century Czechoslovakia.

Today Royal Wine’s portfolio of domestic and international wines range from traditional wine producing regions of France, Italy, and Spain, as well as Israel, New Zealand, and Argentina. Additionally, Royal Wine Corp.’s spirit and liqueur portfolio offer some of the most sought after scotches, bourbons, tequilas and vodkas as well as hard to find specialty items such as flavored brandies and liqueurs.

The company owns and operates the Kedem Winery in upstate New York, as well as Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard, California, a state-of-the-art-facility featuring guided wine tours, a fully staffed modern tasting room, gift shop and catering facilities. Additionally, the winery houses the award-winning restaurant Tierra Sur, serving the finest Mediterranean inspired contemporary Californian Cuisine. Follow Royal Wine on Face Book.com/RoyalWineCorp/, and instagram.com/royalwinecorp/, and twitter.com/royalwinecorp

Sampling Single Estate El Sativo Tequila Blanco

November 20, 2020 by evebushman

I have two go-to Tequilas: Cazadores and Asombroso, the former was a gift from my daughter’s fiancé and the latter was one I reviewed that I have since purchased for my liquor cabinet. I’m not much of a tequila-cocktail lover and prefer to sip alone or on ice, and was happy to receive another tequila for review that I could add into my “sipper” category of spirits.

After reading the press release for El Sativo below, I was intrigued by several points it made including the idea that the “terpenes, found in the agave, have a myriad of health benefits, including mood-lifting and energy-boosting attributes”, that they give back to ocean conservancy and are a triple time double gold medal winner. Definitely made me ready to sample.

Tasting Notes

Notes of vanilla bean, heavy sweet cream and toasted popcorn kernel – with no burn whatsoever – on the nose. The taste was smooth yet peppery – so interesting – and flavors reminiscent of buttered popcorn, and that same cream, ending with a spicy finish. Really liked having it both smooth and spicy! Then tried it with a little bit of squeezed lemon and it was like a lo-cal Margarita. This is not a Tequila to shoot! Not so sure about added energy, may have to do further study = drink more!

News Release

EL SATIVO, THE FIRST TEQUILA TO INNOVATE A “ONE OF A KIND” COMPOUND FOCUSED DISTILLATION, MAINTAINING THE BENEFICIAL ELEMENTS IN THE AGAVE

100% Blue Agave – Single Estate – 100% USDA Organic – 100% NON-GMO – Certified OK Kosher

El Sativo, the 2020 Tequila of the Year at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, launched this summer. Bottles will be available for purchase at Whole Foods and Total Wine in California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Illinois along with retail stores throughout Texas, more states will be added shortly. El Sativo will debut their offerings with the award-winning Tequila Blanco, with plans to offer a reposado and anejo in 2021. Tequila Blanco will retail between $39.99 – $45.99 for a 750ml.

El Sativo’s co-creators and fourth-generation family of distillers use an innovative distillation process that captures and accentuates the agave plant’s own natural benefits. “These terpenes, found in the agave, have a myriad of health benefits, including mood-lifting and energy-boosting attributes, which is why we transformed our distillation process in order to help maintain their properties,” states co-founder Dr. Robert Summers.

The El Sativo team is committed to improving the environment, helping to build awareness, and pushing to find remedies to help preserve the precious resources of our planet. Translated from Spanish, El Sativo means “Sown in Seeds,” as anything planted, nurtured, and grown is life. Every bottle sold gives back to ocean conservancy. The bottle is made of 100% recycled smart non-combustible glass and has an organic soluble label that is pesticide free.

El Sativo Tequila is certified USDA organic, 100% Non–GMO, Kosher and Eco-friendly.

THE PROCESS

“Our distillery is located in the lowlands of Amatitán, Jalisco; we’re single estate, our agaves are planted, nurtured, and harvested solely in our fields and never sourced. It was important for us to be completely organic, so our cultivation is carried out without pesticides or fungicides, and we only use organic fertilizers. The organic certification process is far more complex and time consuming than the process for common tequila.” says co-founder and singer-songwriter Jaime Whitton.

Using small batch stone ovens, the blue agaves are slowly steamed for 24-48 hours, using no diffusers nor autoclaves. The process pays homage to the art of tequila making by using the traditional technique. Fermenting with its own natural yeast, the team uses reverse osmosis water filtered through 135 feet of volcanic rock for a pure filtration process.

40% ABV, 750ml, NOM 1480

TASTING NOTES: EL SATIVO TEQUILA BLANCO

Bouquet: Opulent bright citrus with sweet agave
Palate: Lift of white pepper and sweet agave with a waterfall of stone fruit savoring on the taste buds Finish: Long, seductive rollercoaster finish.

ABOUT EL SATIVO

Originated by a spirited family with over 25 years in the tequila industry. El Sativo is an innovative tequila that lifts the spirits and stands apart from the crowd. Our sweet agave dances in waterfalls of stone fruit soaking in memorable days and fun-filled nights. El Sativo sets itself apart by utilizing a special distillation method that naturally highlights the agave plant’s precious resources known to have mood lifting and energy boosting attributes that exemplify #SoSativo. A Single Estate masterpiece and the winner of 3 double gold awards, including 2020 Tequila of the Year (San Francisco World Spirits Competition).

El Sativo Tequila is Certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO, OK Kosher and each bottle is 100% smart combustible recycled glass with organic soluble labels. Every bottle sold gives back to ocean conservancy. Truly “A Better Tequila for a Better World.”

…

Website: http://www.elsativo.com/
Instagram: @elsativotequila

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Interested in Wines From Israel? Free, Live-Streamed Wine Events Until July

May 30, 2020 by evebushman

Join Wine Experts, Winemakers, and Celebrity Chefs in a 24-Part Series Celebrating All Things Israeli Wine- Through July 5th

(Israel, MAY 2020) – Have you ever dreamed of a sunset picnic in a historic vineyard? Interested in an exclusive tour of a secret wine cave? Curious about life on a kibbutz winery?

Flam Winery in Israel, photo from Israel Wine Producers Association on Facebook.

Novices and oenophiles alike can explore all this and more with Kosherwine.com’s free Live-Streamed Wine Events, presented in partnership with the Israeli Wine Producers Association (IWPA), now through July 5. Visit Kosherwine.com (www.kosherwine.com/experiences) for a full schedule, to register, receive notices of every event, and catch up on past episodes.

The 24-part series launched on May 3 with a tour of the internationally renowned boutique winery, Shiloh Winery, featuring winemaker Amichai Lurie. Another on May 14 offered a wine tasting with Illana Ben-Zaken from the famed Castel Winery, the first modern-day vineyard in the ancient Judean Hills. Upcoming highlights include a live cooking class with celebrity chef Avner Guzman, an introduction to the art of blending wines, a cocktail class featuring Morad wines, a walking tour of Jerusalem as it prepares for the Sabbath, and tasting notes with Shiloh winemaker Amichai Lourie.

Each event focuses on a different Israeli wine producer whose notable products are widely distributed across the U.S. and beyond: Yatir, Nadiv, Zion Winery, Binyamina, and others.

Viewers will be able to purchase Sampler Sets from each winery at a discount price to taste along with the experts or enjoy afterwards. They are encouraged to submit questions for the expert prior to these sessions, and one lucky winner will receive a free bottle of wine and a VIP winery tour for each live event.

Kosherwine.com is the largest kosher wine e-commerce retailer and a great resource for information and news about kosher wine. Under President Dovid Riven, the company carries the largest selection of kosher wines as well as the largest selection of wines from Israel. It ships to 46 states in the USA (free shipping with 12 bottle purchase).

The Israeli Wine Producers Association (IWPA) was established to unify the leading quality Israeli wineries to promote Israel as a fine wine growing region. Under Executive VP Josh Greenstein, IWPA positions these fine Israeli wines as an essential category to be included in all better wine retail outlets and restaurants. Israeli wine blends ancient history with the most modern technology to produce some of the industry’s finest wines, making Israel one of the fastest growing winemaking regions in the world.

KOSHER FOOD & WINE EXPERIENCE – NY 2020: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17

January 22, 2020 by evebushman

The 14^th Annual Kosher Food & Wine Experience (www.TheKFWE.com) is back, and there’s more to savor than ever before.

House of Rothschild and Royal Wine Corp. Celebrate Historic Partnership: 30 years of kosher wine making.

Monday, February 17, 2020 Pier 60, Chelsea Piers – Hudson River & 21st St., NYC

New, Award-Winning Wines from Israel, California and France*
Celebrating 30th anniversary of kosher wine production with the Rothschild family
Open to the Trade 12 noon – 4 pm by RSVP
Open to the Public VIP 5:30 pm-9:30; General Admission 6:30 pm-9:30 pm via tickets at TheKFWE.com

NYC, NY / Bayonne, NJ, FEB 17, 2020 – Prepare to stock up on the best new kosher wines and spirits and add to your kosher restaurant and catering bucket list – Kosher Food & Wine Experience 2020 comes to NYC FEB 17 at Chelsea Piers Hudson River on Manhattan’s West Side (Tickets: www.TheKFWE.com).

Hosted by Royal Wine Corp., KFWE is known as the destination for wine and food lovers alike, offering a sneak preview of the trendiest restaurants and the latest innovations from the kitchens of today’s hottest chefs and caterers – plus an opportunity to be among the first to sample hundreds of new top-shelf wines and spirits from around the world, many with 90+ ratings. More than 1200 will descend on Chelsea Piers to taste and sample hundreds of wines and spirits as well as unique and gourmet fare from chefs, caterers and restaurateurs.

Royal Wine celebrates the 30^th anniversary of kosher wine production with Barons Edmond & Benjamin de Rothschild with the introduction of Haut-Médoc Anniversary Edition 2016 and Château Clarke Listrac-Médoc 2016. Plus a preview of Passover 2020 wines and spirits.

The Kosher Food & Wine Experience began in 2006 as an intimate wine-tasting event for a handful of guests. It quickly exploded by popular demand and grows every year in terms of attendance, exhibitors, venues, and sheer variety of products on offer. Today’s KFWE spans from New York and Miami to Los Angeles and London. In New York alone last year, KFWE showcased over 500 wines and spirits attracting more than 2500 industry professionals, consumers, and press.

What is driving this year-on-year success? Festival organizers point to three recent trends: the phenomenal growth of foodie culture, the unprecedented mainstreaming of kosher food into the American market, and the burgeoning production of premium kosher wines from around the world.

KFWE New York is hosted by Royal Wine Corp., the world’s largest producer, importer and distributor of kosher wines and spirits, headquartered in Bayonne, NJ.

Surprises At Our Local Bev Mo

June 28, 2019 by evebushman

Whenever someone messages me looking for wine of course I suggest our local wine bars and stores as we all support locally owned businesses. However, if they are looking for a larger selection then they simply must go to BevMo. There really isn’t any other option for us locals. And lucky us we have two to choose from in the Santa Clarita Valley. I happen to choose the one in Stevenson Ranch, on the Old Road, as I’ve been successful finding what I need there from spirits to wine.

Lucky me again when fellow wine writer, Carl Kanowsky, invited me to join him for a tasting with store manager Brian Ilvento and Wine Specialist Doug Characky a few weeks ago. They promised to expose us – and our readers – to some of their broad selection, and specifically to lesser known wines that they carry.

Our invitation read that we would be doing a tasting of “… wines that are a bit under the radar… (and are) considered ‘undiscovered’ and ‘hidden gems,’ as well as some from other regions.”

Characky, a local who had taken the wine studies program offered by Elizabeth Schweitzer and DiMaggio Washington at College of the Canyons, said they are seeing a lot of wine from up and coming areas that include Chile, South Africa and Greece. He also noted the popularity of Spanish Cavas and kosher wines from Israel. He commented, “I think this is a place where people that love wine will find paradise.”

Ilvento, who keeps staff trained with tastings among other things, said that everyone in the store can help shoppers find what they’re looking for. He added, “We’re here to find the perfect drink for every glass.”

We had six wines in our tasting lineup, most hovering about $20 and a couple toward $40. These are my tasting notes with the aromas and flavors separated by ; and, I enjoyed them all:

Honig 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley: Green apple, fruit cocktail, flint; same flavors as on the nose with a mouth coating viscosity and medium acidity.

Burgans 2017 Albariño, Spain: Crisp citrus fruits, wet pebbles fresh fruit, crisp, medium acid and stainless steel.

Frog’s Leap 2016 Chardonnay, Napa: Butter, oak, bruised apple and white flower; then that same oak and butter, popcorn kernel and almond.

Hahn 2016 Estate Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands: Dark cherry, stems, cigar, mushroom and wet earth; same aroma profile for the flavor as well.

Michele Chiarlo Il Principe Langhe 2015 Nebbiolo, Italy: Barnyard blew off within a couple of swirls, then came toast, chalk, hard grape candy, and Characky also noted lots of cranberry and pomegranate that I had to agree with; noted much more of that red fruit Characky had found, a bit tight (so decant this one) and a long length.

Quilt Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, Napa Valley: Ilvento explained that he liked this wine for its six-Cabernet blend and winemaker Joe Wagner. Aromas of dark fruit, spice, black pepper, perfumy; balanced and smooth, pepper and fruit working perfectly together, a wine that’s good to go now.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 15k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

KOSHER FOOD AND WINE EXPERIENCE COMING TO LA

January 16, 2019 by evebushman

On February 13, 2019, the famed Hollywood Palladium will host this year’s Kosher Food and Wine Experience.

KFWE Los Angeles is the sister event to KFWE London, New York and Miami – bringing world acclaimed wine and spirits to Los Angeles from France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Israel, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, Australia and the United States. This exclusive event features a selection of more than 300 wines as well as finely crafted spirits from across the globe.

In addition, the evening will spotlight the hottest kosher cuisine on the West Coast! Chefs from across Southern California will dazzle foodies near and far with a mouth-watering parade of inspired dishes.

VIP ticket holders enjoy a completely new KFWE experience! A series of stylish private lounges–each featuring a unique and exclusive atmosphere! From elegantly aged library wines, private cocktail bars, specialty dishes prepared for VIPs only, even a glamorous champagne lounge – the KFWE Los Angeles VIP experience is something you do not want to miss!

Tickets for KFWE Los Angeles 2019 are available at: www.thekfwe.com

Drake’s Organic Spirits Receives Global Vegan Certification

December 2, 2018 by evebushman

MINNEAPOLIS (PRWEB) – Drake’s Organic Spirits announced today that it has met the rigid standards and guidelines for Vegan Certification by the globally-recognized and respected Vegan Awareness Foundation. Drake’s is the first and only spirit line in the world to be certified USDA Organic, Vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, Gluten-Free and Kosher.

Many consumers assume that alcohol is naturally vegan. However, animal derivatives can either be in the beverage itself as an ingredient or can be infused into the drink through the filtration process. Some hidden animal byproducts found in alcoholic drinks include: albumen (egg white), albumin (egg or dried blood), carmine (insect), casein (milk), charcoal (animal bone), chitin (shellfish), gelatin (connective tissue of cow or pig), honey (bees), isinglass (fish bladder membranes), lactose (milk), and pepsin (pigs). In addition, charred animal bones are often used as part of the sugar-refining process. Drake’s Organic Spirits uses a unique coconut fiber filtration process that is eco-friendly and ensures no animal derivatives are used as ingredients or in the production of the company’s ultra-premium spirits.

“Drake’s Organic Spirits is committed to providing a premium drinking experience that is also healthier, eco-friendly and ethical,” said Drake’s founder and CEO Mark Anderson. “We’re thrilled to be certified by the highly respected Vegan Awareness Foundation. It provides assurance to every vegan who enjoys a cocktail that Drake’s provides healthier drinking options.”

Proceeds from the sale of Drake’s Organic Spirits helps support Long Lake Animal Rescue, an animal rescue foundation that takes in animals in need of a second chance at life.

About Drake’s Organic Spirits
Minneapolis-based Drake’s Organic Spirits was launched in 2017. Drake’s uses the highest quality USDA organic and non-GMO Project Verified ingredients to create a line of ultra- premium spirits. Drake’s Organic Vodka, Drake’s Organic White Rum and Drakes Organic Spiced Rum offer a no grain, no gluten, no gmo, ultra-premium, 12 times distilled handcrafted spirits at a better price than the leading premium brands.

For more information, please visit http://www.drakesorganicspirits.com, facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drakesorganic/, Instagram: @drakesorganic, or contact email sales: info(at)drakesorganicspirits.com.

ONE WINEMAKER’S SPIRITUAL JOURNEY: THE STORY OF JEFF MORGAN AND WHY THE WORLD’S BEST KOSHER WINE HAS “DUAL CITIZENSHIP”

August 22, 2018 by evebushman

Bayonne, NJ – When wine writer Gabriel Geller heard about the man behind Covenant winery, he knew it was an inspiring story, one worth telling. “It’s a story of faith, entrepreneurship, and chutzpah,” said Geller, who also serves as VP of Public Relations for Royal Wine Corp., distributor of Covenant wines in the U.S.

On the left it’s Ari Erle, the winemaker for Covenant Israel, Jeff Morgan is on the right.

In 2002, Jeff Morgan was at a winemaking conference in Napa Valley, CA when an intriguing topic came up: why aren’t there more good kosher wines? The question led the journalist-turned-winemaker on a quest to produce not just a great kosher wine, but the best kosher wine in the world.

It was a risk. As a long-time writer for Wine Spectator, Morgan knew that kosher wines had come a long way over the past few decades. But he had never made kosher wine before. In fact, his upbringing was so secular that his family had Christmas trees and he had never attended synagogue.

Morgan teamed up with food and wine entrepreneur Leslie Rudd, a fellow non-observant Jew and owner of some of Napa’s most prized vineyards. They enlisted the help of Herzog Wine Cellars, secured OU certification, and the Covenant label was born.

The first vintage was a Cabernet Sauvignon made from Napa grapes, released in 2003, that earned high praises from Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate. Two years later, Robert Parker declared Covenant “one of the finest kosher wines on Planet Earth.” And the raves kept coming. Covenant became a boutique brand with a cult-like following.

Meanwhile, Morgan realized how little he knew about Judaism. So, he decided to reconnect with his Jewish roots – teaching himself Hebrew, reading Torah, laying tefillin – with his wife and business partner Jodie along for the spiritual ride. In 2007 he became a bar mitzvah. The couple became active in an Orthodox congregation in California.

It was during a visit to Israel some 15 years ago when Morgan sampled an impressive Domaine du Castel Grand Vin, produced in the Judean Hills, and an epiphany: If he could make kosher wine in California, why not also make it in the homeland of the Jewish people, the place where Jewish winemaking began?

“Israel reminded us of what Napa Valley was like 30 years ago,” Morgan wrote in J: The Jewish News of Northern California last May. “We were inspired to found Covenant Israel, a wine project aimed at investing in Israel and showing support for what we believe is one of the world’s most up-and-coming wine regions.”

That was when Covenant became the first-ever kosher wine to be produced both in the U.S. and Israel. The first bottle of Covenant Israel, a Syrah blend sourced from the Upper Galilee and Golan Heights, was released in 2015. And in 2018, Covenant ISRAEL Blue C Viognier and Adom became available in the United States. Today, Covenant’s portfolio includes 6 California wines and 3 Israeli wines available in the USA.

In Geller’s view, “Jeff makes a wine in the Holy Land that’s as unique and superb as the wine he makes in California. Covenant Israel was the talk of the Kosher Food & Wine Experience NYC!” The label’s Syrahs, Blue C Viogniers, and Blue C Adom red blend are made in limited batches and consistently earn rave reviews.

“Lovers of premium wines would do well to grab them when they can,” Geller advises. “Those who do will see for themselves what Robert Parker means when he talks about ‘the finest kosher wine on Planet Earth.’”

On a poignant note, the Morgan’s friend, mentor, and Covenant co-founder Leslie Rudd passed away in May. But Covenant is very much a family affair. Jeff and Jodie’s daughter Zoe made Aliyah four years ago and heads up hospitality, sales, marketing, and more in Israel. And Covenant Israel is rapidly becoming one of the most highly regarded brands not just in Israel but in the world.

“As impressive as these bottling are,” added Geller, “nothing impresses me more than the notion that a glass of kosher wine could inspire one family’s spiritual and life journey…and transform the entire wine industry. It’s a story of beshert (destined to be) in the very best sense of the word.”

About Royal Wine/Kedem

Founded in 1848, Royal Wine Corp. has been owned and operated in the United States by the Herzog family, whose winemaking roots go back eight generations to its origin in Czechoslovakia.

Today, Royal Wine’s portfolio of domestic and international wines range from traditional wine producing regions of France, Italy and Spain, as well as Israel, New Zealand and Argentina.

Additionally, Royal Wine Corp.’s spirit and liqueur portfolio offer some of the most sought-after scotches, bourbons, tequilas and vodkas as well as hard to find specialty items such as flavored brandies and liqueurs.

Single Malt Whiskey by Alpine Distilling Named a Top American Malt Whiskey

March 21, 2018 by evebushman

PARK CITY, Utah (PRWEB) – The Fifty Best, an online guide that rates the finest wines and spirits, recently hosted an American Malt Whiskey Tasting of 20 products evaluated for the distinguished “Best American Malt Whiskey” awards for 2018. Alpine Distilling’s Traveler’s Rest American Single Malt Whiskey was awarded a Double Gold medal, the highest honor. The Park City, Utah-based craft distillery was founded in 2016.

Mountain Ridges Behind Snowbird and Alta

Using professional criteria, the pre-qualified panel of judges blind-tasted the American malt whiskies and rated them individually on a 1 to 5 point scoring system with five being the best. After tallying the scores, medals were awarded based on the judges’ impressions.

“We are honored to have Traveler’s Rest Single Malt receive such high accolades from experts in various disciplines of the spirits industry,” says Rob Sergent, Alpine Distilling’s managing director. “Alpine Distilling is committed to producing the finest spirits using traditional distilling techniques to create distinctive flavor combinations.”

To create this rich, nutty single malt whiskey, North American high protein, high enzyme 100% malted barley is aged first in used Jack Daniels barrels and finished with new, toasted French Oak.

Additional, award-winning craft spirits from Alpine Distilling include Lafayette Spiced Flavored Whiskey, Preserve Liqueur, Persistent Vodka, and Spur Whiskey.

TheFiftyBest.com is a digital guide to wines and spirits, featuring rated listings from proprietary blind tastings judged by wine and spirits journalists, spirits professionals, retailers, mixologists, spirits consultants and connoisseurs. The Fifty Best achieves the highest standards of spirits evaluations by adhering to strict tasting rules and rigorous methodology.

ABOUT ALPINE DISTILLING

Founded in 2016, Alpine Distilling is an award-winning craft distillery based in Park City, Utah. We produce the highest quality premium spirits for the active, creative, and mindful individuals who are drawn to the mountain lifestyle. All products are certified Kosher. As a socially conscious brand, Alpine Distilling is pleased to donate a portion of proceeds to benefit local non-profits Park City Community Foundation and Swaner Nature Preserve. More information is available at http://www.alpinedistilling.com.