Israeli Kosher Food and Drink Magazine claims Macallan Single Malt is Kosher

An Extraordinary claim made by an Israeli Kosher Magazine

Recently, in “KosherOnly.Net” Online magazine, they published an article where they claim that Macallan 12 “Triple Cask”, is Kosher, certified by the Rabbanut Rashit LeYisrael. 

וויסקי מקאלן (Macallan) עכשיו בכשרות הרבנות

"Now, with Rabbinical Certification, Macallan Whisky"

See here

https://kosheronly.net/macallan-whiskey-kosher/

A rough translation with the help of Google Translate

(Pay close attention to the parts in BOLD)

“Since the establishment of the Macallan whisky distillery (about 95 years ago), this is the first year that this beautiful and good amber drink has received the Rabbinical Kashrus Certification; Welcome.

By: Danny Sessler

I want to talk about one of them, the Macallan 12, TRIPLE CASK MATURED. Malt whisky aged in Oak barrels, Sherry wine and American Oak barrels aged in Bourbon for 12 years.

Why do I want to talk about whisky? For one reason, this is the 12-year-old whisky, the best of its kind. Why is he the best? Because, first of all it is wonderfully balanced (drink it with mineral water, something like the amount of a cork).

At first glance you can get a little confused and think it smells a bit bitter [or sour?]. Wait 2 minutes, turn the drink in a glass and then smell again. Cherries and sweet plums can now be easily identified.

The taste is similar to the smell, of plums, cherries and a little cinnamon, with a subtle nutmeg taste creeping into the background. The total flavours round nicely on the palate and give a very balanced and round feeling. In the end, the right and closest image after the first sip is of a Rugelach cake, very delicate, not sweet, with very little cinnamon.

That's why it's one of the better whiskies. And we have not yet described its beautiful amber colour.

It is made from 100% barley and has 40% alcohol.”

So, let's establish some facts. The Israeli importers of Macallan Single Malts have paid for certification from the Triangle-K organisation. The Triangle-K's kashrus standards are insufficient to allow them entry into AKO, the world’s umbrella Kashrus organisation of the most reliable Kashrus organisations around the world.

See a list of AKO members here: https://www.akokosher.org/members

Nevertheless, the Rabbanut here in Israel have an agreement whereby any item receiving certification from Triangle-K, will automatically receive an “Ishur” or "approval" by the Rabbanut Rashit. As I understand it, this is not the same as being actually certified by the Rabbanut, so the article’s claims seem to be inaccurate. Surely, the author has seen the actual label on this whisky, so the author's failure to mention the name of the actual Organisation which did give it a certification is puzzling to say the least. One could forgive a standard consumer magazine of this, but this publication is all about keeping Kosher.

Therefore, it would seem to me that it ought to be important to the editorial management that their target readers would want to know if a product is, (how can I put this?), "bending over backwards, using every hehter under the sun..." kind of kosher, or if the product is unquestionably kosher without any doubts or compromises and was given certification by a Kashrus organisation which was a member of AKO?

As already mentioned, it was the Israeli importer who chose the certifying organisation. They could have chosen this particular certification because they realised that the product is "problematic" (to say the least), and would not have received certification from a more prestigious Kashrus organisation. Alternatively, it could simply be that they have gone for the cheapest certification which will enable them to get approval from the Rabbanut Rashit LeYisrael. As I understand it, Triangle-K is considerably cheaper than the organisations who are AKO members.

Therefore, it could very well be that a particular whisky which actually has no kashrus issues whatsoever, and potentially might be a candidate for a Mehadrin Min HaMehadrin level Teudat Hechsher from one of the most prestigious kashrus organisations, ends up with either no certification at all, or one which many might not consider sufficiently reliable, because the importer wanted to save some money.

A good example of this, is the Glen Moray Classic, 12 and 18 Year Olds. They are all matured in 100% Ex-Bourbon casks and would seem to have no Kashrus issues whatsoever, yet, like this Macallan, bears the Triangle-K symbol.

In which category does Macallan fall into? This all depends on how sherried it is.

So, just how sherried is the Macallan "Triple Cask"?

The “Triple Cask” is named because it has been matured in three types of casks:

1. European Oak Sherry seasoned casks.

2. American White Oak sherry seasoned casks.

3. American Ex-Bourbon casks.

https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/macallan/the-macallan-12-year-old-triple-cask-whisky/

It has tasting notes of Raisins, Ginger, Dark Fruits (sweet and sour), Citrus, vanilla, honey with a touch of dark chocolate and walnuts on the finish.

Now, I wonder where these flavours of raisins and dark fruits have come from?

(Even the article in "Kosher Only" lists flavour notes of cherries, sweet plums...)

Hmmmmmm….let me think….

Typical Oloroso Sherry Tasting Notes:

Typical flavours of dry nutty aromas (especially walnuts), combined with sweet and sour red balsamic vinegar, fresh dark fruits (especially cherry and plum), dried fruits (raisins, dates, figs, prunes, apricots) with a touch of rhubarb, hints of cocoa chocolate, toasted bread, tobacco and autumn leaves. Often flavours of truffles and seasoned leather on aged bottlings.

(Just saying....)