FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Inaugural Kosher Spirits Awards Celebrates Successful Debut
First-Ever Competition Dedicated Exclusively to Kosher-Certified Spirits Recognizes Excellence Across Multiple Categories
CINCINNATI, OH — The inaugural Kosher Spirits Awards has successfully concluded its first year, welcoming more than 50 entries from distilleries, producers, and brands representing a diverse range of kosher-certified spirits and spirits-based ready-to-drink cocktails.
Created to recognize excellence within the growing kosher spirits industry, the competition brought together an accomplished panel of judges and stewards to evaluate entries through a professional blind-tasting process. Products were assessed on quality, aroma, flavor, balance, finish, and overall excellence.
Following the judging, outstanding entries were recognized with Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals, highlighting exceptional achievements across the competition’s categories. From the pool of Gold Medal winners, three products earned the competition’s highest distinction (listed in alphabetical order), Best in Show honors: Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye Cask Proof Whisky (certified by Star-K), Ruach Ascent Single Malt Whisky (certified by OK Kosher Certification), Tekiah Añejo (certified by the Orthodox Union).
“The response to the inaugural Kosher Spirits Awards exceeded our expectations,” said Rabbi Drew Kaplan, host of the Kosher Spirits Awards. “Receiving more than fifty entries in our first year demonstrates both the strength of the kosher spirits market and the desire for a dedicated platform that recognizes excellence within it. We are grateful to every producer, brand, judge, steward, and supporter who helped make this first competition a success.”
“We had an incredible response to the inaugural Kosher Spirits Awards,” said Maggie Kimberl, head judge of the Kosher Spirits Awards. “I can’t wait to see how this competition grows in the coming years! Thank you to all of the brands that entered, the judges, and the stewards. It is my sincere hope that we have created something of value for those who keep Kosher. “
The competition attracted entries from a wide variety of producers, showcasing the remarkable diversity of today’s kosher-certified spirits landscape, including bourbon, tequila, gin, mezcal, ready-to-drink cocktails, and other specialty products.
In addition to celebrating medalists, the Kosher Spirits Awards aims to increase awareness of high-quality kosher-certified spirits among consumers, retailers, distributors, hospitality professionals, and the broader spirits industry.
The organizers extended special appreciation to the judges and stewards whose expertise and professionalism ensured a rigorous and fair evaluation process.
“We launched the Kosher Spirits Awards to spotlight excellence and innovation,” Kaplan added. “The quality of the entries made it clear that the kosher spirits category continues to grow in sophistication and diversity. We look forward to building on this momentum in future years.”
A complete list of medal winners and Best in Show recipients can be found at JewishDrinking.com/KSA2026Medalists.
About the Kosher Spirits Awards
The Kosher Spirits Awards is the first international competition dedicated exclusively to kosher-certified spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails. Through professional blind judging, the competition seeks to recognize excellence, celebrate innovation, and elevate awareness of outstanding kosher-certified products throughout the global spirits industry.
Media Contact
Rabbi Drew Kaplan
Kosher Spirits Awards
Host@JewishDrinking.com
