Kosher single malt scotch introduced by Rumford store

CAN YOU imagine this?

A kosher single malt scotch, produced in a partnership between Bruichladdich distillery on Islay and the Carmel Vineyards in Israel?

Yes, there are now 12-year old and 18-year-old single malts, the Bruichladdich 1994 Carmel Wine Finish, and the Bruichladdich 1989 Carmel Wine Finish.  

Yes, and they have arrived here in Rhode Island at Town Wine & Spirits, 179 Newport Ave., Rumford.

Elliott Fishbein, owner of Town Wine & Spirits, is introducing a 12-year-old and 18-year-Kosher single malt from the Bruichladdich distillery in Scotland.

What makes a single malt kosher? Most experts agree that all the ingredients and the process used in making single malt Scotch are kosher. The difference, many scholars suggest, is in the maturation process.

The overwhelming majority of Scotch is matured using a combination of bourbon and sherry casks. Sherry, with few exceptions, is considered non-kosher because it is produced by non-Jews, and there is no rabbinic supervision.

Bruichladdich distillery has aged its kosher single malt in casks from Carmel Vineyards in Israel. Carmel produces a wide range of kosher wines.

Fishbein discovered the single malts on a visit to Scotland this past summer, where he spent some time at the Bruichladdich distillery.

Bruichladdich on Islay on the Atlantic Coast, was first opened in 1881, and has a rich history producing some of the finest single malts in Scotland.

The 12 and 18-year-old kosher single malts combine the beauty of the Scottish spirit with the flighty youthfulness from Carmel casks, Fishbein said.

“You will discover dynamic, versatile and interesting single malts,” Fishbein said.

The tasting notes describe the 18-year-old as the aromas of “blackberries, strawberries, cherry brandy and red apple, enhanced by rich orange chocolate and a hint of ginger. Fruits found on the nose make way for more earthier and crisp biscuit tones. All combine to make this the perfect mood malt. …Smooth, flavorsome, rich and raw with emotion.”

The tasting notes describe the 12-year-old as “perfect for any celebration or to enjoy while winding down after a hard day. An interesting range of aromas drawn from their Scottish/Israel origins. Floral notes of honeysuckle and rose petals are soon drowned with lashings of caramel and stewed apples before crisper scents of pear drops and tart gooseberry push through…Without warning you are drawn right into the sweet, spicy depths found at the centre of this creation.”

For more information, call Town Wine & Spirits at 401-434-4563 or email: malt@townri.com.