Clarification Issued in Matter of Gray Goose Vodka

Earlier today, the Beis Din of Rav Osher Eckstein, shlit”a, one of the prominent Belzer dayonim, issued an urgent notice—similar to that of other kashrus organizations—notifying the public that Gray Goose Vodka was found to be made of grape alcohol. 

This would obviously render it unkosher, under the laws of yayin Nesech. 

The news caused an uproar, since so many kosher consumers regularly drink Grey Goose, since Vodka is considered by many not to require a hechsher. 

However, later in the day, after further research, Rav Eckstein issued a clarification. It became clear that, while the Vodka was not produced using grape alcohol, it was often fermented in vats previously used for unkosher alcohol—thus, Grey Goose contains “bliyos” of non-kosher alcohol. 

The Beis Din recommends that kosher consumers refrain from consuming Great 

Chicago’s CRC organization—which maintains one of the largest kosher products databases on its website—put out an extensive statement regarding the matter, since it emerged that the entire saga is connected to them. 

They explained that they have deliberately left Grey Goose off its list—not endorsing, nor declaring it unkosher. The reason given is that they had long felt that Vodkas emanating from Western Europe (Grey Goose is manufactured in France) may be made in vessels that previously contained unkosher alcohol. This morning, someone posted a public message, which was then misinterpreted as Grey Goose containing actual grape alcohol. 

The position of the CRC thus maintains its position that Grey Goose should not be consumed unless verified as kosher.