Whiskey has long been intertwined with Jewish life, a connection I’ve discovered stretches back to biblical times and continues to be significant today. From using wine in religious ceremonies as prescribed in the Torah to Jews as pioneers in the whiskey distilling history of North America or celebrating special occasions with a l’chaim, alcohol has been an integral part of Jewish culture and tradition.
One member of the St. Louis Jewish community who is continuing this distilling tradition is David Hermelin, founder of Righteous Road Craft Spirits. His flagship products, The Fifth Cup, a kosher craft liqueur known for its unique and intense flavor profile, and Righteous Seven, a sweet fruity liqueur inspired by the seven species of plants mentioned in Deuteronomy, have become popular both locally and nationally.
Now, Hermelin’s distilling journey continues with the release of two new kosher-certified bourbons.
“Yeah, it’s somewhat of a natural progression. I always envisioned getting into whiskey eventually. I started with liqueurs and various brand extensions, even aging liqueurs,” said Hermelin. “When I began buying whiskey for another product of ours, Gibor, which contains bourbon and rye, I also bought whiskey for future releases.”
Introducing the new Kosher bourbons
Hermelin’s new bourbons—both single-barrel releases—are unique in their maturation process. The first bourbon, nearly 6 1/2 years old, spent over two years finishing in Fifth Cup liqueur barrels.
“The Fifth Cup barrel gives the bourbon a nose that’s just amazing,” Hermelin explained. “You can really smell the Fifth Cup fruits and nuts in the bourbon. The taste carries those fruits onto the palate, creating a unique, smooth experience with a slight burn that some people really enjoy.”
The second bourbon, a 4 1/2-year-old spirit, was finished for almost 1 1/2 years in Righteous Seven barrels. This bourbon features a high-corn mash bill, including a unique red corn, lending it a slightly sweeter profile. According to Hermelin, this bourbon has a rich, forest fruit character with a smooth finish, making it a favorite among different whiskey aficionados.
“That red corn gives it a little different twist in the flavor. It’s a little more like forest fruity and a little more on the richer side,” said Hermelin.
The craft of kosher spirits
Both new bourbons are certified kosher by the Orthodox Union (OU), ensuring they meet stringent kosher guidelines. Hermelin’s meticulous attention to detail extends to every aspect of production, from sourcing ingredients to barrel aging, making his products stand out in the crowded spirit’s market.
“The way bourbon is made, there’s nothing in it that is a problem for a kosher drinker,” Hermelin explained. “However, once you start finishing in barrels that previously held other products, like wine or cognac, kosher certification becomes necessary. Since my liqueur barrels are kosher, the bourbons aged in them are also kosher.”
By creatively blending traditional flavors with modern distilling techniques, Hermelin has crafted spirits that not only meet kosher standards but also offer unique and compelling taste experiences.
Where to find Righteous Road whiskey
Because Hemerlin only made one barrel’s worth of each whiskey, this is a limited release. You can find both bottles available at the Wine and Cheese Shop, located at 7435 Forsyth Blvd, in Clayton, while supplies last.
