In time for Cinco de Mayo: kosher tequila

Production of the alcoholic beverage will be certified by a rabbi

The Associated Press
updated 4:40 p.m. CT, Fri., March. 27, 2009

"NEW YORK - A New York businessman is launching a new kosher tequila in time for Cinco de Mayo.

"Martin Silver says Agave 99 will be on the market in time for the holiday that celebrates Mexico's defeat of French forces on May 5, 1862.

"Silver, president of Long Island-based Star Industries, says he wants to satisfy the craze for high-end tequila with one that observant Jews can drink — "to help the Mexican economy and the Jews.""

[And perhaps to help Martin Silver?]

"Silver says a half million cases of the 99-proof kosher tequila are being produced at a Mexican plant using methods certified by a rabbi.

It will retail for $41.95 a bottle."

[Maybe the rabbi gets a big cut?]

"The product launch — with Mexican songs sung in Yiddish and Spanish — is set for May 5, but it will also be sold earlier, for Passover."

Strangely, none of my Jewish friends have expressed a need for this; but perhaps "Mexican Jews" are a target market? I haven't known many whom I would identify as part of this group.

No intent to offend anyone; but it seems a little "over the top" even for what's obviously a "marketing move." Perhaps tequila is popular in places of which I haven't been aware. Do we have "kosher" liquors of other kinds? And, for those who respect other kosher products just for the quality, do they taste better?

John