Tequila on Pesach

EVEN 100% AGAVE tequila may not be inherently kosher for Pesach, namely due to the use of yeast, which can be produced with ingredients that are not kosher for Pesach. Aged tequila is commonly aged in casks that were previously used for aging bourbon (chometz). To consume tequila on Pesach, it’s crucial to ensure:

• Any yeast used is kosher for Pesach.
• If there are flavors or additives, they are kosher for Pesach.
• Equipment, particularly aging barrels, is dedicated to kosher for Pesach products.

This information is not likely to be available to the general consumer; therefore, one should only consume tequila with reliable kosher for Pesach certification.

It is also worth noting a chumra dating back to the esteemed Rabbi Akiva Eiger¹, who advised against consuming any hard alcohol (yayin saraf) on Pesach. Rabbi Akiva Eiger was adamant that even 100% kosher for Pesach hard alcohol should be avoided, due to the great difficulty involved in ensuring a chometz-free production. He further noted that he had other hidden reasons, which he did not wish to reveal. This position was further supported by the Tzemach Tzedek², who endorsed it as the normative and binding custom.

Additionally, the Maggid of Mezritch also did not approve of drinking hard alcohol on Pesach. He once commented that the Zohar refers to matzah as the “bread of healing”, and everyone knows that while taking medication one does not drink alcohol.

Today, many of the difficulties faced in previous generations, which greatly concerned the Poskim, are no longer applicable and it is possible to produce kosher for Pesach hard alcohol without compromising kashrus standards. Therefore, many reputable kashrus agencies, including OK Kosher, certify tequila and other liquors for Pesach; however, there are some communities and individuals that still adhere to the chumra of avoiding hard alcohol during Pesach. Individuals should consult their personal Rav for guidance on this matter.

מכתבי רעק”א סי’ ק 1
שו”ת או”ח סי’ נא 2