Specifically, is Bacardi Superior Original Premium Rum kosher for Passover? The label doesn't say so, nor does it say that it's kosher in general for that matter, but since it has a sugar base, wouldn't it be kosher for Passover?
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1the tension seems to be betwen the common sense side -- anything manufactured needs to be labeled explicitly K for P and the internet side (the one wiki page on which an unknown respondent said s/he called Bacardi and they said that the product was K for P without a label). The underlying ingredients question would concern some as a slippery slope argument.– rosendsApr 5, 2012 at 12:35
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1Hello Daniella, welcome to Judaism.SE, and thanks for your very relevant question! I hope to see you around the site!– HodofHodApr 6, 2012 at 2:27
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As I point out below, rum is fermented sugar cane syrup, which means yeast has been added. Some rums add alcohol as well. Thus it could be chametz and would probably require certification.– sabbahillelMay 3, 2017 at 18:57
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2Yeast is a microorganism. Some varieties grow naturally on grain, others would grow naturally on grapes, sugar, or other produce. If you use a grain cultivated yeast, that would be chametz, but you could use a grape yeast which would not be.– Clint EastwoodMay 3, 2017 at 19:15
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2 Answers
Rum, while it can be made kosher l'Pesach, needs a certification for Orthodox observance. Whether it be the contents that could be mixed with it, the facility, or the utensils, it is not KLP by default.
For the Orthodox community (specifically Modern Orthodox), the Orthodox Union puts out a guide every year that includes items that don't need certification. Rum is listed as one that does need it. And, for purposes of rum you already own when cleaning for Passover, it is listed as "Not Chametz Gamur" meaning it's not true chametz to be cleaned, but should be sold instead.
In 2022, they list three lines that the OU certifies as KLP: Single Cask Nation American Rum, Dead Drop Rum, and Dead Drop Dark Rum.
answered Mar 30, 2022 at 18:42
UPDATE Since rum is fermented and has had yeast added (and possibly even alcohol) it would require certification for Passover even if it is kosher without certification for the rest of the year.
CRC lists rum as kosher unless it is aged in wine casks.
Unflavored rum is recommended without hashgacha unless the label indicates that it was aged or finished in wine casks.
The list shows those that have no hashgacha but are recommended anyway and those that are certified by the OU and AKC. Many of these require a hashgacha to ensure that they were not aged in wine casks.
Star k Rum- Unflavored, including Dark
Certification status: Acceptable WITHOUT Certification
Star k Rum- Spiced or Flavored
Certification status: Requires Certification
While sugarcane (from which rum is made) would have no problems, one should double check with a certifier like the OU or Star-K if there are extra ingredients that would affect the Passover status just to make sure. I have sent an email to the OU and star-K to make sure.
According to references that I have found via google, rum is made by adding yeast to sugar cane syrup. Thus, the source of the yeast is critical as it could be chametz.
Cool the solution to 28 °C (82 °F) and add the hydrated yeast. You may find it helpful to take out about 1 liter of the mash in a jug first; try dissolving the yeast in the smaller jug. Then, when the mixture begins to foam up, incorporate with the rest of the wort
Rabbi Zvi Holland of the star-k answered my email and said
Requires KFP for a whole variety including possibly added CHOMETZ alcohol in some countries
answered May 2, 2017 at 21:16
