What Liquor Has Pork in It? A Guide to Animal Products in Alcohol

As a pork lover, I was surprised to learn that some of my favorite liquors actually contain pork products. This got me wondering – what liquors out there contain pork and other animal products? As it turns out, there are quite a few liquors that use animal ingredients in production and filtration.

In this article, I’ll provide an overview of the various animal products that can be found in liquor and identify specific brands that contain pork and other animal-derived ingredients. My goal is to create a handy guide for fellow pork aficionados so we can make informed choices when stocking our home bars!

Common Animal Products Used in Liquor Production

While we often think of liquor as simply originating from grains, fruits or other plant products that are fermented and distilled the production process often incorporates animal ingredients as well. Here are some of the most common animal products used

• Honey – Added for flavor and sweetness in some liquors. Not vegan.

• Milk and cream – Used in cream-based liquors like Baileys Irish Cream. Also sometimes used in aging processes.

• Eggs – Egg whites used to filter and refine some liquors.

• Gelatin – Derived from animal bones/collagen, gelatin can be used as a fining agent.

• Isinglass – Type of gelatin derived from fish swim bladders, often used in beer clarification.

• Casein – Milk protein used for filtering in some liquor production.

• Bone char – Charred animal bones used to filter sugar in some processes. Can end up in final liquor.

Popular Pork-Containing Liquors

After some extensive research, I uncovered a number of popular liquors that contain pork products. Here are some to look out for:

• Jägermeister – This iconic German digestif liqueur contains pork gelatin derived from pig skins/bones as an ingredient.

• Campari – The classic Italian aperitif includes carmine dye that is derived from cochineal insects. Not totally kosher or halal either.

• Southern Comfort – Whiskey liqueur contains pork-derived gelatin as a filtration agent.

• Stillhouse Moonshine – Uses pork to filter their clear whiskey mash. Not vegetarian/vegan friendly.

• Tanqueray Gin – Uses beef tallow in their filtering process prior to bottling. Not suitable for Hindus or vegans.

• Pink Whitney Vodka – Flavored vodka from New Amsterdam distillery contains lactose from milk. A no-go for the lactose intolerant.

Other Animal Products to Watch Out For

Aside from pork, here are some other animal ingredients that can sneak their way into liquors:

• Carmine dye – Red dye derived from cochineal beetles. Used to color Campari and some vermouths.

• Honey – Bees produce honey but vegans don’t partake. Found in honey liqueurs like Drambuie.

• Milk and cream – Used for flavor/texture in cream liqueurs and Irish creams like Baileys. Also sometimes used in vodka filtration.

• Shellfish-derived products – Oysters, clams, scallops and fish parts can be used to clarify some malt beverages and wines. Avoid for shellfish allergies.

• Gelatin – Animal collagen from pork or beef bones often used to refine liquors. Not vegetarian.

• Sugar refined with bone char – The bones of cattle are sometimes charred and used to filter cane sugar that could end up in liquors.

Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Liquor Options

If you want to avoid pork and other animal products in your liquor, go for these vegetarian and vegan-approved options:

• Most vodkas – Especially unflavored vodkas like Ketel One, Grey Goose, and Absolut.

• Most gin – Tanqueray is an exception, but brands like Aviation, Bombay Sapphire, and Hendrick’s are typically vegan.

• Tequila – Most tequila is vegan, including big names like Patrón, Jose Cuervo, Don Julio, and Casamigos.

• Some rums – Spiced rums often have additives, but Bacardi and Malibu are vegan.

• Many whiskeys – Look for Scotch, bourbon, rye and blends without honey, lactose or carmine.

• Select vermouths – Research your brand, but Noilly Prat and Cinzano are typically vegan.

• Red and white wines – Most are vegan, just avoid animal-derived fining agents like isinglass.

The Bottom Line

While many liquors are plant-based, animal products do make their way into a good number of popular brands. Pork gelatin, honey, milk products and other ingredients are used in various filtration and flavoring processes. To avoid pork and other animal derivatives,vodka, gin, tequila and wine are generally safe bets, but make sure to research brands specifically if dietary restrictions are a concern. Hopefully this guide provides a helpful starting point for identifying liquors containing pork and other animal products. Let the boozy celebrations continue!