By 1873 Jakob Ferdinand Nagel had built a major spirits business employing 550 people and shipping more than 23 million liters of liquor each year throughout Europe, Africa and other regions, earning a gold medallion from Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph.

His descendant Raphael Nagel notes that the family name stood for excellence, with bottles viewed abroad as proof of superior craftsmanship.

The German-Spanish investor and founder of the Abrahamic Business Circle in Dubai, who holds that commercial ties can foster practical cooperation when political rhetoric creates division, has introduced a limited run of his forebear exclusive gin to sustain Jewish presence in Spain.

In discussion with The Jerusalem Post, Nagel describes the origins of the kosher gin in Germany Black Forest, the accompanying literary works, and the pressing need to counter antisemitism in Spain.

Figures from Spain Antisemitism Observatory underscore the project urgency, showing a 321 percent increase in incidents during 2024 compared with 2023 and a 567 percent rise relative to 2022.

These numbers heighten worries among Jewish groups in a nation whose Jewish past is both profoundly rich and scarred by expulsion, forced conversion and prolonged absence, Nagel observes.

Although he recognizes that a gin bottle is an improbable remedy for growing prejudice in Europe, Nagel has long maintained that commerce can convey purpose beyond the sale itself.

The Bereshit Serie, titled after the opening book of the Torah and released to the public last month, has already moved 500 bottles since its March preview.

The Post spoke with Nagel by telephone while he journeyed through Bavaria.

Tell us about the project.

The initiative centers on Tannenblut Black Forest gin. The Bereshit Serie comprises 3,000 individually numbered bottles bearing kosher certification and crafted as collector pieces. Standard bottles carry conventional luxury pricing while specially chosen numbers carry higher patron value, including 1/3,000 as the Founder Bottle, 18/3,000 representing chai for life, and 613/3,000 for the Torah commandments.

How does it function as an investment?

The edition is conceived as highly collectible for a select group of buyers, families and institutions. Each bottle consumed reduces available stock, and certain numbers may disappear over time, potentially raising the worth of remaining examples. Physical luxury items resist devaluation from monetary policy. All bottles receive hand numbering, wax seals and the Kaiser Franz Joseph medallion awarded to the ancestor in 1873. The series blends heritage, Jewish symbolism and selective distribution with pricing that reflects the rarity of particular numbers.

What about the books?

One volume, Tannenblut - A Novel About Names, Brands, and Memories, recounts the ancestor story. The second, Antisemitismus - Origins, Development, and Global Protection Mechanisms, addresses prejudice. Premium bottles include the books as complimentary items, though both titles may be purchased separately at tannenblut.co.

What gives the release wider meaning?

Sixty percent of proceeds from the Bereshit Serie will support Jewish life in Spain, transforming an otherwise standard luxury release into a purposeful endeavor.

How will sales address antisemitism?

While no bottle can eliminate prejudice, it can encourage collectors, firms or families to back a cause and discuss its importance. The book component explores origin, identity and continuity of a name. Each bottle serves as a discussion starter, whether among Jewish purchasers who form the expected majority or non-Jewish buyers who acquire a kosher collectible and become curious about its significance. Nagel welcomes the presence of Jewish symbols in homes, even in the form of a fine gin bottle.

What prompted support for Jewish life in Spain?

Antisemitism has reached alarming levels, especially in Barcelona, where Jews face accusations linking them to violence, public harassment and exclusion from venues. Vandalism and growing intolerance have intensified since October 8, 2023.

Where will the profits be directed?

The funds will cover legal expenses to defend Jewish residents and engage psychologists to foster resilience. A hotline connects callers with lawyers and mental health professionals. Jewish children encounter school bullying and adults face workplace discrimination.

Will additional spirits follow?

Further releases will include whiskey, Champagne and other spirits. Because the Torah contains five books, at least one series is planned for each. All will meet strict kosher standards. Each collection will benefit a different Spanish Jewish community, beginning with Barcelona.

What further steps are needed?

Jews must strengthen unity. Where three Jews gather, five opinions often emerge, yet a cohesive approach is essential.