Founded in 2012, Milk & Honey Distillery stands as Israel’s first whisky distillery. Here in Tel Aviv, where the Mediterranean sun blazes, a unique whisky story unfolds.
Milk & Honey Distillery embraces Scottish tradition. The distillery hired the late Dr. Jim Swan, a master distiller. He guided them in adapting time-honored methods to Israel’s warm climate. This ingenuity is clear in every bottle.
But how does the climate affect the whisky? Israel’s heat accelerates aging. Milk & Honey whiskies mature quickly, gaining depth beyond their years. The distillery uses diverse casks. They include kosher sherry barrels from Jerez. All Milk & Honey spirits are certified Kosher.
Let’s talk about the name. Milk & Honey references the biblical “Land of Milk and Honey”. It reflects Israel’s rich heritage. The distillery began operating in 2013. It is located in the south of Tel Aviv. Here visitors can explore the distilling process. Whisky tastings are also available.
Who created this groundbreaking distillery? Gal Kalkshtein founded Milk & Honey Distillery. He partnered with Amit Dror, Simon Fried, Roee and Naama Licht. Tomer Goren has been the Head Distiller since its founding.
What makes Milk & Honey stand out? In 2023, the distillery’s Elements Sherry Cask won “Best Single Malt Whisky in the World” at the World Whiskies Awards. “Whisky Magazine” named it “Best Craft Distillery in the World” for 2021. In 2022, they won the “Most Innovative Distillery in the World”.
Consider the production. Milk & Honey sources barley from England, Germany, and the Czech Republic. They use Belgian yeast. Local water undergoes demineralization. This prevents bitter flavors. The distillery employs two pot stills. The wash still holds 9000 liters. The spirit still holds 3500 liters.
Imagine the warehouses. Milk & Honey stores barrels in Tel Aviv, near the Sea of Galilee, in the mountains around Jerusalem and at the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea provides extreme conditions. Temperatures can reach 50°C. The Angel’s Share reaches 25% per year. This leads to rapid maturation.
Have you tasted their gin? Milk & Honey also produces gin. Their Levantine Gin uses botanicals from Tel Aviv’s Levinsky Market. Juniper, Syrian oregano, lemon peel, and cinnamon create a unique flavor. They also produce Oak Aged and Peated Levantine Gins.
Milk & Honey Distillery isn’t just making whisky. It’s crafting a new chapter in Israeli culture.