A look behind the scenes at the Milk & Honey Distillery
The journey to the perfect spirit is an art that requires passion, dedication, and precision. The Milk & Honey Distillery, Israel's first whisky distillery, embodies just that. Immerse yourself in the world of this extraordinary distillery, discover its history, production methods, and why it stands out in the global whisky world.
The History of the Milk & Honey Distillery
Imagine you are in Tel Aviv, a vibrant city that combines tradition and modernity. Right here, in the heart of Israel, the Milk & Honey Distillery was founded in 2012 by a group of whisky enthusiasts with a single goal: to create an Israeli single malt whisky that could compete with the world's best. This was an ambitious undertaking, as until then, there was no tradition of whisky distilling in Israel.
From the very beginning, the founders set the highest standards. Dr. Jim Swan, also known as the "Whisky Whisperer" and a globally recognized expert, was brought in as a consultant. Under his guidance, the distillery began using the highest quality malt, carefully selected casks, and traditional Scottish distilling methods to create its signature whisky.
Manufacturing methods that inspire
The selection of raw materials
The Milk & Honey Distillery uses 100% malted barley for its whisky, staying true to Scottish traditions. The water required for the production process comes from local springs, contributing to the whisky's unique characteristics. It all begins with careful handcrafting to ensure quality is paramount.
distillation
The distillery uses traditional copper pot stills, similar to those used in Scotland. This process ensures the whisky's complex, smooth taste and distinctive aroma. Distillation takes place in two steps to ensure a pure and aromatic end product.
Barrels from all over the world
Perhaps the most exciting thing about Milk & Honey Distillery is their innovative approach to casks. They use an impressive variety of casks from around the world, including ex-bourbon casks, ex-red wine casks, and even Israeli wine casks. The casks mature in Israel's unique climatic conditions; the warm summers and mild winters influence the whisky, accelerating the maturation process without compromising on quality.
Ripening in the Israeli climate
The Israeli climate is the secret ingredient at the Milk & Honey Distillery. The high temperatures ensure a more intense interaction between the spirit and the wood, resulting in faster and more intense maturation. While this process might take decades in traditional whisky countries like Scotland, here in Tel Aviv, a characterful whisky is achieved within just a few years.