Located in Tel Aviv, the Milk & Honey distillery is the first to produce whisky in Israel. Established in an urban neighborhood, this distillery innovates by adapting traditional Scottish methods to the Mediterranean climate of Israel, known for its hot summers and marked thermal variations.
Founded by local enthusiasts, Milk & Honey started distilling in 2014 in a former bakery building redesigned for the occasion.
The positioning of Milk & Honey is unique, as the distillery takes advantage of local climatic conditions that accelerate the aging of whiskey. This characteristic is reflected in their production methods where they notably use STR (Shaved, Toasted, Re-charred) barrels, an innovation developed to better control the influence of wood and climate on the spirit.
The product range of Milk & Honey explores various types of aging, including local fortified red wine barrels, thus reflecting the distillery’s commitment to integrate Israeli elements into its whiskies. This approach is also evident in the use of local ingredients and techniques that value both the terroir and Israeli heritage.
To better discover this distillery, we’re taking you to taste 4 of their creations with us!
M&H Classic Single Malt
Nose : A soft entrance with vanilla, complemented by subtle touches of wood and flowers, offering a rich but balanced opening.
Palate: The dominant sweetness of vanilla and honey is well framed by the toffee, with a slight spicy breakthrough of black pepper adding an interesting dimension.
Finish: Persistent and woody, it leaves a lasting impression that invites reflection on this unique whisky.
This M&H Classic Single Malt is a perfect example of how a unique environment can influence the maturation of a whisky, giving it a distinctive character quickly developed under the Israeli sun.
M&H Elements Peated
(The text is already in English; only HTML tags are present which should remain unchanged per instruction.)Nose: The opening is fresh, marked by an earthy smoke that mingles with hints of vanilla and oak, rounded off by a final citrus note. This combination provides an intriguing and refreshing introduction.
Palace: The whiskey reveals a vanilla sweetness followed by a subtle hint of peat. The character is enriched by a slight spiciness, bringing flavors of ginger and lemon, which makes the tasting dynamic and varied.
Finale: Long and enveloping, the peat subtly dominates, prolonging the sensory experience without making it heavy, which makes this whiskey a singular and memorable expression.
This M&H Elements Peated, aged in peaty Islay whisky casks, demonstrates a beautiful balance between the influences of Islay peat and the unique aging conditions of Tel Aviv. Its profile is an eloquent example of how Milk & Honey manages to create whiskies that surprise and seduce
M&H Elements Sherry Cask
Nose: The aromas open with dominant notes of red fruits, wrapped in a gentle fragrance of oak and caramel, with a hint of lemon. This combination offers an olfactory complexity that prepares for a rich taste experience.
Palate: The sweetness of the sherry is immediately felt, bringing a fruity lightness mixed with flavors of red fruits and dark chocolate. These notes are then complemented by woody touches, creating a balance between sweetness and structure.
Finish: Persistent, it allows the flavors of dark chocolate to linger, before giving way to hints of tobacco and oak, extending the taste experience.
This whisky from the Elements range of M&H, aged in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks imported from Jerez and certified kosher, shows how the distillery uses traditional Scottish techniques while adding a touch of innovation through unique aging processes.
M&H Elements Red Wine Cask
Nose: The approach is marked by a distinct mineral character, with notes of dried red fruits and ginger. Oak wood and coconut add an intriguing complexity, inviting a deeper exploration.
Palate: The tasting reveals floral flavors, supported by aromas of wine that elegantly mingle with the oak wood. The subtle sweetness and richness of the Israeli red wine clearly influence the taste profile.
Finale: Long and persistent, it highlights the dried fruits and black grape, leaving a lasting and satisfying impression.
This whisky stands out for its use of old bourbon barrels and Israeli red wine casks, contributing to a unique aromatic profile. The M&H Elements Red Wine Cask is bottled without chill filtration or added coloring, thus preserving the integrity and purity of the original flavors. This single malt is a fine example of the distillery’s innovation in using local casks to enrich the character of its whiskies.
A Real Discovery
Discovering the whiskies of Milk & Honey was truly a rewarding experience. Each whisky in their range, whether it’s the Classic Single Malt or the Elements Red Wine Cask, shows a remarkable synthesis of traditional techniques and wise adaptation to the unique conditions of Israel.
The ELEMENTS series, in particular, highlights the impact of the choice of barrels on the development of aromas and flavors, an approach that is both local and innovative.
This journey through the various expressions of Milk & Honey has confirmed their ability to innovate beyond conventional whisky-making methods. Each bottle expresses not only quality and care, but also a desire to push the boundaries of what one can expect from a whisky originating from a non-traditional region.
For those in search of an authentic and original taste experience, Milk & Honey presents itself as an option to explore this year!