Israel's first whisky distillery branches out to the UK

Israeli whisky comes to the UK as Milk & Honey Distillery launches its brand over here. The group announced their collaboration with British distributors Maverick last week, so it won't be long before you'll be able to sample a drop of Israeli spirit in a bar near you.

Founded in 2012 by Gal Kalkstein, M&H became Israel's first whisky distillery, crafting a fine young single malt, as well as gin, from their Tel Aviv premises. Thanks to the local humid weather, their single malt matures and flavours much quicker than that distilled in a colder climate, thus giving their younger malt the characteristics of an aged one.

The Young Single Malt is matured in three varieties of cask: bourbon, red wine and Islay, providing sweet, fruity and smoky hints. While the Levantine Gin is created with local ingredients, including za'atar (from the hyssop plant), citrus peel and lemon verbena. M&H also make a Roots liqueur from a mix of cardamom, thyme, almonds, coriander and jasmine.

As well as pubs and bars, M&H beverages are available to purchase from places such as kosher sellers The Grapvine, London's Whisky Exchange (including miniatures to sample) and Cumbria-based shop House of Malt.

By Danielle Goldstein

Visit mh-distillery.com to find out more about Milk & Honey Distillery.