Israeli beer

A chilled glass of beer on a hot summer’s day – the stuff of sweltering dreams.

With a scorching climate and fervent artisanal industry, it’s no surprise that Israel has become home to a staggeringly wide selection of breweries.

Most Israeli beer breweries started off modestly, in a family kitchen or rural outhouse, and only after gaining the attention of relatives and neighbors, expanded into the community, before hitting remote corners of the international boutique stage.

Each boutique beer brewery boasts a distinct flavor and aroma, reminiscent of the owner’s heritage and traditions.

Take a look at some of the country’s favorite Israeli breweries:

Malka Brewery (est. 2006)

Asaf Lavi the visionary behind the Malka brewery previously owned two pubs in Tel Aviv before leaving the bustling city to follow his dream. The Malka brewery now sells beers at the factory in Yechiam or Tefen and distributes its wide range of non-filtered non-pasteurized vegan beer throughout Israel and beyond.

Alexander Brewery (est. 2008)

The Alexander Brewery brings the famous Israeli “chutzpah” straight into your glass of beer. Crafted with a clear goal in mind, Alexander beers are made with raw European malt and hops, and Israeli water that underwent reverse osmosis for maximum purity. The visitor center, located in Emek Hefer provides an overview of the unique beer production in Israel, on Friday tours.

Shapiro Brewery (est. 2011)

The Shapiro Brewery is a family-owned business through and through. When visiting the brewery, you will most likely meet one of the hugely extended families that run the place with devotion. The famous wheat, IPA, and lager beers crafted at Shapiro brewery are characterized by their raw, edgy flavor. This charming brewery was created with the goal of sharing the family’s passion for excellent beer.

Herzl Brewery (est. 2013)

The young enthusiasts behind Jerusalem’s first and only brewery opened in 2013, claim they were “bored of what the current beer market had to offer”, and so decided to open their very own brand. Excellent flavors and cutting-edge brands make Herzl beers popular among the young and hipster crowd and can be found at most bars around the country.

The above is a mere snapshot of the craft beer market in Israel, which is widely listed throughout Israel.

The Norman hotel, located in the White City is home to The best bar in Tel Aviv – The Library Bar, which carries a wide range of beverages, including the world-famous Shapiro brewery wheat beer. Characterized by its unique atmosphere and relaxed setting, the host of book titles available to read, makes your beer break time that more enjoyable.