Israel, internationally known for its wineries, may seem like an unlikely place for a craft beer boom. But in the last decade, it's welcomed a plethora of microbreweries and bottle shops, kicking off a wave of craft beer enthusiasm.
Since the 1950s, macro-brewer Tempo Beer has produced Goldstar and Maccabee, two of the most recognizable brews available across Israel today. But it wasn’t until the early 2000s that a nascent tribe of hobby-driven homebrewers began crafting beers in the country, experimenting with indigenous herbs, spices and fruits.
Since the first microbrewery in Israel, The Dancing Camel, opened in Tel Aviv in 2005, the country has introduced annual craft beer festivals, homebrewing competitions and workshops. And of late, the global community has taken notice: In 2017, the Alexander Brewery won internationally renowned and coveted European Beer Stars for its Alexander Black, Alexander Blonde and a collaboration stout called The Beer of Milk & Honey.
From hoppy IPAs to kosher small-batch homebrews, Israel has plenty to discover and savor….whether you're new to craft beer, a reluctant beer companion or a passport-wielding beer geek. Here’s a list of breweries where the perfect Israel craft brew could be waiting for you.