M&H Distillery (Milk & Honey)

History

Israel’s first whisky distillery, M&H Distillery, was founded in 2013 with a goal to uphold international quality standards and respect for whisky traditions. The collaboration with Dr. Jim Swan, one of the world’s leading experts in warm-climate techniques, led to the development of the STR method (Shave-Toast-Rechar) and the establishment of Israel’s first single malt whisky. In March 2023, M&H was crowned the world’s best single malt whisky for Elements Sherry Cask, aged in bourbon- and sherry-finished casks from the USA and Spain. Today, M&H whiskies are sold in over 40 countries, and the distillate is described as a new world of whisky, blended with passion, craftsmanship and innovation.

Production and craftsmanship

Climate and maturation

With about 300 sunny days per year, the warm climate contributes to faster maturation and deeper complexity in our cask aging. The Angels’ Share can reach up to about 12% annually, and the whisky matures for at least 3 years in different cask types without climate control, spread across Israel’s various terroirs (Upper Galilee, Jerusalem Mountains, Tel Aviv, The Desert, Dead Sea).

Still and technique

M&H produces exclusively 100% malted barley (single malt) and is distilled in copper pot stills with double distillation. The facility produces new spirit at around 230,000 liters annually. A large part of the whisky’s character comes from the wood in the casks (about 70% according to our cask selection). We import new oak casks, ex-bourbon, ex-rye, STR-cask, rum-finished, sherry-finished and other special casks from different countries as well as Israeli wineries to add terroir and diversity.

Cask blending and terroir

In addition to classic ex-bourbon and ex-rye casks, we use STR-cask (Shave-Toast-Rechar) and unique cask histories from Islay and continental producers. We also experiment with kosher-influenced sherry casks from Spain, as well as casks from France (Pineau des Charentes, cognac cask), Madeira cask, Recioto, Tokaji and White Port. Additionally we use Israeli wine casks (Carignan, pomegranate wine, etc.) to bring regional terroir into our whiskies.

Products and series

• M&H Classic: 46% ABV, aged in ex-bourbon and STR Red Wine cask.

• Elements series: Sherry Cask (kosher sherry), Red Wine Cask (Carignan-based Israeli wine), Lightly Peated, Pomegranate Wine Cask, etc., where Elements Sherry Cask won the world’s best single malt in 2023.

• Apex series: including Single Cask, Small Batch and Terroir variants (Dead Sea, Jerusalem Mountains, Negev Desert, Sea of Galilee), including finishes in Pineau des Charentes, Armagnac, Orange Wine, Fino Sherry, Peated Bourbon, Cognac cask and other experiments.

• Art&Craft: Madeira Casks, Recioto Casks, Tokaji Casks, White Port Casks.

• Gin series: Levantine Gin (Jaffa orange, Levantine, Tel Aviv Dry, Oak Aged, Peated, Navy Strength).

• Private Cask: fully private cask-labeling and minimum 3 years maturation in the Tel Aviv climate.

Flavor profiles (examples)

Elements Sherry Cask: red fruit, chocolate, spices; M&H Classic: vanilla, honey, oak; the Apex series offers varying notes from fruit-forward finishing casks to strong spicy and smoky elements.

Visits and experiences

The M&H Distillery is located in Tel Aviv and offers a visitor center with tours and tastings. The tours walk through the history of whisky production and the process in practice: malting, mash, etc., as well as a guided tasting of the range.

Visit options

• Tour and tasting (bookings only)

• Whisky & chocolate or Whisky & cheese tasting

• Terroir experience and Blending Workshops

• Cocktail and gin workshops (and private/corporate events)

• Private events up to 50 guests, with kosher catering and AV equipment

Practical details

• Address: 16 HaThiya St., Tel-Aviv Jaffa, Israel

• Opening hours: The visitor center is available for tastings and tours by appointment; Sunday to Thursday 09:00–18:00; Friday by appointment only.

• Shop and gift boxes: M&H Shop with whisky and gin as well as gift boxes and personalized labels.

Philosophy and approach

M&H describes itself as an urban distillery that unites craftsmanship and science in close collaboration with innovation and tradition. The idea was to build a new world whisky destination in Israel, without abandoning the old whisky traditions. The STR method (Shave-Toast-Rechar) developed by Dr. Jim Swan became a central part of our approach to hot-climate maturation. In addition to producing whisky, M&H seeks to explore terroir and cask design as sources of complexity and uniqueness in every bottle.