We brew too: Israel’s microbreweries

June 3, 2008 - 8:11 AM by Harry

Israeli beers have been much maligned. I have never heard a single good word uttered about Maccabi beer (valid complaints – its the Schlitz of Israel). Some have respect for Goldstar, at the very least when it is served fresh from the tap. But when it comes to beer, Israel was never on the malty map. Until now that is. Dancing Camel Beer

Over the past couple of years two microbreweries have been making some headway on the beer circuit and have garnered respect by beer enthusiasts around the world.

The more traditional, Bavarian style brewery on the Golan makes four different varieties, all very, very serious beers – Golan Beer, Emek Beer, Galil Beer and Bazelet.

The Golan Beer can only be found in their brewery in Katzrin and is served there on tap and flip top bottles are available for purchase.

Dancing Camel, located in Tel Aviv, is more of an American style microbrewery with snazzy labels and some pretty innovative flavored beers that you’d only find in Israel. These include Carobbeen Stout (chocolaty!), 613 Pomegranate ale, ‘Trog Wit (a seasonal beer made with Etrogs!) and The Golem, a very strong beer with high alcohol content. Certainly strange brews. They also have more traditional varieties such two different pale ales and stouts.

Dancing Camel beer can be found on tap in some of the best pubs and restaurants in the country. Check the Dancing Camel website for locations.

UPDATE: Please see David Bogner’s blog Treppenwitz for more on the story of The Dancing Camel.

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