The World Whiskies Awards last week named a whisky from the Israeli whisky maker Milk & Honey (M&H) the "Best Single Malt in the World”.
This is the first time a whisky from Israel has bested Scotland for the title of "Best Single Malt in the World”. Scotland has long faced competition from expanding markets, most notably Japan.
The specific whisky that won this award is M&H’s Elements Sherry Cask. It belongs to the distillery's main line of whiskies and has a rich and complex taste profile thanks to its ex-oloroso sherry cask maturation. The barley is from the Galilee area and the water from the Sea of Galilee are among the locally produced materials used to make the whisky. It is then matured for a minimum of three years in sherry barrels after being distilled in small quantities using conventional pot stills.
Due to the environment, a three-year-old Israeli whisky may have the same intensity as a ten-year-old whisky from Scotland since the distillation process is sped up by the high temperatures.
The M&H Elements Sherry Cask is distinguished by its dark amber hue and nutty, spice, and dried fruit aromas. The whisky has a full-bodied, rich flavor on the tongue with flavors of raisins, figs, and dark chocolate as well as wood and a mild nuttiness. Long and comforting, with a hint of sweetness and spice, the aftertaste is.
The is the first single malt whisky which is matured in kosher sherry barrels. It is bottled at 46% ABV, the same as the company's Classic Edition.
“We are truly delighted to receive this accolade and this recognition is a real testament to our ongoing hard work. I’ve always wanted to create the best whisky in the world, and we are thrilled to receive unprecedented international acclaim for our whiskies. For us, this is just the beginning. We pride ourselves in creating whiskies to the highest possible standard, using a creative mindset to challenge traditional industry methods and leveraging on Israel’s five unique distinct climate zones” ~ Gal Kalkshtein, founder and CEO of M&H Distillery
M&H spirits are sold in 40 countries around the world, including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Russia, China, Japan and South Africa.
M&H Distillery - Past Awards
M&H Distillery has won several honors and medals in the past for its distinctive and excellent whiskies. The 2019 World Whiskies Awards Gold Medal for the distillery's Classic Edition, which was aged in ex-bourbon and ex-red wine barrels, is one of the most distinguished honors the company has ever received. In the same competition, the distillery's Elements Sherry Cask also received a Silver Medal. Moreover, M&H Distillery was acknowledged in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, where their Classic Edition won a Double Gold Medal in 2020 and a Gold Medal in 2019. Most recently their Apex - Dead Sea edition won an award in a competition in Germany.
About The World Whiskies Awards
An annual award ceremony honors the world's top whiskies with the World Whisky Awards. It is put on by Whisky Magazine, which is regarded as one of the foremost experts on whiskies. Any varieties of whiskies, including single malts, blends, bourbons, ryes, and more, are welcome in the competition. A group of specialists, comprising master blenders, distillers, and business people, evaluate whiskies through blind tastings. The fragrance, taste, finish, and general balance of the whisky are considered in the judging process. Awards are given in a number of categories, including best bourbon, best rye whisky, best single malt, and best blended whisky, among others. The winners of the World Whisky Awards are held in high regard and frequently cited as a standard for excellence and quality in the whisky business. The competition is a fantastic way for whisky lovers to learn about new and intriguing whiskies from across the globe and for distillers to be recognized for their commitment and hard work in the industry.
About M&H (Milk and Honey)
A group of whisky lovers launched the Israeli boutique distillery M&H Distillery in 2012. The Tel Aviv-based distillery is renowned for its cutting-edge whisky-making techniques, which include experimenting with unusual barrel finishes and employing locally produced ingredients. The Middle East offers a special atmosphere for maturing whisky, which might speed up the maturation process owing to the hot and muggy circumstances. M&H Distillery is one of the few whisky distilleries in Israel. A variety of single malt whiskies are produced by M&H Distillery, such as their Classic Edition (matured in ex-bourbon and ex-red wine barrels) and its Elements Sherry Cask (matured in ex-oloroso sherry casks). Also, they have made limited editions available, like their Triple Cask and Peated offerings. M&H Distillery uses regional botanicals and conventional methods to create gin, brandy, and arak in addition to whisky.
