August 08, 2025

Dead Sea Whiskey: Israel's Bold Innovation APEX

1 hour 1 minute

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We explore Milk & Honey (M&H) Israeli whiskey, a groundbreaking single malt aged at the lowest place on Earth. The Dead Sea location creates extreme maturation conditions, with temperatures reaching 124°F and extraordinary atmospheric pressure resulting in a complex whiskey despite its young age.

• First whiskey ever aged in the Dead Sea region, 1,400 feet below sea level
• Loses 25% to the angels each year (75% over its three-year aging period)
• Made from 100% malted barley at 111 proof (55.5% ABV)
• Aged in bourbon barrels and STR (shaved, toasted, re-charred) red wine casks
• Features chocolate and burnt marshmallow on the nose with notes of pineapple on the finish
• Part of M&H's Apex Terroir series exploring how location affects whiskey development
• Inspired by the late Dr. Jim Swan's vision of Israel as a "playground for innovation"
• Demonstrates how extreme conditions can accelerate maturation and create unique flavor profiles

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Journey with us to the lowest place on Earth as we explore the remarkable M&H Dead Sea whiskey from Israel's first whiskey distillery. This groundbreaking single malt defies conventional aging wisdom by maturing in the extraordinary conditions of the Dead Sea region – 1,400 feet below sea level where temperatures soar to 124°F and atmospheric pressure creates a whiskey environment unlike anywhere else in the world.

The Whiskey Doctor joins us for this special Whiskey Without Borders episode to unpack what makes this Israeli innovation so fascinating. We discover how extreme maturation conditions create an astonishing 25% angel's share per year, meaning 75% of this whiskey evaporates during its three-year aging process. The result? A surprisingly complex whiskey that delivers far beyond its young age.

As we taste through this 111-proof expression, we uncover a remarkable sensory journey – from chocolate and burnt marshmallow aromas to hints of campfire smoke and unexpected tropical fruit notes. The whiskey offers what our hosts describe as "the hug" – that warming sensation that travels through your chest with a proper sip of quality spirits.

This episode delves deep into whiskey terroir – how specific locations shape a whiskey's character through climate, elevation, and atmospheric conditions. M&H's Apex Terroir series represents the cutting edge of whiskey innovation, demonstrating that excellence doesn't require centuries of tradition, just vision and a willingness to push boundaries.

Whether you're a bourbon devotee curious about global whiskey expressions or a single malt enthusiast looking to expand your horizons, this episode offers fascinating insights into how Israeli whiskey is carving its unique place in the spirits world. Subscribe, leave a review, and join us as we continue exploring exceptional whiskeys from unexpected places around the globe.