Maverick Drinks has been named the exclusive UK distributor of Israel-based Milk & Honey (M&H) Distillery’s collection of spirits.
Founded in 2012, M&H was the first whisky distillery to open in Israel. Its portfolio currently includes a Young Single Malt, Levantine Gin and herbal liqueur.
Maverick Drinks will also be bringing what is claimed to be Israel’s first Single Malt Whisky to the UK market in late 2019.
M&H’s Young Single Malt is matured in bourbon, red wine and Islay casks, providing “intense notes of black cherry and red berry fruits with hints of vanilla, candyfloss and a subtle smokiness”.
The hot and humid weather of the city of Tel Aviv, where the M&H distillery is located, means the whisky matures and extracts barrel flavour quickly.
The distillery also produces Levantine Gin, which features local botanicals like Za’atar, lemon peel, orange and lemon verbena, and is available oak aged, as well as a herbal liqueur called Roots, made with regional ingredients such as cardamom, thyme, almonds, coriander and jasmine.
The fifth spirit, New Make, is used as the base for both the Young Single Malt and the Levantine Gin.
Michael Vachon, Maverick’s head of brand development, said: “M&H is rightfully taking its place as a leader in the New World whisky category.
“Israel’s Mediterranean climate, unique among significant whisky producers, coupled with the innovative production methods laid down by the late Dr Jim Swan, an expert on warm weather distilling, mean their spirits have a real depth and maturity to them that is on par with (or better than) many much older whiskies.”
M&H CEO Eitan Attir added: “The M&H Distillery is very enthusiastic about this future long-term partnership with Maverick Drinks, who we believe is the best partner to develop and build the brand.
“The UK is one of our first markets outside of Israel and we are excited to bring to the country a bit of our Tel-Aviv’ien sun and fine spirit.”
