Israel's Craft Beer Scene: Top Breweries in Israel and the Palestinian Territories
Long renowned for its wines and olives, Israel and the Palestinian Territories have emerged as a thriving hub for craft beer. Drawing inspiration from Europe and the United States, innovative microbreweries are proliferating across the region, transforming the land of milk and honey into a paradise for malt and hops enthusiasts.
For years, the market was led by Tempo (owned by Heineken), with flagship brands like Goldstar and Maccabee. Today, pubs in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem proudly feature local boutique brews. Beer lovers can explore brewery tours, immersing themselves in the region's vibrant brewing culture.
Best for Fruity Beers: Alexander
Following American pioneers, Alexander Brewery launched in 2008 and swiftly gained acclaim in restaurants and bars. This authentic boutique operation produces four core beers: Blonde (Belgian-style fruity ale), Ambree (French country-style with roasted malts), Green (infused with Israeli grapefruit, guava, and mango), and Blazer (smooth golden ale). Seasonal options include Black, featuring dark chocolate and espresso. Visitors enjoy 45-minute tours with tastings at the brew house.
Located in the lush Hefer Valley near Netanya and south of Haifa, the brewery honors the nearby Alexander stream. Founder Ori Sagy, a former Israeli Air Force pilot with over 25 years of homebrewing, established this gem amid kibbutzim.
Best Palestinian Beer: Taybeh
In the West Bank, Taybeh stands as the pioneering and sole Palestinian brewery, 12km north of Ramallah and 30km northeast of Jerusalem, perched on a high hill in the Jordan Valley. Free daily tours (closed Sundays) feature tastings of golden, light, amber, and dark ales. The village hosts an annual Taybeh Oktoberfest in early October.
Though alcohol is prohibited in Islam, Taybeh's 1,500 all-Christian residents produce additive-free, preservative-free German-style beers. Founded by the Koury family in the 1990s, it's a hit even in Israeli spots like Puaa and Minzar in Tel Aviv.
Best for American Ales: Dancing Camel
In Tel Aviv's Yad Harutzim industrial area, Dancing Camel occupies a revitalized warehouse. Launched in 2006 by New Jersey native David Cohen, who traded business for brewing, it offers American-inspired pale ales and stouts with unique twists like date honey, bittersweet chocolate, and cherry vanilla. Beyond brewing, it's a spacious pub with barrels, sports screens, and keg parties.
Best for Beer and Food Pairings: Jem’s Beer Factory
With four locations in central Israel, Jem’s Beer Factory originated in Petah Tikva, 10km east of Tel Aviv. Founder Jeremy Waltfeld left his White House role in Washington, DC, to create this haven. Enjoy fresh ales, stouts, and wheat beers alongside pub fare like fish and chips and kosher sausages grilled over citrus wood. Watch the brewing process amid live music and sports.
Best for Countryside Brews: Malka
From northern Israel, Malka ('queen' in Hebrew) is a craft beer favorite. Assaf Lavi, former Tel Aviv pub owner, founded this eco-brewery in Kibbutz Yehiam, 50km northeast of Haifa in the Lower Galilee. Small-batch Belgian-style wheat and blonde ales shine. Open Fridays and Saturdays, the site offers draughts on a lounge porch amid forests.
Best for Craft Beer Tastings: Beer Bazaar
From Tel Aviv’s Carmel Market stall to a network with four Tel Aviv spots and one in Jerusalem’s Mahane Yehuda, Beer Bazaar curates boutiques like Alexander while brewing its own, such as Bhindi (Indian IPA) and Fat Cat (American pale ale). The Florentin flagship boasts over 100 beers for tastings.
Best Place to Sample Them All: Porter & Sons
For a quick overview, Porter & Sons in Tel Aviv offers 50+ taps of local and imported beers in a German-inspired setting. Pair with bratwurst, burgers, fish and chips, or vegan curry. Toast with LeChaim – 'to life' in Hebrew.
