Believe us when we say it's not an easy job, not easy at all.
To try out all the new products hitting the Israeli market (and sometimes beyond), to taste before everyone else, shipments after shipments, piles of paper bags accumulating in the office (and at home), a never-ending sense of abundance.
Seriously, it's harder than it looks, and no one pays you for the gym membership or compensates you for the rapidly developing FOMO in your soul.
For all the articles in the "New on the Shelf" section.
However, the "New on the Shelf" section, with its loyal tasters, curious readers, and consumers, has once again set out on a determined and focused mission. And this time - Israeli Sparkling Wine, Blue-White Gin, and many other surprises. Yes, we are very eclectic.
Bon appétit!
Blanc des Blanc 2013, Psagot
The Jerusalem Mountains Winery launches Psagot Blanc des Blanc 2013, "the first sparkling wine made from grapes from the Israeli mountains and in the traditional method, with a taste similar to Champagne in France," as defined.
This history led the wine to Washington DC's Capitol Hill, where it was launched at a festive ceremony during Israel's Independence Day events, including a toast by Naama Berg, co-founder of the winery.
The wine, developed with winemaker Yaakov Oryah, is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, handpicked from the winery's finest vineyards. The fermentation process began in stainless steel tanks, and after six months, it was bottled, where it aged for six years on the lees, before being disgorged.
The result is a sparkling wine with a perfumed, complex, and refreshing taste, with elegant fruity aromas, delicate bubbles, and a refreshing sensation. Price: NIS 340.
In three words: Viva la Israel.
Hendrick's Flora Adora, Hakerem
The wonderful Scottish brand celebrates summer with "Flora Adora," a special edition imported by Hakerem.
This gin is the essence of what happens in the distillery garden and the lair of Lesley Gracie, its master distiller. That is, a rich botanical ballet of flowers and essences, bees and butterflies - and in the end, a unique and fun aromatic garden party. Price: NIS 194.
In three words: Flowery summer dress.
Gin, Malka
The popular Israeli distillery launches the first local gin, with a twist.
It is a gin distilled from Malka's flagship craft brewery, enjoying a blend of local herbs and spices such as cucumber from Lido and jasmine, myrtle, and Galilean mastiha.
Two years of research, tastings, and refinements finally led to a fairly perfect result - a globally recognized and known drink with unique characteristics from here, and a taste that can only be described as exciting. Price: NIS 199.
In four words: Israel on the map.
Monthly Wine Subscription, Paneco
The leading alcohol website launches a monthly wine subscription, with three different tracks, offering a distinctive, cost-effective, and efficient user experience.
"Spontaneous Wine Subscription" (NIS 179) will send you three exclusive and special wines every three months, "Kosher Wine Subscription" (NIS 299) will focus on a trio of local boutique wineries (and kosher, of course), while "Premium Subscription" (NIS 349) will lay three outstanding wines from around the world and from Israel at your doorstep, with the aim of broadening horizons.
In three words: Where to sign?
Mr. Zeltser
The brewery of brothers Assaf and Dan Lev launched confidently into a booming global market, yet still modestly Israeli.
This alcoholic soda (4.4%) of natural yeast fermentation, with a delicate taste of fruit, without sugar, carbohydrates, food coloring, and preservatives, and with very few calories (31 per 100 ml).
The prolonged development, which took about two years from the idea to the tapping, is now airing worldwide in three flavors - "Bloody Orange," "Mango Slow," and "Lime Criminal" - sold in bottles, cans, and draft barrels (also well-designed, in collaboration with Broken Fingaz). The result is great, both as a summer drink on its own and as an elegant adult mixer, not compromising on too much aggression. Price: NIS 12-14.
In two words: Good bitterness.
Meukow Wild Berry, The Scottish
The French alcohol powerhouse expands shelves and lands in Israel with MeukowCognac Wild Berry.
This Cognac liqueur is made from a double distillation of wine and natural wild berry extracts, aged in French oak barrels. The purple-red drink, part of a successful effort required for the blessings of Cognac, holds 30% alcohol, carries a spicy fruity aroma, a sweet and strong taste, and a call for ice or the perfect cocktail. Price: NIS 139.
In two words: French revolution.
Tequila Casamigos
George Clooney and Randy Gerber's adorned and celebrity tequila is carefully distilled in Israel with an elegant delay, but forgiven.
The Hollywood star and businessman (and also husband of Cindy Crawford and father of Kaia Gerber) gave birth to the brand about a decade ago, in an effort to produce and develop a premium tequila from 100% blue agave.
The distillery, located in the Jalisco region of Mexico, produces three types of tequila - Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo - all of which have arrived here. The first, sent for joyful sampling, "rests" for two months before bottling, and now provides an elegant and hinted sipping of citrus, mild sweetness only, and a super-smooth finish, certainly compared to the genre's usual.
In two words: Star dust.
Vodka and Pastis, Carrefour
The French commercial powerhouse expands shelves and categories in Israel, and brings them to life.
This is the first entry into the alcohol world, with premium vodka and pastis. The former representative (40% alcohol) is made from pure wheat in a triple distillation process and provides an amazingly smooth drinking experience (and an amazing price of 42.90 shekels). The latter, a classic French aperitif, spicy and aniseed but not excessively so, mixes wonderfully as a present cocktail, but stands no less wonderful on its own, with cold water and ice. Price: NIS 79.90.
In two words: Market breakers.
Somersby Blackberry
The famous international brand expands shelves and rocks with Somersby Blackberry, a new fruity alcoholic drink (4.5%), with blackberry flavors, and gluten-free.
This drink, poured at these temperatures, provides a very refreshing sip, subtly fruity sweetness, and above all, a light and cute one - as it is or on its way to a sunset cocktail.
In three words: The Enchanted Forest.
Elvi Herenza Blanco and Herzog Lineage Malbec, Zur a World of Wine
Successful import company brings two new and excellent wines to Israel.
The first is Herzog Lineage Malbec, a dry red wine from California with 14.5% alcohol, boasting a wonderful aroma, subtly spiced for sipping, with a real presence. Price: NIS 100.
The second is Elvi Herenza Blanco, a dry white wine (12.5% alcohol) from Alicante, Spain, a blend of Penya Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, with a golden color, a very delicate citrus aroma, and mainly a refreshing acidity. Price: NIS 70.
In four words: A world in itself.
Snow 2022, Tura Winery
The wonderful Israeli winery introduces Snow 2022, a dry white wine from Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Viognier grapes.
The wine (13% alcohol) has a golden color and wonderful aromas of fruit and expanses. It has good acidity, necessary summery freshness, and is ideally suited for outdoor weather. Price: NIS 84.
In two words: Crisp snow.