## From El Kabri Springs to Microbreweries: A Century of Israeli Beer
For over a century, the story of beer in Israel has been one of entrepreneurial spirit, shifting landscapes, and a surprising rise in craft brewing. It begins in 1926 with the Rosenberg brothers, who launched ‘Max Brau’ Palestinian beer in Acre. Their early success leveraged the pristine waters of the El Kabri springs, 12.5 kilometers northeast of the city, a source lauded for its supply through ancient aqueducts, supplemented by canals built in 1800 and 1814 – though the precise construction dates remain debated.
The Early Years: Max Brau and the Rise of Competition
Max Brau quickly became a local favorite, capitalizing on the unique mineral profile of the springs. However, this early success spurred competition. In 1934, Gaston Dreyfus and James Rothschild established Palestine Breweries, initially inspired by a lecture delivered by Chaim Weizmann. Recognizing the need to build national identity, the company dramatically rebranded in 1948, the year Israel declared independence, adopting the name ‘Nesher’ – Hebrew for ‘eagle’. This symbolized the nation’s aspiration for strength and vision.
Post-Independence Consolidation and Strategic Shifts
Following the establishment of the state, the brewing industry consolidated. In 1952, Louis Hertzberg spearheaded the creation of National Breweries, importing equipment from the Fidelio Brewery in New York and producing an estimated 2 million amber beer bottles. This expansion marked a crucial step in solidifying Israel’s brewing capacity.
Mergers and Acquisitions: Shaping the Market
By 1973, Nesher and National Breweries had effectively controlled 90% of the Israeli beer market, a reflection of their combined scale and influence. This dominance was later acquired by Murray Goldman in 1976, who subsequently sold the operation to Tempo Beer Industries, a publicly traded company listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. This acquisition represented a significant shift in the industry’s corporate structure.
The Rise of Craft: A New Era of Brewing
Today, Israel boasts an estimated 40 microbreweries, a testament to the continued passion for quality beer. One notable example is Alexander Brewery, founded in 2008 and deliberately paying homage to the original Max Brau brewery by producing a pilsner bearing the same name. This demonstrates a commitment to honoring the nation’s brewing heritage while embracing contemporary brewing techniques.
What This Means for Consumers
The growth of microbreweries provides Israeli beer drinkers with a diverse selection of styles, flavors, and brewing philosophies. From classic lagers to innovative craft brews, consumers have more choices than ever before.
Pros and Cons
*Pros:* Increased variety, support for local businesses, higher quality ingredients, more experimental brewing styles.
*Cons:* Higher prices in some cases, potential for limited distribution in certain areas.*
