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Dancing Camel puts Israeli Beer on the Map

Posted on September 7, 2007 • By Rachel Wagner
Category: Art and Culture, Featured |

Funny Camel, Serious Beer - that’s the motto of Dancing Camel brewery, Israel’s only microbrewery, that will be releasing a special pomegranate beer this year for the Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year) holidays.

David Cohen, Dancing Camel’s founder, was living the Jewish-American dream. Born and raised in Brooklyn, David was a CPA with his own firm, a house in the burbs, 3 kids, and even the family dog. But Cohen had a dream, and wanted out of what he terms the “suburban white collar lifestyle.” Cohen dreamed of opening a microbrewery in Israel which would enable him to combine his two great loves - beer and the holy land. Since visiting Israel at the age of 20, Cohen had always imagined himself returning to stay. Now, more than 20 year later, he has finally made it happen.

After some initial missteps in Tzfat (the kids weren’t having it) and a long and arduous search for a suitable location for the brewery involving intimate tours of industrial zones “that no new immigrant should see,” Cohen realized that Tel Aviv was the only place to be. He signed a lease on a former nightclub, laboriously whitened the black walls, installed the imported brewing equipment, and finally, Dancing Camel was born - Israel’s first production microbrewery.

Dancing Camel on Israel’s English news:

So, why this passion for beer? “Human Civilization can be studied through the history of beer. I am fascinated by its history and culture,” says Cohen, who waxes poetic about Belgium’s natural yeast (the best in the world), the first German purity laws (on beer, not people!), and Czech’s technological brewing prowess (a response to their “lesser” barley, of course). It is also abundantly clear that the intensity of Cohen’s dedication to beer runs no less strong when it comes to Israel. “I came here to contribute to the culture,” says Cohen. “No one comes to get rich. This is an opportunity for me to develop an Israeli beer style.”

And this creation of an Israeli beer style is exactly what Cohen has gone and done. His four year-round beers boast unique local flavours, though he won’t divulge any of their ingredients. The dark and creamy Midnight Stout with its distinct roast coffee flavour contains…”a little something extra.” Okaaay. Cohen is slightly more forthcoming when it comes to the popular Hefe-Wit, a “Belgian style beer” whose “subtle spicing with coriander and orange adds a delicateness to be savored.” If that’s not Israeli enough for you, the strong India Pale Ale and the flavorful American Pale Ale do actually contain date honey.

In addition to the year round stock, Dancing Camel also brews seasonal beers to get you in the holiday spirit. Past offerings include the ‘Trog Wit for Sukkoth boasting the “unmistakable floral aroma of etrogs“, the Cherry Vanilla Stout - a sufgania [traditional Chanuka donut, ed.] in a pint glass just in time for Chanukah, and The Golem, a special 9.5% mystery beer named after the famous Jew-saving monster of Prague. Each keg offers up a mysterious surprise. This year, a special Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) pomegranate beer is already in the works. All the special beers are available in limited quantities only, so keep your feelers out near holiday time to partake in these festive libations.

In addition to special open house nights at the microbrewery (September dates to be announced), Dancing Camel can be found in various bars and restaurants around the country. In Tel Aviv, check out Armadillo, Cervesa, Norman, Norma Jean and steakhouse NG. Jerusalemites can head to Bellwood, Paradisio, and Norman’s in the German Colony. For additional outlets around the country, or to learn more about everything Dancing Camel (events, open houses, brewery tours), visit www.dancingcamel.com.

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