Hardworking winemakers often say: “It takes a lot of beer to make good wine.” And as craft beers are becoming more common at upscale restaurants, sommeliers, like our host David Rhodes, now need to know a thing or two about beer as well. But how much do you know about beer? What’s an IBU? What’s the difference between a porter and a stout? What do craft beers offer that commercial beers don’t?

We take a detour off our Rhodes to Israeli Wines to tell you everything you need to know about the burgeoning craft beer industry here in Israel, an industry that began with one microbrewery, the Dancing Camel, in 2006. Since then the scene has exploded, with dozens of new micro-breweries opening up, some of which are winning international awards for their hoppy libations.

David Rhodes interviews the men and women behind Israel’s top boutique breweries, including the Dancing Camel, Jem’s, Shapiro, and Alexander, to find out how they started, how they view the Israeli market, and which beers they make. Each year, David goes on a quest to taste Israel’s over 100 local labels, so he recommends some of his favorite beers from his favorite breweries.

Music:
Johnny Cash – Beer Drinking Songs
Beck – Beercan
Arik Lavie – Ten Li Bakbuk Shel Bira
Frank Zappa – It Must Be A Camel