The Gin Passport

The Eighth Day of Christmas

My Twelve Squares of Ginmas would not be complete without including a gin from Israel, and this year that comes in the form of the gorgeous aged Levantine Gin from Milk & Honey Distillery in Tel Aviv.

I've kept the serve really simple — just over ice with a splash of ginger ale — because honestly, it doesn't need anything else.



Milk & Honey is an urban distillery located in one of Tel Aviv's up-and-coming neighbourhoods. They are perhaps better known for their whisky, which has gained attention because Israel's warm climate accelerates the ageing process, although they are quick to point out that it still follows the rules and is aged for a minimum of three years.

Their Oak Aged Gin spends time in red wine casks, allowing the wood to add subtle vanilla notes while enhancing the botanicals. For me, the oak and vanilla flavours are what really shine through, with the citrus botanicals still adding a lovely freshness in the background. It's incredibly smooth and perfectly sippable over ice, and I'm delighted that it now has a place not only in my international gin collection, but also among my growing collection of aged gins.

There is also a special significance to this bottle for me, as several decades ago I embarked on a solo trip around Israel. It is an incredible country and, even if you are not religious, there is something deeply spiritual about so many of the places you visit. I will never forget the experiences I had — floating in the Dead Sea covered in mud, exploring the mountaintop fortress of Masada, cycling around the Sea of Galilee, walking the Stations of the Cross in the old city of Jerusalem, visiting Bethlehem and so much more.

I collect Christmas decorations wherever I travel, so my glass today is adorned with a hand-carved olive wood decoration bought in Jerusalem and treasured for more than half a lifetime.

I do love this gin, and for so many reasons. Is it milk? Maybe not... and I doubt the maids a-milking from the song had this in mind, but it definitely deserves its place in my Ginmas countdown! I don't do normal most of the time, so this one is right outside the box — the perfect gin to sip while reflecting on the year gone by and looking ahead to whatever the next one brings.