M&H Apex Dead Sea

M&H Distillery, Israel’s first, recently announced the release of the “APEX Dead Sea” whisky, the eighth instalment in the distillery’s signature core line. The APEX Dead Sea is the first result of M&H’s research and development program, which spotlights what’s described as Israel’s distinct terroir and environment by experimenting with different climates for cask maturation, while staying faithful to Scottish whisky traditions and legacy. M&H distillers take advantage of Israel’s five unique climate zones defined by the late Dr. Jim Swan, M&H Distillery’s consultant, as the “Climate Playground” with the Dead Sea, Upper Galilee, Jerusalem mountains, the Negev desert, and the Mediterranean coast. The Dead Sea experiment started in October of 2018, when M&H Distillery placed 20 ex-bourbon, ex-red wine, and ex-STR casks on the rooftop of a hotel at approximately 1,387-feet (423 meters) below sea level. The casks matured in the Dead Sea region for an entire year before being returned to the Tel Aviv warehouse and bottled in July of 2021.

Nose: Sweet with French vanilla and mocha, notes of cigar box and a refreshing hint of spearmint, pleasant oakiness in the background.

Palate: A gentle beginning with black tea leaves followed by a powerful wave of warm spices such as cinnamon and coriander seeds, dark cocoa powder and a pinch of crushed white pepper.

Finish: Long and satisfying with candied ginger and cloves, joined by a bouquet of toasted herbs and coarse sea salt.