Next to the grill: The beers that will make your Independence Day

Between the grill and meeting friends, this Independence Day recommendation section is dedicated to human connection and local craft culture. From exciting artistic editions to beers that will work perfectly with your steak. These are the bottles that will make your holiday.

The Malka brewery, one of the pioneers of the revolution in Israel, is celebrating a double this year: 20 years of activity, and a special edition under the theme Habekoti. The brewery chose to collaborate with artist and illustrator Ze’ev Engelmayer, who moved an entire country with his “daily postcard.”

Engelmayer brings his soft and human line into the world of beer. On the bottles appears an original illustration of two figures hugging, a tribute to the small moments that hold us together.

The brewery’s CEO, Gilad Dror, explains that after 20 years they learned that the people who drink are the other half of the story. This Independence Day, ‘Malka’ invites you to slow down, look into each other’s eyes and send a hug.

Alongside the celebrations, there are moments of deep remembrance. The “Tomer Beer” initiative, established in memory of Staff Sergeant Tomer Nagar, of blessed memory, is collaborating this year with the family of Staff Sergeant Amichai Rubin, of blessed memory. Both, fighters of Battalion 51 of Golani, fought shoulder to shoulder on October 7 in the battle in Kissufim.

This is much more than a beer package. It is a legacy of values. Tomer was a dedicated volunteer, and all sales profits go directly to the organizations to which he devoted his time. The package was designed to provide a complete Israeli experience: Quality beer alongside all the equipment needed for a festive grill, all wrapped in the story of the bravery and friendship of the two.

The package includes: 4 beer bottles, a branded opener, a professional grill tool set, a “Melach Ha’aretz” salt and pepper grinder, and a car flag.

The Jerusalem ‘Herzl’ brewery introduces into its regular lineup a beer that is all about a summer celebration: Mexico 70. The name is a tribute to the only year in which the Israeli national team reached the World Cup, and the beer itself is a light lager with a surprising addition of lime and salt.

This is a beer designed for heavy drinking under the scorching Israeli sun. The salt sharpens the flavors, and the lime provides a refreshing finish that cleanses the palate between bites. For advanced drinkers, it also works great in a Michelada cocktail with a bit of hot sauce and tequila.

A light, refreshing and unapologetic beer. Perfect alongside wings in a spicy sauce.

Ahead of Day and Independence Day, an exciting collaboration was born between the Aner Association and the Bazelet brewery from the Golan Heights. The series is dedicated to the memory of Aner Shapira, of blessed memory, the fighter and musician who became a symbol of supreme bravery when he prevented grenades from entering a shelter in Re’im with his body on October 7.

Bazelet Golan (red lager, 5.4%): A clear beer with emphasized malt flavors and a delicate caramel finish. Works wonderfully with a classic meat meal and salty snacks at the beginning of the grill.

Bazelet Og (wheat beer, 8.7%): A deep and complex beer that undergoes long aging: An excellent sip alongside sweet desserts or for slow drinking at the end of an evening full of experiences.

Available on the Bazelet Brewery website and at the visitor center.

The boutique brewery Hagibor from Karmiel has engraved values of helping others and entrepreneurship on its flag. Already two years ago, the brewery launched the Hagiborot beer: A lemongrass lager created as a tribute to the heroic women on the front lines and at home.

Unlike flavored beers that sometimes feel like “juice,” this is a well-made beer. The lemongrass provides a floral and refreshing aroma but leaves the stage to the malt and hops flavors.

It is light enough not to weigh you down, yet has a satisfying body that holds up alongside food.

For those who are not satisfied with one or two bottles and host the whole family, the Alexander brewery offers a package that is a full production. The brewery, which wins medals every year in international competitions, allows you to assemble your own lineup.

The package includes 20 bottles of your choice (we recommend combining the light ‘Blonde’ with the rich Ambra), and in addition you will receive a set of puzzle coasters that will keep guests busy while the meat rests on the grill, and a snack package to open the appetite.