Humps on tap

Cohen established Dancing Camel in 2006 after coming to Israel with a dream to create high quality and exciting locally produced beers.

By ASI GAL
beer 88 (photo credit: )
beer 88
(photo credit: )
There's nothing quite like a mission - that driving force, sense of purpose and, ultimately, accomplishment. Lincoln had one, Moses had one and David Cohen, founder and owner of The Dancing Camel microbrewery, has got one as well. "We want to increase the interest and knowledge of Israelis regarding beer by manufacturing high quality, unique beers," says Cohen, explaining that, "People need to realize that, like wine, different types of beer befit different times of the day, of the year and even different meals." Cohen established Dancing Camel in 2006 after coming to Israel with a dream to create high quality and exciting locally produced beers. Since then he's created stouts, wheat beers and ales in addition to unique, seasonal brews, from an etrog beer to a pomegranate ale. He's even tapped into folklore, conjuring up The Golem, a particularly strong brew with a 9.5% alcohol content. Furthermore, Dancing Camel is one of the only places with kegs available for home use. Did somebody say kegger? Yes, I think someone did. One particularly exciting brew, released today, Friday the 13th, is the Leche Del Diablo - the house wheat beer, brewed with chili peppers. "We try to bring it out every year on Friday the 13th as long as it happens during the summer, since it is a very summery beer," Cohen explains. The Leche is dubbed "the Camel with two faces." It hits the palate with a refreshing, mild-mannered hefeweizen taste. Then the demon hits you, obviously the chili kick. Speaking from experience, it is an amazing beer. The brewery opens its doors as a bar, with six beers on tap, every Wednesday evening, and Friday afternoon for a Kaballat Shabbat from noon to 4 p.m. "It's for Dancing Camel lovers who enjoy the unique brewery atmosphere," says Cohen of his large and inviting smoke-free space. "I even know that some people come just for our bartendress," he adds. However, if you'd like to vary the environments where you imbibe the Camel, Cohen aims to accommodate, with the brewery also participating in the farmers market at the Tel Aviv port every Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. With a hand-crafted, all-natural product, it's a perfect home-away-from-home. Giving a glimpse into the driving force of his personal mission, Cohen says, "I want to be a household name for people who appreciate beer." From his position on top of the craziest camel in town, it seems that he's on the right path. Dancing Camel 12 Hataasiya St., Tel Aviv. (03) 624-2783, www.dancingcamel.com