Entrepreneur who sent whisky to IDF troops launches Israel’s first blended malt

Dror Hartman, a 55-year-old from Tiberias whose son is currently serving in the IDF reserves, began his initiative following the events of October 7. Leveraging his passion for spirits, he collaborated with the Milk & Honey distillery to create a limited run of 200 bottles of cardamom-infused whisky titled 'The Warrior’s Rest,' which were distributed to soldiers and wounded troops. Hartman noted that the project, which he described as a way to provide a meaningful gift to those in the field, fostered lasting personal connections with many of the recipients. Following this, he released a 'Single Malt X Coffee' edition in partnership with the Verstill distillery for troops returning from Lebanon and Syria. Encouraged by the response, Hartman has transitioned into a full-time career as an independent bottler. He is currently preparing to launch what he identifies as Israel’s first blended malt whisky, a collaboration between the Milk & Honey and Ruach distilleries, at the Whisky Live 2026 exhibition in Tel Aviv.