Over 3,420 years ago, a powerful giant named Og ruled over the Kingdom of Bashan (modern-day Golan Heights). He heard news that the Nation of Israel had been delivered from their slavery in Egypt, had lain waste to Pharoah's armies, had conquered King Sihon of Heshbon (modern-day Kingdom of Jordan) and was preparing to conquer and settle the Land of Canaan. So, he decided to amass his mighty armies and attempt to decimate them as they would pass by his borders on their way to crossing the Jordan River from the East. The site of the battle to come was Bashan's fortified south-easternmost border city of Edre'i.

 

The battle was indeed as brief as Og had arrogantly anticipated. However, rather than emerging the destroyer and conqueror, the mighty Og and the entire bastion of Bashan were instead destroyed and conquered.  Thus, strengthened by the G-d of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob, Bashan became the inheritance of half of the Tribe of Menasseh, son of Joseph.

 

This victory at Edre'i was, of course, meaningful for the Tribe of Menasseh. However, far more than that, Edre'i became a source of faith, a pillar of confidence and a symbol of strength for all Israel as they continued westward across the Jordan River to fulfill their destiny in their conquest and settlement of the Land of Canaan.

 

Some 3373 years later, Syria – a republic formed some 30 years earlier - occupied Bashan and in a twist of fate that was beyond coincidental, this modern incarnation of the mighty Og conspired with Egypt & Jordan in what would be the 2nd attempt to destroy the Nation of Israel's nascent Third (and final) Commonwealth . However, in no more than six days, Israel triumphed and retook Bashan, crushing the Syrian forces and allowing the Nation of Israel to return to and reestablish its ancient cities, to embrace its Covenant and to fulfill its destiny once again.

 

Today, the Edre'i Malting & Distilling Company is established in Katsrin, one of those ancient cities of Bashan originally settled by the Tribe of Menasseh, and is producing a single-malt whisky made from in-house-malted barley grown in the Land of Israel. The company and its creations are a tribute to and celebration of both incarnations of the victory of Edre'i.

 

We hope you join in the celebration as you enjoy a fine dram of Edre'i.