Goldstar (beer)
Israeli beer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Goldstar (Hebrew: גולדסטאר) is an Israeli brand of 4.9% abv lager brewed by Tempo in Netanya, Israel. It is marketed as a dark lager beer, though it is amber in appearance.[1]
| |
 Goldstar beer from the tap | |
| Type | Israeli lager |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Tempo |
| Introduced | 1950 |
| Alcohol by volume | 4.9% |
| Variants | Goldstar Unfiltered, Goldstar Black Roast, Goldstar Light |
| Website | https://en.tempo.co.il/brands/gold-star/ |
History
According to Tempo Beer Industries, Goldstar was developed by brewmaster Menachem Berliner in 1950 and was the first Israeli draft beer.[2] In 1965 "Israeli Beer Industry Ltd" merged with "Leumit Brewery". It was among the products acquired by Tempo in 1985.[3][4]
Goldstar was initially marketed as a sub-brand of the company's flagship beer, Nesher Beer, and was called "Goldstar Eagle". The familiar eagle of Nesher beer appeared on the label, to which the name Goldstar was added.[5][4]
Name
The name of the beer Goldstar and the emblem, a six-pointed star, originate from the emblem of the brewers' guild in the Middle Ages.[6] The star, known as "Bierstern" or "Brauerstern" was the symbol of the guild, and has been stamped since the Middle Ages on beers that were considered pure and high quality.[7]
Markets
Advertising and sponsorship
A number of celebrity images have been used to advertise the beer, ranging from Paul Newman[10] to Claudia Schiffer.[2] In 2015, Tempo has faced media criticism for a "sexist" ad.[11][12]
Goldstar is the title sponsor of the Goldstar Zappa Sound System music festival.[13]
Reception
The Forward called Goldstar and several other beers commonly consumed in Israel "light, easy-drinking beers — the stuff zayde might drink on a hot day".[14] However, Haaretz has referred to Goldstar as "beer few Israelis are proud of".
