Goldstar has been brewed since 1950 by Tempo Beer Industries in Netanya, and is marketed as a dark lager despite pouring a deep amber-red rather than truly dark. It is based on a recipe more than 70 years old, blending pale and roasted malts, and has held its position as Israel’s best-selling beer brand for decades, competing for a period with Maccabee before the two brands merged under Tempo. It has also picked up international recognition, including a gold medal at the 2025 World Beer Awards.
Goldstar Beer Review at a Glance
| Style | Amber/dark lager |
| ABV | 4.9% |
| Brewery | Tempo Beer Industries |
| Country | Israel |
| Serving temp | 4 to 7 C (39 to 45 F) |
| US availability | Kosher and specialty wine retailers |
How It Tastes
Goldstar pours a deep copper-red with a creamy off-white head, noticeably darker and richer looking than most macro lagers. The aroma leads with toasted, bready malt and a faint caramel sweetness. On the palate it delivers real malt backbone, more body and roastiness than a standard pale lager, balanced by a clean, moderately dry finish that keeps it from feeling heavy. It sits closer to a Vienna lager or light dunkel in character than a typical export pilsner, which is part of why it stands out so clearly against the rest of the region’s beer.
It has more red-amber color and roasted malt character in one glass than most macro lagers manage in a whole lineup.
- Genuine malt depth and amber color, unusual for its category
- Israel’s best-selling beer for decades
- Award-winning: gold medal at the 2025 World Beer Awards
- Available through US kosher and specialty retailers
- Not stocked on Saucey
- Harder to find outside kosher/specialty channels
- Its darker profile may surprise drinkers expecting a standard pale lager
Goldstar is Israel’s best-selling beer but is not sold through US delivery apps. Heineken is a comparable US-available European-style lager.
FAQs
Is Goldstar an Israeli beer?
Yes. Goldstar has been brewed in Netanya, Israel, by Tempo Beer Industries since 1950, and is the country’s best-selling beer.
How strong is Goldstar beer?
Goldstar is 4.9% ABV.
Is Goldstar a dark beer?
It is marketed as a dark lager, though it pours a deep amber-red rather than truly dark, closer to a Vienna lager or light dunkel in appearance and malt character.
Can you buy Goldstar in the US?
Yes, though mainly through kosher and specialty wine retailers such as The Liquor Barn and Kosher Wine World rather than mainstream chains, and it is not currently stocked on Saucey.
