With mezzes, on the beach or in bars, beer complements the Lebanese’s daily life. On the market, imported beers have not eclipsed local brands like Almaza, which has been producing its local beverage since the 1930s. As put by its director Philippe Jabre, this brand is deemed “even older than Lebanon’s independence”. A direct descendant of the founders, Jabre took the reins of the company in 2021.
The local market also has its share of newcomers, notably microbreweries creating their unique craft beers. Vagabond, for instance, was the brainchild of two beer aficionados, Sami Chenahi and Paul Choueiry. This is a deep dive into the dynamics of the Lebanese beer industry, a smart blend of heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, and innovation.
