Lebanese Beer: Where To Buy And What To Know

Lebanon boasts a variety of beers, from mass-produced lagers to craft beers, that can be purchased both domestically and internationally. Some of the country's most popular beers include Almaza, 961 Beer, and Colonel Black Irish. Lebanese beers can be purchased online from specialist retailers such as Total Wine & More and 209 Lebanese Wine, as well as in-store at select locations in the US, including Glendale, AZ. In Lebanon, popular retailers include 961 Beer Mazraat Yachoua, Sam's Beverage Beirut, and Bread Republic Beirut.

Lebanese beer in the USA

Lebanese beer is available in the USA, with brands such as 961 Beer and Almaza being sold in certain states.

961 Beer

961 Beer, named after the international dialling code for Lebanon, was founded in 2006 by Mazen Hajjar and first launched in the US in January 2013. It is brewed in the foothills of Mazraat Yachoua, overlooking Beirut and the Mediterranean Sea, and produces around 300,000 cases annually. The beer is imported to the US by St. Killian and is available in states including Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Delaware, and Washington, D.C.

Almaza

Almaza is another popular Lebanese beer that can be found in the USA. It is the older of the two brands, having been the only beer produced in Lebanon for 75 years until 961 Beer was founded. Almaza is owned by the Dutch brewery Heineken, and the raw materials are imported from Holland. It can be found in stores such as Total Wine, with locations in Texas and Arizona stocking the beer.

Other Lebanese Beers

Other Lebanese beers that may be available in the USA include:

• Brew Inc.
• Byblos Castle
• Continental Group Offshore
• Al Rayess

Lebanese beer in Lebanon

Lebanese beer is widely available in Lebanon, with a range of craft beers and larger breweries offering their products throughout the country. One of the most popular Lebanese beers is 961 Beer, which began operations in 2006 and has since gained wide popularity, exporting to 15+ nations. 961 Beer offers a variety of craft beers, including the award-winning 961 Lager, which won the Gold Medal for "Best Lager" at the Hong Kong International Beer Awards in 2012. Other notable beers from 961 include the Lebanese Pale Ale (LPA), created in partnership with Danish Brewmaster Anders Kissmeyer, and the Lebanese Brew (LB), a satisfying Pilsner.

In addition to 961 Beer, there are several other Lebanese beers available in the country. RateBeer.com, a website dedicated to rating and reviewing beers, lists some of the highest-rated Lebanese beers, such as Almaza Radler Lemon, a bitter beer with a smooth and slick mouthfeel; Brew Inc. Black Sheep, a Weissbier/Hefeweizen; and Byblos Castle Strawberry, a Witbier/Belgian White Ale. These beers can likely be found in stores and restaurants throughout Lebanon, although specific locations are not mentioned.

When in Lebanon, it is worth exploring the local beer scene and trying some of the country's craft beers. In addition to purchasing Lebanese beer from stores and restaurants, it may be worth checking out local festivals, tastings, and gatherings dedicated to craft beer, as suggested by RateBeer.com. These events can provide an opportunity to sample a variety of Lebanese beers and connect with other beer enthusiasts.

Some stores in Lebanon recommended by beer enthusiasts on RateBeer.com include 961 Beer Mazraat Yachoua, Sam's Beverage Beirut, and Bread Republic Beirut. These stores are likely to have a good selection of Lebanese beers, including some of the craft beers mentioned earlier. It is always a good idea to call ahead or check their websites for the latest information on product availability.

Lastly, when purchasing Lebanese beer in Lebanon, it is essential to follow the country's legal drinking age requirements and consume alcohol responsibly.

Best Lebanese beer

Lebanese beer is a unique and delicious beverage that has not yet reached widespread popularity, but is well worth trying. One of the most iconic beers in Lebanon is Almaza, a crisp, refreshing beer with a clean aftertaste. It has a sweet grain aroma with a hint of corn, and notes of honey and flora. It is best served chilled to complement a Lebanese feast on a hot summer day.

Another popular Lebanese beer is 961, which offers a range of brews, including the 961/Kissmeyer PilNZer and the 961 Beer - Brewmaster's Select 02 - Lebanese Imperial Stout. These beers are highly rated by beer enthusiasts and can be found at various locations in Lebanon, such as 961 Beer Mazraat Yachoua and Sam's Beverage Beirut.

For those looking for something stronger, Lebanese coffee or kahweh is one of the strongest coffees you can find. It is typically served after a meal in small cups similar to espresso cups, and can be sweetened with sugar.

In addition to beer and coffee, Lebanon also has unique liqueurs such as Arak, an unsweetened distilled spirit made from grapes and aniseed. Arak is traditionally consumed with mezza, especially cooked and raw meat dishes, and is diluted with water and served in small, ice-filled cups.

So, whether you're in Lebanon or Sydney, be sure to try some of these unique and delicious Lebanese beverages to get a true taste of Lebanese culture.

Lebanese beer online

If you're looking to buy Lebanese beer online, there are a few options available to you. Here are some websites where you can find Lebanese beer:

209 Lebanese Wine

209 Lebanese Wine is an online retailer that offers a wide range of Lebanese wines and spirits. While they specialise in wine, they also sell beer from the popular Lebanese brand 961 Beer. 961 Beer offers a variety of craft beers, including the award-winning 961 Lager, which won Gold at the Hong Kong International Beer Awards in 2012. You can find the following 961 Beer products on 209 Lebanese Wine:

• Lebanese Pale Ale
• Red Ale
• Lebanese Brew LB
• American IPA
• Lager
• Witbier
• Porter

Total Wine & More

Total Wine & More is an online liquor store that offers a range of Lebanese beverages, including beer. However, it looks like their Lebanese beer selection may vary depending on your location and state laws. It's worth checking their website or contacting them directly to see if they can ship Lebanese beer to your area.

Vintage Wine Cellar Lebanon

Vintage Wine Cellar Lebanon offers a range of alcoholic beverages, including beer. They seem to have a few Lebanese beers available, such as Almaza and Rex Strong Beer. They deliver all over Lebanon, so if you're based in the country, this could be a good option for you.

RateBeer.com

While not a direct retailer, RateBeer.com is a useful resource for finding the best Lebanese beers. They provide ratings and reviews for a variety of Lebanese beers, which can help guide your purchasing decisions. Some of the highly-rated Lebanese beers on their website include:

• 961 Beer - Brewmaster's Select 02 - Lebanese Imperial Stout
• 961 / Kissmeyer - Brewmaster's Select 01 - Lebanese Pale Ale
• Almaza Radler Lemon
• Brew Inc. Crocodile Tears
• Brew Inc. One-Eyed-Eagle

Lebanese beer in Beirut

Lebanese beer is widely available in most restaurants, cafes, and pubs in Beirut. However, if you're looking for something specific, here are some options:

Almaza

The national beer of Lebanon since 1933, Almaza is indisputably the most popular beer in the Middle East. With its crisp and almost fruity taste, it goes well with nuts, a staple snack at Beirut bars. It comes in three varieties: pilsner, malt, and light.

Beirut Beer

Established in 2014, Beirut Beer is brewed in the heart of the Bekaa region in Chtaura. It has a smooth taste and is known for its cute bottle. Beirut Beer is also available for online purchase and delivery within 45 minutes in Beirut.

961 Beer

961 Beer has seen rapid growth and is exported worldwide. Its pale ale has a deliciously spicy smell and a herby taste.

Colonel Beer

For something more refined, Colonel Beer is an excellent choice. It comes from an independent, eco-friendly microbrewery with a restaurant, bar, and bed-and-breakfast in Batroun. The beer is known to complement seafood nicely.

Taybeh Beer

Taybeh Beer is a handcrafted beer from the Palestinian village of Taybeh. It is free of additives, making it healthier, and can be purchased at various locations in Beirut.

Imported Beers

For those looking for something other than Lebanese beer, there are several venues in Beirut that offer imported options:

• Melanzana Café in Jounieh offers Germania and Paulaner beers.
• Schnitzels for a full German experience, with beers like Löwenbräu Triumphator, Paulaner, Kloster Weltenburg, Augustiner Bräu Dunkel, and Kloster Scheyern.
• Mon Maki A Moi in Dbayeh for Japanese cuisine and Sapporo, Heineken, and Corona beers.
• Ales & Tales in Hamra for Guinness and Murphy’s Irish Stout.
• The Plub in Gemmayze for Warsteiner beer and a fun night out.

Frequently asked questions