Moroccan Beer: Where To Buy The Best Brews

Moroccan beer has been gaining popularity, and although it may be challenging to find it in local bars due to cultural and religious reasons, it is possible to enjoy a cold pint of Moroccan beer. Moroccan beer, which was introduced in the early 20th century with the arrival of French settlers, is typically brewed in Fes, Tangier, and Casablanca. The Société des Brasseries du Maroc oversees the production and distribution of beer in the country, with Casablanca being their premium lager. Other popular brands include Spéciale Flag and Stork. Casa Beer, a blond pale ale brewed and bottled in Casablanca, is also widely enjoyed and can be purchased online through websites such as BeerMenus and Beers of Europe. Additionally, the Daleside Brewery offers a unique Morocco Ale, a strong, dark, spiced ale brewed according to a 300-year-old secret recipe.

Where to buy Moroccan beer

Online beer retailers

Moroccan beer has been gaining popularity, and while it may be challenging to find in local stores, several online beer retailers offer a selection of Moroccan beers for purchase. These retailers provide an opportunity to experience the unique taste of Moroccan beer from the comfort of your own home. Here are some options to consider:

Beers of Europe

Beers of Europe is an online retailer that sources beers from around the world, including Morocco. They offer free delivery on orders over £100 and provide a range of Moroccan beers to choose from. Beers of Europe aims to bring the characterful, light, and refreshing taste of Moroccan beer right to your doorstep.

BeerMenus

BeerMenus is an online platform that allows you to find and purchase beers from various breweries and retailers. While their selection may vary, they carry popular Moroccan beers like Casa Beer, a blond pale ale brewed and bottled in Casablanca. Keep an eye on their website or sign up for notifications to be alerted when they have Moroccan beers in stock.

Daleside Brewery

Daleside Brewery offers a unique beer-drinking experience with their Morocco Ale. This strong, dark, spiced ale follows a secret ancient recipe held at Levens Hall for over 300 years. You can purchase it directly from their website, and it comes in a pack of 8 x 500ml bottles.

Nomadic Distribution

Nomadic Distribution offers Casa Beer, one of the most popular beers in Morocco. It is a blond pale ale, brewed and bottled in Casablanca using the highest-quality malt, noble hops, yeast, and pure water. They take pride in their family-owned brewery's quality, integrity, and transparency. You can purchase Casa Beer in packs of 330ml x 24 from their website.

By exploring these online beer retailers, you can discover and enjoy the flavours of Moroccan beer without having to travel to the country itself. It's a convenient way to expand your beer palate and experience a piece of Morocco's culture and brewing traditions.

Moroccan restaurants

As a religiously Islamic country, Moroccan restaurants with a license to serve alcohol are few and far between. However, they do exist, and can be found in major cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, and Fes. If you're looking for a Moroccan restaurant that serves beer, your best bet is to look outside the medina, in tourist-centric areas, luxury hotels, and licensed establishments that cater to international visitors.

In Marrakech, there are several restaurants serving alcohol, including Kabana, La Salama, La Pergola, Cafe Árabe, DarDar Rooftop and Cocktails, La Sultana, Le Trou au Mur, Le Marrakchi, and Narawama. Many of these restaurants are centrally located in or close to the Medina, and some even offer stunning views of the city from their rooftops.

In Casablanca, the economic and cultural heart of Morocco, you may be able to find Moroccan restaurants serving beer in the tourist-centric areas or luxury hotels. It's worth noting that some supermarkets and liquor stores in Casablanca also sell beer, so you can always pick some up and enjoy it in your accommodation.

While Fes, Morocco's cultural capital, may have more limited options, you can still find restaurants serving alcohol in the city. It's worth doing some research beforehand to identify specific establishments.

When visiting Moroccan restaurants, it's important to be mindful of local customs and laws regarding alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol goes against Islamic law, so it's best to consume it discreetly and respectfully, only in licensed establishments. Additionally, public intoxication is frowned upon and can lead to legal issues.

Bars in Morocco

Morocco is a religiously Islamic country, and as such, alcohol is not readily available. However, it is not illegal, and there are bars in Morocco that serve alcohol to tourists. It is important to note that drinking in public is prohibited, and alcohol must be consumed in licensed hotels, bars, and tourist areas.

Licensed bars in Morocco tend to have no windows, as drinkers are not allowed to be seen by those outside. Some bars and restaurants permit drinking outside, but only tourists are generally allowed to drink in public.

In Marrakech, there are a handful of bars and restaurants that serve alcohol, mostly located in the new town districts of Gueliz and Hivernage. Bars such as Theatro and Palais Jad Mahal in Hivernage offer a lively night out, with international DJs and acrobatics. In Gueliz, you can find more low-key spots, such as Cafe du Livre, a cosy wine bar with a happy hour between 6 and 8 pm. Pointbar and Barometre are also popular spots, with regular DJ sets and a unique laboratory mixologist theme, respectively.

For those looking to enjoy a drink with a view, there are several rooftop bars in Marrakech. Kabana, located in the Medina, offers a lively atmosphere, delicious food, and strong drinks. La Salama, also in the Medina, provides stunning city views and happy hour deals on wine, beer, and cocktails. DarDar Rooftop and Cocktails is another excellent option, known for its gorgeous decor, speedy service, and exceptional food and cocktails.

Outside of Marrakech, there are other options for drinking in Morocco. In Tangier, the Barcelo Tanger hotel serves alcohol, although prices are reportedly high. In Chefchaouen, Bar Oum Rabie, just outside the medina, offers drinks at reasonable prices and even provides free food with your order.

In Casablanca, Casa Beer, brewed and bottled at Société des Brasseries du Maroc, is one of the most popular beers. It is a blond pale ale and can be found in many bars and restaurants throughout Morocco.

Société des Brasseries du Maroc

The Société des Brasseries du Maroc is a Moroccan company that was founded in 1919 by the Groupe BGI. It was a subsidiary of the SNI group until 2003, when it was taken over by the Castel Group through the Marocaine d'Investissements et de Services (MDI). The company is headquartered in Casablanca and produces beer, wine, potable water, and olive oil. It also owns 11 Nicolas stores in Morocco.

The company's main product is Casa Beer, a blond pale ale that is one of the most popular beers in Morocco. It is brewed and bottled in Casablanca using high-quality malt, noble hops, yeast, and pure water. Casa Beer is sold in North America under the name "Casa Beer" and has an ABV of 5.0%. It is described as a "classic beer of Morocco" and has a calorie count of approximately 100.

In addition to Casa Beer, the Société des Brasseries du Maroc also produces a range of other beverages, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. These include aperitifs, vermouth, liqueurs, creams, cocktails, sake, Japanese liqueurs, alcohol-free spirits, soda, lemonade, and iced tea. The company also has a presence in the wine industry, with a focus on purchasing, selling, and distributing wines.

The Société des Brasseries du Maroc is composed of five companies: SBM, Branoma, SVCM, Brasserie de Tanger, and Clé des Champs. The group is integrated, with activities ranging from malting, brewing, bottling, and selling beer. In addition to marketing its own products, the group also distributes products from external partners such as IMM and Master Food. The group also manufactures plastic crates and operates in the cashew industry.

Specialist alcohol distributors

One of the most well-known specialist alcohol distributors is BeerMenus. BeerMenus is an online platform that allows users to search for specific beers and find local businesses that sell them. It also provides a platform for businesses to advertise their beer selection and connect with customers. While BeerMenus does not sell beer directly, it is a valuable resource for finding Moroccan beer near you.

Another option is to look for specialist alcohol distributors that specifically cater to Moroccan products. For example, Nomadic Distribution Spirits offers a range of spirits and wines from Morocco, including the popular Casa Beer, which is brewed and bottled in Casablanca. This family-owned brewery uses only the highest-quality ingredients to craft a range of well-balanced flavours.

In addition to specialist distributors, some online retailers also offer a wide selection of beers from around the world, including Moroccan beers. These sites often provide detailed descriptions of the beers, allowing you to explore different options and discover new favourites.

When searching for Moroccan beer, it is worth noting that there are only a handful of local brands available. The most popular options include Casablanca (a lager), Flag Speciale (a pilsner), and Stork (a light lager). These beers can be found in various bars, restaurants, and liquor stores throughout Morocco, as well as in some specialist alcohol distributors outside the country.

Lastly, if you are travelling to Morocco and wish to purchase beer during your stay, it is important to be mindful of the local laws and cultural norms surrounding alcohol consumption. Alcohol is available in Morocco, but it is not as prevalent as in non-Muslim countries, and it is generally limited to bars, restaurants, hotels, and tourist resorts. Drinking in public is strictly forbidden, and it is important to respect the local culture and customs.

Frequently asked questions