Colonel Beer: Lebanon’s newest microbrewery brewing sustainable change

By Saleh S. Matar

From the Parisian cafés of Beirut and breathtaking archaeological sites to the cultural festivals and seemingly endless vineyards, Lebanon has something for everyone.

For education seekers, the American University of Beirut is considered to be one of the finest educational institutions in the region. Culture and history buffs can scour Batroun, one of the oldest cities in the world, in northern Lebanon. Nature lovers can bask in Lebanon’s beautiful scenery – from its snow-covered mountains and pockets of fresh water springs to the glistening coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. And finally, there’s the country’s vibrant, cosmopolitan nightlife for party lovers, both local and visiting, that justifies Lebanon’s reputation as the “Pearl of the Middle East.”

For beer lovers, on the other hand, Lebanon’s growing microbrewery business highlights a regional trend towards producing quality, locally produced beverages that capture the culture, heritage and lifestyle of the land.

Launched in August 2014 by 30-year-old Lebanese entrepreneur Jamil Haddad, Lebanon’s newest microbrewery called The Colonel Microbrewery has opened up on a green platform in the northern seaside town of Batroun, producing craft lager beer and distributing it across the country. The Batroun-native’s Colonel beer is the country’s third locally brewed beer after Almaza and 961.

“In Batroun, if you go and visit someone in his home, he will not invite you to drink coffee, he will offer you a beer,” said Haddad.

Designed by Lebanese engineer and founder of Cedar Environmental Ziad Abichaker, the microbrewery’s building is made of recycled materials with “walls made of recycled wood crates and melted down plastic turned into wall panels,” natural lighting, vertical gardens and even a green roof. With the brewing process visible from the pub through a glass separation, visitors can take a tour to learn more about the local beer-making process and enjoy a cold one with friends at one of the pub’s eco-friendly tables made of old telephone wire spools.

Haddad nurtured his brewing dream through several courses and trips to nearly a dozen countries across Europe including France, Italy, Germany, Scotland and Hungary before finally returning to Lebanon with his own home brewery kit from the U.K. After six months of experimenting, testing and tasting, he finally perfected his own liquid potion. Colonel became the byproduct of Haddad’s discipline and dedication.

“It took me six months to make good beer, before that, I threw out everything I made,” said Haddad. “When I finally got it right it was on New Year’s Eve three years ago, I stayed at home and made English bitter. It tasted incredible.”

Haddad’s ambitious green business currently consists of Colonel Microbrewery, Colonel Brewpub and Restaurant, and Colonel Bed and Breakfast, offering four freshly brewed concoctions – bitter, lager, red ale and light.

This innovative venture has also received generous feedback from the residents of Batroun, who already have a deep seeded love for beer as the highest consumers of the beverage in Lebanon. It also serves as an inspirational, eco-friendly project that prioritizes green innovation, recycling, and local heritage.

“So, the point is to do something nice, and for the people to follow something nice … to do something good for the environment and inspire people,” said Haddad.

Following a dream and passion for beer is one thing. Seeing it through on a successful, sustainable platform that complements the heritage and feel of his country is an admirable achievement for Haddad that definitely deserves cheers.

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