961 Beer

Mallah Building, Industrial Zone
Mazraat Yachoua, Lebanon

9:00-late

Taps: 0 | Bottles: 8

961 Beer began during the dark days of the July 2006 siege on Lebanon. Tired with the lack of quality beer in Lebanon, Mazen Hajjar and his friends started to brew beer in his very own kitchen. The first batches were brewed in 20 liter kettles. Granted that war and blockades are not the ideal conditions to start a company, alongside everyone telling them they were mad to even consider it, they went ahead with it anyway. They decided that brewing a good beer for a great country was what they wanted to do the most. When 961 Beer officially began brewing they were one of the smallest breweries in the world, and the only microbrewery in the Middle East (and still are). Although 961 Beer now brews nearly 2 million liters per year, they still insist upon making beer using the very same principles: traditional techniques, quality ingredients and love.

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Beers At 961 Beer

Name

Style

ABV

Score

Entered

AMBIANCE 5/5
SERVICE 10/10
SELECTION 15/15
FOOD 10/10
VALUE 10/10
OVERALL 19/20

chadioz (1) There, Ontario | January 20, 2014

AMBIANCE 4/5
SERVICE 8/10
SELECTION 13/15
FOOD N/A
VALUE 9/10
OVERALL 18/20

Bierkrug (312) , | October 13, 2012

I have been to a lot of breweries and many brewpubs, but to find this brewery in a place like Beirut is fantastic. Also find such a passionate Brew Master all at the same time fighting against the system, and the macros is hard enough, but in Beirut it brings a whole new meaning to the process. Mazen is a true pioneer in the region. His beers are well made and if you go to all the trouble to visit Lebanon, come to the brewery and hear his story. You really need to taste the beers fresh because often they are not stored properly by middlemen. Mazen took the time to show us around and explain everything and this was on his day off. A true success story if I ever heard of one. Although he never said it he would also like it if you bring your favorite beer from your country for him. I am not going to explain his place because it is not to be explained. It must be experienced. I will return one day Mazen. Bravo and Prost!

AMBIANCE 3/5
SERVICE 7/10
SELECTION 12/15
FOOD N/A
VALUE 9/10
OVERALL 16/20

tomciccateri (133) Albuquerque, New Mexico | June 24, 2011

Brewpub not legally possible due to bizarre laws. Bar closed. Micro moved location, up and running May 11, 2011. Draught and bottle accounts locally (over 1,200). Self-distributing. 20 plus recipies under 961 brand. LB Lebanese Brew under the LB brand. All malt beers. Phenominal growth and hugely popular Facebook page. A true 21-century success story for quality over quantity, and creating a craft beer following where none existed.