Microbrewery of the north
In June 2014 Jamil Haddad launched Colonel craft beer in his microbrewery, tucked away in the coastal town of Batroun. He is setting himself apart within Lebanon’s beer world, driven more by idealism rather than huge profits, as he follows what’s been a life long passion.
Haddad’s family has lived in Batroun for generations. Growing up he brewed liquor and beer with his dad and years later fine-tuned the process by attending brewery courses in the UK and Germany. After a decade working within marketing, he packed it all in for the love of beer and created the North’s first microbrewery.
On walking into the brewery yard there’s no industry noise, no loud machines, just calm accompanied by the breeze of the sea. At only 31, Haddad is something of a young entrepreneur and his attention to detail is obvious in the unique structure of the brewery, designed by interior architect Nadim Sioufi. The building is made from recycled wood planks, eco board panels and recycled plastic bags. The production of Colonel is a small-scale operation and Haddad wears many hats. Not only in charge of brewing, he also oversaw the development of the building which rose from the ground in just five months. Brewing days start at dawn and end at sunset. And, since the brewery doubles as a beer garden with a canteen he takes care of customers into the evening.
"I realized that to be efficient I have to do many things at once," says Haddad, with a smile. Brewing is a labor-intensive product that requires patience, which Haddad certainly seems to have lots of. The Colonel lager pours light, with a soft head and makes a very welcome addition to the local beer market. And his brewery is well on its way to becoming the hub of Batroun. Open daily from 6pm. Bayadir Street, Batroun, 06 743543 Facebook: Colonelbeer; colonelbeer.com