Elmir is renowned for its precise, high-quality beers. Chris Fadel, co-founder, brewmaster and brewing and innovation manager at Elmir Brewing Company S.A.L, talks about the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and excellence.
Elmir is known for its clean beers. What steps do you take to maintain such high-quality standards?
At Elmir, we brew with obsession, and every beer is a balance of passion and scientific precision. We combine the precision of science with the soul of craftsmanship; as a result, we refuse to compromise. Moreover, we don’t take shortcuts, nor do we settle for “good enough.” Instead, every ingredient is chosen with intention, ensuring only the best quality. Additionally, every batch is closely monitored, tasted, and fine-tuned until it reaches what we consider Elmir-level quality: clean, crisp, and undeniably flawless. Ultimately, we don’t just make beer; we live it, breathe it and pour everything into every drop.
How do you see Elmir positioning itself in the global craft beer market?
While many breweries chase trends, we, on the other hand, focus on brewing classic styles intentionally. In other words, we prioritize drinkability, precision and character. As a result, our beers are clean, well-balanced and true to style. Additionally, our Lebanese Terroir range carries a unique signature that sets us apart. Moreover, these brewmasters’ specialty beers have earned us several international awards since 2021, including three Golds for Aleph, Arzé and Anfé. Recently, Anfé won Best Beer in the World in its category. By staying true to our brewing philosophy and collaborating globally, we are steadily expanding to key markets. Consequently, we’re carving out our place on the world stage, thus one honest, exceptional beer at a time.
Do you have plans to expand internationally or collaborate with other breweries?
Yes, international expansion is a core part of our vision. With the increased capacity of our new brewery, we’re now well-positioned to grow and introduce Elmir to new markets, such as the GCC. Currently, we’re already present in Japan, the Maldives, and Switzerland, and we have begun building strong collaborative ties abroad. For instance, one example is our partnership with Canediguerra in Italy, where we co-brewed Faccardino. Additionally, we’re working on upcoming collaborations with European breweries. Moreover, these partnerships allow us to exchange expertise and explore new styles. Furthermore, it help us share Elmir’s unique brewing philosophy with a wider global audience.
What can you tell us about the best brew you’ve created?
That’s always a tough one because we’ve always given all the care and attention to every brew we make! However, if I had to pick one, it would be Anfé. From the moment I discovered the style in Germany to the first production-scale batch, it was an endless road of discovery. This journey was filled with challenges, whether on the sensorial level, with its surprising sourness balanced by delicate saltiness, or on the brewing level, which required serious problem-solving and teamwork. I believe Anfé, in terms of process and final beer, truly showcases the tremendous effort and skills of our brewing team. Furthermore, Anfé reflects the dedication and expertise of our team, and its recognition as Best Beer in the World in the Gose category is a testament to that.
