Rising spirits

This article is part of an Executive special report on beer, wine and arak. Read more stories as they’re published here, or pick up October’s issue at newsstands in Lebanon. There is general doom and gloom in the economy in Lebanon, consumer confidence is down and polls indicate general pessimism about the future. But one sector is doing surprisingly well given the current situation, or perhaps because of it: alcohol. Across the alcohol spectrum it is more, more and more. More importation choice, more wines, more breweries and more places to drink. As with many other consumer trends, this reflects global trends: drinking better and with greater variety. A decade ago, there were three primary choices on the drinks table: blended whisky, Almaza beer, and red or white wine. Today, a good spread may feature in addition to the above: vodka, single malt whisky, rosé wine and locally produced craft beer.