In a region where tea and coffee are the go-to drinks, it’s safe to say that lagers aren’t ingrained in our culture— though it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are not widely appreciated. As satisfying as a cold pilsner can be, historically, most of these beverages tend to be imported from countries with long-standing brewing traditions, and while we are still happy to enjoy them that way, the drawbacks are that they are usually much more expensive and do not always retain the same flavor as they normally would after they are shipped from overseas, especially in the GCC.
Consensually regarded as “haram,” the peninsula’s relationship with the frothy elixir of barley has been a complex dance between tradition, religion, and temptation. That said, it seems as if the status quo is slowly being challenged, with the opening of the Gulf’s first-ever distillery in the UAE. Located in the capital Abu Dhabi, in the basement of the Rosewood Hotel on Al Maryah Island, Craft by Side Hustle promises to be a haven for all enthusiasts seeking to indulge in locally sourced and produced refreshers.
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The brainchild of Chad McGehee and Jeff Karns, two American expats who have been living in the UAE for over a decade, although there isn’t that much information about the duo, it has been reported that in 2019, McGhee had already made headlines for launching the UAE’s first “home-branded” beer dubbed Side Hustle Brews and Spirits.
On top of their malt-based range, the newly-opened establishment also serves their own Gin, Rum, and Whiskey amongst other types of spirits. From traditional style types of beer like British real cask ales, pilsner, and stout, the bar slash restaurant also has a wide range of unique concoctions inspired by local flavors such as dates, coffee, honey, and Karak tea, with added spices like saffron and cardamom.
Meanwhile, if you wish to crack a cold one open there, you’ll be pleased to know that Abu Dhabi residents will not be required to hold an alcohol license as long as they are above the age of 21 and non-Muslim.
