A Palestinian beer has made its way to British store shelves despite significant challenges, including a war in the region and strict border controls. This remarkable achievement is attributed to a partnership between the Taybeh Brewing Company from the West Bank and Brewgooder, a Scottish brewer.

Madees Khoury, the brewmaster at Taybeh, described her family’s journey as one filled with obstacles but also resilience. Taybeh Brewing Company, established over three decades ago, is notable for operating in a predominantly Muslim area where alcohol is often prohibited due to religious beliefs. Despite these hurdles, Taybeh continues to thrive through sheer determination.

The brewing company has faced significant fallout since the outbreak of conflict in October 2023, which has led to losses and an increase in violence in the region. With Israeli military actions rising in the West Bank, Taybeh’s operations have been hindered, forcing many local businesses, including bars and hotels, to close their doors due to increased unrest.

Brewgooder reached out to Taybeh to create a collaborative beer aimed at helping the struggling brewery navigate these times. They developed "Sun & Stone," a Mediterranean lager, to both boost Taybeh’s business and raise funds for charity efforts in Gaza and the broader Middle East.

Nadim Khoury, one of Taybeh’s founders, humorously noted the logistical challenges they face, which include navigating Israeli checkpoints and delays that can impact the quality of their product. Despite these setbacks, the partnership with Brewgooder offers a new pathway for distribution without the burdens of border controls within the UK.

The first batch of 180,000 cans was set to be released in 1,600 Co-op stores across the UK, with all profits directed back to Taybeh and local charitable organizations. This collaboration not only signifies a new hope for Taybeh Brewing Co. but also serves as a testament to the power of community and cooperation in overcoming adversity.