Iran’s Signature Drinks: Tasting and Comparing Iranian Beers – Flavor, Alcohol Content, and Local Popularity Explained

Many people might be surprised to hear that you can drink beer in Iran. In the Islamic Republic of Iran, alcoholic beverages are prohibited by law. However, drinks proudly sold as “beer” are actually lined up in ordinary Iranian supermarkets and kiosks.

In reality, these are all non-alcoholic beers. Despite having 0% alcohol content, they recreate beer’s flavor and texture. In Iran, these have gained complete acceptance as “beer.”

This non-alcoholic beer culture has developed as Iran’s unique beverage culture. Based on actual local tasting experiences, we’ll explore Iran’s lesser-known beer situation.

What is Iranian Beer? Its History and Background

Iran banned alcoholic beverages following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. However, demand for beer flavors remained, so non-alcoholic beer production began in the 1980s.

Iranian non-alcoholic beer isn’t merely a substitute but has evolved uniquely. Using alcohol-free brewing methods, efforts are made to maximize malt flavors and hop aromas. Multiple domestic manufacturers exist, each competing with unique tastes.

These beers are also called “Maal Shaeer” (non-alcoholic malt beverages) and have established themselves as part of Iranian food culture. Particularly in hot summers, they’re popular as refreshing drinks.

Iranian Beer Tasting Report

Let me share impressions from actually drinking several local beers.

Hey Jo: Refreshing Standard

“Hey Jo,” most commonly seen in Iran, is a standard beer available in many restaurants and supermarkets. Its golden package with sophisticated can design is distinctive.

When poured into a glass, malt aromas spread with moderate foam. It looks completely like regular beer.

Taking a sip reveals refreshing flavors. It’s similar to Japan’s non-alcoholic beer “All Free” but with a drier, lighter impression. Malt sweetness is modest with refreshing qualities prominent. The exhilaration after walking around in blazing heat is exceptional. The satisfaction of gulping it down while wiping sweat is unforgettable. This refreshing quality is very valuable in Iran’s hot summers. When drunk with rich Iranian dishes like lamb kebabs or spicy Fesenjan (pomegranate and chicken stew), it provides refreshing cleansing for the palate.

As an impression, it might feel insufficient as a beer substitute, but as a “non-alcoholic beer-flavored beverage,” it’s quite delicious. Particularly drinking cold Hey Jo on hot days provides sufficient satisfaction even without alcohol.

Behnoush Original: Deep-Flavored

I found Behnoush’s black bottle at a small shop in Shiraz’s alleys. Iran’s major beverage manufacturer Behnoush is famous for their “Delster” brand, but this product doesn’t have a brand name. It’s a common product available at most stores. I personally call it “Behnoush Original.”

Opening the crown releases rich malt aromas. The liquid is dark brown with creamy foam rising.

Compared to Hey Jo, bitterness is clearly stronger with more beer-like flavors. Malt roastiness is well-felt – comparable to Japan’s “Black Hoppy” if I had to compare.

I personally prefer this one. The balance of bitterness and roastiness is exquisite, with surprising completion that makes you wonder “Is this really non-alcoholic?” When I bought it at a nearby shop and slowly drank it on the hotel terrace at day’s end, I felt somewhat intoxicated. I found myself thinking “This would be perfect with some shochu added.”

Popular Iranian Brands and Market Diversity

Iranian supermarkets and kiosks display surprisingly diverse non-alcoholic beers beyond the brands introduced today. Each manufacturer competes intensively, offering various flavors.

Here are some particularly popular brands:

• Argo: Particularly popular in urban areas and favored among young people. Features refreshing flavors and sophisticated package design.
• Shams: A brand committed to traditional brewing methods, pursuing more authentic beer flavors. Tends to be supported by middle-aged and older demographics.
• Delster: Behnoush’s flagship brand with various flavors like lemon and apple. Particularly popular among women and those who dislike beer’s bitterness.
• Istak: A relatively new brand gaining popularity with unique flavors. Expanding support mainly among younger generations.

These brands can be easily found at any Iranian supermarket or shop. Package designs are also very sophisticated, making “jacket buying” for tasting comparisons one of travel’s pleasures. Packages fusing Persian language and Persian patterns are enjoyable just to look at.

Iranian Can Features: Unique Pull Tabs

Incidentally, what’s interesting about Iranian beer cans is their unique pull tab shapes. Compared to cans from Japan and other countries, the pull ring shape and opening method differ, causing some confusion when first opening them.

Several reasons are conceivable for this unique design:

1. Influence of unique industrial standards and technology: Iran doesn’t necessarily conform to international packaging technology standards, developing unique technology emphasizing domestic production and supply.
2. Impact of economic sanctions: Years of Western economic sanctions have restricted imports of overseas manufacturing technology and machinery. Consequently, pull tab designs manufacturable domestically differ from other countries.
3. Cost and supply issues: They might use pull tab shapes easily procurable domestically.

While a small difference, such details also reflect Iran’s uniqueness interestingly. Once accustomed, Iranian pull tabs with their unique texture seemed to have their own rationality.

Iranians and Beer’s Interesting Relationship: Recognition as “Bitter Drinks”

Let me share another interesting anecdote. When ordering beer at a restaurant, there was an interesting episode. When I ordered beer, the staff looked somewhat concerned and asked, “This is a slightly bitter drink, is that okay?”

This comment reveals cultural taste differences. For those of us from beer-familiar cultures, beer’s bitterness is natural – not something requiring warning when ordering. However, in Iran without alcoholic beverage culture, these non-alcoholic beers are recognized as “bitter drinks.”

Particularly younger generations and women tend to prefer sweeter flavored non-alcoholic beers. Indeed, at restaurants many female customers chose lemon or apple-flavored beers (closer to ciders?).

Such taste differences represent cultural background preference variations. While we beer-accustomed people find them refreshing beer flavors, for Iranians who don’t drink alcoholic beverages, these non-alcoholic beers are imaged as “bitter drinks,” which was enlightening.

Summary: Iran’s Uniquely Evolved Beer Culture

Iranian non-alcoholic beer isn’t merely a “substitute” but a drink that developed as unique culture. Even without alcohol, you can fully enjoy beer’s distinctive flavors, texture, and food compatibility.

If you have the opportunity to visit Iran, definitely try various brands. You should discover different charms from non-alcoholic beers drunk elsewhere. Package design beauty is also enjoyable, and unique pull tab shapes reveal ingenuity under economic sanctions.

Above all, through such non-alcoholic beers, you can experience Iranians’ flexibility, creativity, and attitude pursuing “freedom within restrictions.” Iran’s ability to fully enjoy “beer culture” without alcohol should provide valuable cultural experiences that break stereotypes about Islamic countries.