A short guide to brewing history & crafted brewing
Brewing is one of humanity’s oldest crafts. Here is a brief, useful overview — and how modern crafted ale-style beverages fit into the story.
The ancient origins of brewing
Brewing grain into a beverage is thousands of years old, with roots in the early civilisations of the Near East. For much of history, brewed grain drinks were a daily staple — nourishing, safer than untreated water, and central to community life.
How brewing works, in brief
At its simplest, brewing means steeping malted grain to release its sugars, flavouring the liquid (today, usually with hops), and conditioning it into the finished beverage. The method and ingredients determine the style — and whether the result is light and crisp or dark and roasted.
Where alcohol comes in — and how it can come out
Traditionally, fermentation converts grain sugars into alcohol. Modern non-alcoholic brewing approaches this differently: brewers can limit alcohol formation during the process, or gently remove the alcohol afterwards, all while protecting the malt and hop character. The goal is to keep everything that makes an ale enjoyable — the aroma, body and finish — and non-alcoholic.
The rise of modern crafted brewing
For years, non-alcoholic options were an afterthought. That has changed. Advances in brewing and a global shift toward mindful drinking have produced a new generation of crafted ale-style beverages made with genuine craft. This is the tradition Majlis builds on — a halal, beer alternative, made in the UAE.
How is beer alternative made?+
Non-alcoholic ales are generally made either by limiting alcohol production during brewing or by gently removing alcohol afterwards, while preserving the malt and hop character. The aim is the flavour and body of an ale and non-alcoholic.
Is crafted brewing new?+
Not at all. Low- and non-alcoholic grain beverages have existed in various forms for a very long time. What is new is the craft quality and premium positioning of modern crafted ale-style beverages.
Taste the modern chapter
Experience how far crafted brewing has come, in every Majlis pour.