The Re Birth of Persian Beer

The history of Shams Beer is a story that bridges ancient traditions, a booming pre-revolution culture in Iran, a sudden shutdown, and a modern rebirth across two different continents.

While Shams as a brand was born in the 20th century, it was inspired by a massive legacy. The earliest chemical evidence of beermaking in human history dates back to 3500–3100 BC in the Zagros Mountains of ancient Persia (modern-day Iran). Shams was created to honor that ancient heritage.

The original Shams Beer brand was founded in 1962 in Iran. The word Shams means “Sun” in Arabic and was widely used in Persian culture.

Before 1979, Shams was the oldest and most popular beer brand in Iran. It was a standard 5% ABV alcoholic wheat and barley lager that became a staple of everyday social life, family gatherings, and friendships across the country.

The company’s trajectory changed overnight with the Iranian Revolution.In 1979, the new government legally prohibited the production, sale, and consumption of all alcoholic beverageszThe original Shams brewery was forced out of business and shut down completely.

For nearly 40 years, Shams existed only in memories and old photographs. However, the brand has been revived in two completely distinct ways:

In the late 2000s/2018 era, the brand name was re-established in Iran under the Castle Noush company. Operating out of a large factory in Shahriar, they legally produce only non-alcoholic malt beverages in various fruit and grain flavors to comply with local laws.

In North America , Children of Iranian refugees and U.S. veterans wanted to bring back the original spirit of the brand. Craft breweries like SHAMS GOLD USA in California and separate efforts in Vancouver, Canada, revived the name. They brew authentic, alcoholic Pilsners and lagers to celebrate the “Golden Age” of Persian beer making for the global diaspora.

Destination: Iran