BEIRUT: The world of spirits will get its first-ever Lebanese vodka, J2, in August. Lebanon’s debut version of the liquor made from fermented potatoes or wheat, is named after a genetic marker “J2” that identifies modern-day descendants of the ancient Phoenicians. The vodka will add to Lebanon’s fast-growing alcoholic beverage industry, which experimental wine- and beer-makers as well as savvy entrepreneurs like J2’s founder R. Adam Aboulhosn are helping push forward.

The spirit will be widely available in August, but the J2 team celebrated its creation with a pre-launch party at the end of June on the rooftop of the Lancaster Plaza Hotel. J2’s creators said the drink reflected what they see as Lebanon’s inherent “party gene.”