Top 10 Alcohols to enjoy in Nepal

When you're out in the cold, what could be more comforting than a warm soup or beverage running down your throat? Yes, that's right - alcohol! The perfect way to hit the spot in a cold weather situation. Think of me as your Alcohol Sherpa, who can guide you through the depths of the booze scene in Nepal - so let's get started! Whether it's a hot toddy, a mulled wine, or a simple beer, there's something for everyone that can be enjoyed in a cold winter night. And don't forget to keep yourself hydrated, and wrap up warm - it's all part of the adventure!

Drinking Culture of Nepal

Nepalis naturally love to drink. They have their own native drinks they brew and Nepal recently saw a huge boom in micro breweries. Beer is available in almost all the corner shops. From cultural / religious background - alcohol has been integrated into ceremonies and based on different ethnicities the alcohol type changes. I’ll explain more on this in the 2 Local drinks to try.

Boozy fact: All beer is made from grains, hops, water, and yeast. The type of grain - barley, wheat, rice, corn, oats, or rye - largely determines the flavour of the beer.

4 Beers to Try

Gorkha Beer

Gorkha beer is the local favorite and it has two versions: a light version with 5% alcohol, and a strong version with 6%. This is a Lagar beer made from Barley, renowned for its smooth and light bitter taste.

Another small note for those who don’t know - Gorkhas are the most feared military unit in the world and their valor and courage during the Second World War is legendary. Their presence on the battlefields of Europe, Africa, and the Asian theatre was a testament to their strength and determination in the face of adversity. Their valor and heroism during this time left a deep and lasting impression on the world, and they are still revered today for their courage and loyalty in the face of danger.

Boozy Fact: Ales are beers fermented with top-fermenting yeast, while Lagers are brewed with bottom-fermenting yeast. Top-fermenting tends to produce more flavor, while bottom-fermenting yields a crisper taste.

Nepal Ice

This is a crisp pilsner that is part of the ever-growing craft beer revolution. It has a sweet aroma and a malty taste that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Nepal Ice is an ideal beverage to pair with a spicy meal, as its base of malt and 5.5% strength can stand up to the bold flavors. Nepal Ice Natura is a variant of this beer that’s made from barley, giving it a slightly different flavor profile. This variant has a slightly higher alcohol content, at 6.5%, and provides a welcome depth of flavor to its drinkers. Whether you're looking for a light beer for a summer day or a bolder beer to accompany a heavy meal, Nepal Ice is a great choice.

Boozy Fact: In 2015, the Nepalese government allowed microbreweries to set up. This led to a strong culture of microbreweries emerging.

Barahsinghe

My personal favorite. I've tried every single variety of this beer. Not only is it made from the finest imported Barley from the Netherlands, but it is also brewed with the most exquisite German Hops. With a variety of taste profiles, this beer is incredibly full bodied and strong at 6%. It is the perfect beverage to enjoy on a summer day or a relaxing evening, and I can assure you that it is one of the best beers I have ever tasted. With its unique flavor and robust body, this beer certainly will leave a lasting impression on all who take a sip.

Boozy Fact: On their website, they explain their brewing process and offer factory visits in Chitlan.

Yeti

I had the pleasure of trying a Yeti for the first time while in Pokhara and I must say, it was one incredibly smooth drink. It's a Blond beer, which is not typically my go-to, so it took me a few sips to get used to the flavor. But after having a second one, I was able to appreciate the unique taste of this delicious beer. It was a fantastic experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a smooth and enjoyable drink.

3 Whiskeys to try

Gurkhas and Guns

This whiskey is a blend of renowned Highland Malts, aged in American Oak Bourbon Casks. It has a fresh and pleasant aroma of honeyed fruits, toffee, citrus, creamy vanilla, and toasted cereal with a hint of sweetness.

They have further blended it with a rare 10-year-old Speyside Single Malt and let it age and finish in Sherry Casks for added complexity and flavor. Notes of mandarin and dried fruit, as well as floral and honey flavors, can be detected. It has a pleasant, long-lasting finish.

For comparison, this sits around a Black Label in the Johnny Walker family.

Old Durbar

Old Durbar Black Chimney Blended Reserve Whisky is a mix of English grain spirit and 8-year-old peated Scotch malt from Scotland. This whisky is given a special touch with Himalayan spring water and then finished off in Oloroso sherry barrels in Nepal.

The peated Scotch malt is kept in traditional American oak barrels in Scotland for 8 years, giving the whisky a warm taste of vanilla and ripened berries, plus a smoky finish. The peated Scotch malt is combined with English grain spirit and Himalayan spring water, then aged in Oloroso sherry barrels for a few months, adding fruity and honeyed flavours.

Taste-wise, this whisky can be compared to a Double Black in the Johnny Walker family. I really enjoyed this drink ✌️

The Himalayan Reserve

I haven't tried this whiskey yet, but I've heard great reviews from everyone. I'm including it in this list because I bought a bottle as a gift for my dad. Once I've had a sip, I'll write down the taste profile, but from what I've heard, it's exquisite.

2 Local / Native alcohols to Try

There are numerous types of home-brewed alcohols that are popular in certain regions. These include Chyang, Raksi, Tongba, Aila, Jaad, and Nigar. Each of these alcohols are brewed in the home, and are usually packaged and sold in plastic bottles. This is probably because the bottles are cheaper and easier to transport than glass bottles, and also because they're less likely to break. The popularity of these home-brewed alcohols speaks to the fact that many people find them to be more tasty and enjoyable than store-bought varieties. Further, homemade alcohols are often served at festivals and functions attended by various Nepali people.

Raksi

This is a fermented beverage made from rice, with an alcohol content of around 20-30%. It has a distinct taste reminiscent of vinegar, and is best enjoyed warm. Drinking it cold can result in a burning sensation in the throat, which can be unpleasant.

Chhang

Chhang is a mild alcoholic beverage, with an alcoholic strength usually ranging between 12% to 15%. Chhang has a stronger vinegar aftertaste than Raksi, and it provides a fuller body with the malts and rice flavors of the alcohol still detectable. This makes Chhang an excellent choice for those seeking a milder drink with a full-bodied taste.

1 Rum to rule them all

Khukri

This is one of the best rums I have found. It's not something I'd drink neat, but with coke it has a great taste. They have white and dark versions, as well as a spiced version I haven't tried yet. I bought this as a gift for some friends in Sri Lanka.

That's it folks, that's your booze holiday in Nepal. If you do decide to take on this journey, you'll be greeted by a plethora of unique experiences, from the vibrant culture, to the rich history, to the stunning natural beauty of the Himalayas. Whether you're looking to sample the local beers, or to explore the diverse food and drink options available, Nepal has something for everyone. From the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu to the tranquil beauty of the Annapurna region, Nepal has much to offer its visitors. So, if you're looking for an unforgettable holiday, full of adventure and culture, then don't forget to include Nepal on your list!

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