Here is how to drink craft beer in Nepal
O
pen the beer.
Pour the beer in a glass.
Drink the beer!
Maybe too clever, but there are a few things to know as you drink craft (or any) beer in Nepal.
- The craft beer industry in Nepal is in its infancy. There is only one Nepali craft brewer right now.
- There are limited craft beer imports. We include American craft beers, Belgian beers and beers like Guinness in our mix.
- Imported craft beer in Nepal sells at western prices.
- There are local beers, but almost all are light lagers.
- There is almost no draught/draft beer (craft or otherwise) in Nepal, so expect cans and bottles.
Craft Beer is Just Getting Started in Nepal
In Nepal, the government only recently permitted small craft breweries, and to our knowledge only one is open (Sherpa Brewing). As of this post, they produce one beer, a German style kolsch. Though a singular selection, it is a tasty change from 97% of the other beer in Nepal.
Since the change, the bars and restaurants responded. There are selected locations, mostly in Kathmandu, that now offer craft beer. The manager of Thamel MoMo Hut states he plans to make it a dedicated craft beer destination.
Click here for a list of known locations for craft beer in Nepal.
You Can Now Find Craft Beer Imports
Small selections of American craft beer, Belgian beers and Guinness are now imported to Nepal, you just need to know where to find them. To date we’ve found 3 American craft beers, 5 Belgian beers and Guinness, so don’t expect a large selection (there are a handful of other imports, such as Corona and Heineken). If you are looking for something more flavorful than the traditional light lager, it is now available and we will do our best to point you to the right places.
Imports Sell at Western Prices
Despite being a backpackers paradise, not everything in Nepal is cheap. The cost of shipping to Nepal is high (the closest sea port is Kolkata India). And the government charges high import fees and taxes, especially on alcohol. As a result imported beers are more expensive, and sell at (or above) western prices. If you are a money conscious backpacker, refresh yourself with a local beverage after a long day of trekking, then reward yourself with the flavorful craft beer when the trail is done.
Local Beers are Almost All Light Lagers
There is actually a fairly large selection of local beers, but almost all are light lagers. The Carlsberg Group (Danish) products are Carlsberg, Tuborg, San Miguel, and Gorkha brands. Sungold products include Nepal Ice, Royal Gold and Mustang brands. Mt. Everest Brewery produces Everest and Tiger brands. And United Breweries are the Coblenzer brands. Most all are variations of a light lager.
If your taste is for a European style lager, there is a wide selection of local beers. If you want the American style IPA, or Belgian trippel, you need to seek out the imports, at least for now.
No Draught Beer in Nepal
Due in part to daily power outages, and lack of available tap systems, there is almost no daught/draft/tap beer in Nepal. There are a few locations, but beer is typically served, virtually everywhere, in bottles, and increasingly in cans. The server opens the beer at the table, or bar, and provides a glass.
Cheers and Ramailo Gara (enjoy)!
Lastly, drink Craft Beer in Nepal and enjoy to the fullest. A craft beer at the end of the day makes Nepal even more pleasurable. Make sure to check back for updates on selection and locations.