Craft Beer Ales are now available in Nepal

Ales Versus Lagers

Craft beer ales available in Nepal taste different from the lager beers historically sold here. But what is the difference between craft beer ales and the typical lager beers?

If you have been drinking beer in Nepal, most likely you have been drinking lagers, as most beers sold in Nepal today are lagers. They are normally very light, low alcohol, and most taste quite similar to each other. This is similar to beer in America in the late 1970s.

Today, most Craft Beer are ales, which are more flavorful, have many more varieties, and are often higher in alcohol. This an article from the American Home Brewers Association describes the difference.

Ale vs. Lager: What’s the Difference?

Ales are brewed using a different yeast than lagers, and each are brewed at different temperatures. Ales ferment between 60F/16C to 78F/26C, while lagers fermenting between 48F/9C–58F/14C (with the beer aged at least 2 to 3 weeks near 32F/0C). This gives them a unique flavor.

Different varieties of ale yeast produce many different styles of beer, with over 45 different styles of ale beer produced today. Though different styles of lagers are increasing, ales provide the most variety for the beer enthusiast.

In the last century most ales were produced in either Belgium or The United Kingdom. But with the craft beer revolution in American, increasingly ales now come from the United States.

Ales Now Available In Nepal

Make sure you check out the American Craft Beer now available in Nepal, with the styles increasing all the time. Current beers styles include ales that are light, crisp and citrusy, to hoppy, to dark, and rich, with hints of chocolate, caramel and coffee. Try them all, and find your favorite beer.

Here is a link to locations across Nepal where you can find craft beer.

Nepal now offers American Craft Beer, Belgian beers, and other international varieties for your enjoyment.

Beer Ratings

Nepal Beer Ratings With the growth of craft beer worldwide, groups now rate beers similar to the way wine is rated. Beers are typically rated on a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 being the best. These organizations evaluate beers and beer retailers, to help you decide what and where to purchase, plus they promote beer culture. You will find beer ratings at following sites to help you evaluate your beer selection. We have done some of the hard work for you, and looked up most beers in Nepal on RateBeer. Click here for the current ratings of beers in Nepal.

Beer Rating Groups

The two most prominent beer ratings groups are RateBeer and Beeradvocate, and combined they rate most commercially available beers around the world. Find your favorite beer, compare it to others, and use the information to try new ones.

RateBeer is recognized as the most accurate and is the most visited source for beer information. They educate about beer, promote craft beer, plus perform outreach, in order to promote beer culture and enjoyment.

RateBeer was created in May 2000 as a forum where beer lovers come together and share opinions of beers and beer retailers, and learn more about beer culture. They provide beer news and event information, plus are the leading source for consumer-driven beer ratings. RateBeer is maintained by dedicated volunteers and beer lovers.

In addition to ratings RateBeer also publishes articles about beer culture and industry events, plus they provide weekly beer related editorials. Lastly, they conduct an internationally recognized annual beer competition called the “RateBeer Best”.

RateBeer maintains over 100,000 members from more than 100 countries. They provide independent, unbiased, consumer-driven information about beer, breweries, and retailers, all to promote the image and appreciation of beer worldwide.

RateBeer’s rates beers using a consumer friendly 100-point SCORE. The score rates beers based on a beer’s percentile ranking among all beers, with a score of 99 rating a beer at or above 99% of other beers. Every beer is also given a STYLE SCORE which ranks a beer among its style peers, for instance how one stout ranks among other stouts.

RateBeer rates almost 200,000 beers from nearly 16,000 breweries, with over 4.5 million total ratings.

The brothers Todd and Jason Alström founded BeerAdvocate in 1996, which also rates beers and beer retailers. Both subscribers to the site and the brothers (Bros) rate beers and beer retailers, with each providing separate scores. In addition to ratings, and they provide monthly beer reviews of new and established beers.

BeerAdvocate Overall Score (BOS)
BeerAdvocate generates a “BeerAdvocate Overall Score” (or BOS) for each beer, that ranks beers from 0 to 100. The BOS is a proprietary point system, which is not a percentile rank, and represents the final overall score for a beer or place. It summarizes the individual ratings, and provides consumers with a quick reference to compare one beer or place to another. Following is a description of ratings:

BOS Range

95-100 = world-class
90-94 = outstanding
85-89 = very good
80-84 = good
70-79 = okay
60-69 = poor
< 60 = awful

Note: A beer or place must have at least 10 reviews to receive a BOS, hence an individual member review is not given a BOS.

Click here for more information on how the BeerAdvocate scores are generated.

BeerAdvocate rates well over 100,000 beers, and their database contains millions of ratings.

BeerAdvocate publishes a monthly magazine which covers beer from every angle (Click here for BeerAdvocate Magazine), and they organize popular beer festivals and events every year. Click here for upcoming events.

Find Beer Ratings

Look up the ratings for most beers available in Nepal, and see how your favorite beer compares. Use the ratings to help decide what to drink.

Click here for Nepal Beer Ratings on RateBeer.

Click here for Nepal Beer Ratings on Beeradvocate.

Definition of Craft Beer

What is the Definition of Craft Beer?

What makes craft beer different from other beers? Each beer lover has their own definition of craft beer, and they often share a good story when you ask.

But to keep it simple, we define craft beer as a beer that is not brewed by one of the international “mega-breweries”, who dominate Nepal with light lagers. Though these beers can be refreshing, you can easily find them (you don’t need our help), and one beer tastes similar to the other.

This site helps you to find delicious, more flavorful beers, which are typically produced in small batches, and are not as commonly found in Nepal. We include the following:

Nepali Craft Beer,
Craft beer imports from around the world,
Belgian beers,
Flavorful beers like Guinness and Murphy’s Irish Stout, plus
Other imports or beers not easily found in Nepal.

Read on! We further define craft beer, and provide insights into craft beer worldwide.

Simple Definition of Craft Beer

First, the Oxford Dictionary defines craft beer, followed by the American Brewers Association’s more complex definition.

Craft Beer

noun

noun: craft beer; plural noun: craft beers; noun: craft brew; plural noun: craft brews

A beer made in a traditional or non-mechanized way by a small brewery.

The American Brewers Association defines a craft brewers as:

“A craft brewer is small, independent, and traditional.”

Small

To keep their status as a Craft Brewer, a brewery can produce no more that 6 million barrels of beer annually, or no more that approximately 3 percent of national sales.

Independent

A craft brewery is independently owned. A non-craft brewer cannot own more that 25% of a craft brewery, nor can an industry member that is not also a craft brewer own or control a craft brewery.

Traditional

They brew using both traditional and innovative techniques. And the flavor of their beers must come from the ingredients and from the fermentation process, not from additives.

The following are concepts related to craft beer and craft brewers:

Craft breweries are small in size.
And they innovate. Craft brewers interpret historic styles in unique ways, and develop new styles not seen before.
Craft beer is generally made with traditional ingredients like malted barley and hops; but craft brewers sometimes add interesting and non-traditional ingredients to make their beers distinctive.
Brewers are involved in their communities through philanthropy, product donations, volunteerism and sponsorship of events.
They connect with their customers by using a more direct and individual approach.
As craft brewers, they focus on quality and innovation. Independence makes them more creative, and freedom from non-craft interests allows them to take more risks. They produce unique beers that others would not risk making.

Read more about craft beer and brewers at CraftBeer.com.

How to drink craft beer in Nepal!

Here is how to drink craft beer in Nepal

Open the beer.

Pour the beer in a glass.

POTUS Drink Craft Beer Nepal — OK! In the interest of full disclosure, The POTUS (President of the United States) has never been to Nepal… But he brews beer in the Whitehouse! That warrants his appearance.

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.

Craft Beer has come to Nepal! Find your beer at the top of the world.

Craft Beer has come to Nepal

Finally, craft beer has come to Nepal!

Craft beer has come to Nepal! Though there is no shortage of beer in Nepal, unfortunately for beer lovers who look for more flavorful craft beers, the selection was from among variations of a traditional European style light lagers. With recent changes to to the laws in Nepal, craft beer has come to Nepal. These changes allow for small craft breweries, and the beer scene is changing.

So far all selections are either in cans or bottles (See the post about Nepali beer…), but the selection is growing. We are dedicated to helping you find your favorite beer at the top of the world, so enjoy Nepal to the fullest!

Local Craft Beer

As of this post, we only know of one Nepali craft brewery. Sherpa Brewery opened in 2014. They currently only make one style of beer, a German kolsch, but it is a nice change from the usual light lagers. They do not have a tasting room, but it is easily found in many locations.

American Craft Beer

We now find limited varieties of American craft beer, including an American style IPA, a Saison, and don’t miss your own encounter with a Yeti (American style stout). Here are the locations so far where you find these tasty beers.

Thamel MoMo Hut, Narshing Chwok, Kathmandu, Nepal (Kathmandu’s main craft beer destination, American Craft Beer, local beers, and cider)

Thamel Eco Resort, Chibahal, Thamel, Kathamndu, Nepal (at the courtyard bar, ask at the front desk)

Belgian Beers

If you are a connoisseur of Belgian beers, the selection is small, but you can definitely find Belgian beers in Nepal. Chimay, Duvel, Hogaarden, Liefmans, and Westmalle Trippel are available. Get your Belgian beer fix at the top of the world at these locations!

New Orleans Cafe Thamel, Chaksibari Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal

Guinness

No pub can be truly Irish without Guinness, and the Irish pubs in Nepal have responded. We’ve found a couple locations in Kathmandu that carry Guinness Daught in a can. Though not as traditional as the 10 minute pour, it still carries the taste of Ireland. Find Guinness at the following locations.

Everest Irish Pub, Z Street, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

Irish Pub, Ananda Bhawan, Lazimpat Rd, 44600, Nepal

Keep Checking Back

Expect updates as we post more places in Nepal where you can find craft beer. We will help you enjoy Nepal to the fullest.