Brew-volution

Nepal's drinking culture has undergone a significant commercial transformation in the last decade. The country's burgeoning middle class, youthful demographic, booming tourism and new export opportunities have fueled a remarkable growth in beer production.

Drinking alcohol is deeply intertwined with Nepalese heritage, religion, and caste system—it is essential for rituals. Nepal's first legal code, the Muluki Ain (1854), was issued during the second Rana period and divided Nepalese caste groups into five categories: the Tagadhari were the 'wearers of the holy chord', the Namasinya Matawali were labelled as 'non-enslavable alcohol drinkers', the Masinya Matawali were booked as 'enslavable alcohol drinkers', the Paninachalnya choichitohalnu na parnya got branded as 'impure but touchable castes', and the Paninachalnya choichitohalnu parnya went through life as 'impure and untouchable castes'. Hence, traditionally, Nepalese people have considered drinking alcohol a sign of belonging to a lower group in society, resulting in a loss of social prestige. This perception remains deeply embedded in rural areas of Nepal.

Craft beer, or 'microbrew,' is a carbonated fermented malted alcoholic beverage created by small, independent breweries that produce a limited annual volume.

The various ethnic groups of Nepal, however, in their cultural and natural surroundings, have ample opportunities to consume alcohol, and they do. Alcohol provides warmth and energy and is imperative for maintaining social relations and cultural heritage.

For instance, beer plays a vital role in marriage ceremonies in the Sherpa community. To propose an arranged marriage, the groom's parents send a bottle of beer to the bride's parents as a token of the marriage proposal. If the girl's father consents to the proposal, he drinks the chhyang from the boy's relatives. This is called sodane or tizyang, meaning 'question beer'.

Since ancient times, people have offered liquor to the gods and goddesses. The ritual worship of Swyeta Bhairab with wine is an ancient tradition in the Kathmandu Valley and takes place at the Hanuman Dhoka during the eightday Indra Jatra festival.

Beer-like drinks have been brewed in Nepal for centuries, with a tradition dating back to the Newar people. Traditionally, beer is brewed at home using local ingredients such as rice, millet, and herbs. Late in the last century, commercial brewing took root, and in recent years, a craft beer scene has emerged. Most of Nepal's breweries seem to be experimenting to surf on the craft beer wave.

The beer market in Nepal is driven by various segments, with a signicant demand for high-alcohol beers

Beer brands The history of commercial beer brewing in Nepal is still relatively young, but significant shifts and developments have occurred over the past decades. Before the 1970s, commercial beer was mainly imported from India and other countries, and limited government licenses severely restricted the availability of foreign brands.

Sherpa Brewery Launched in 2015, this company is considered the first craft brewery in Nepal. Inspired by feedback from foreign tourists about the limited beer options in his home region of Solukhumbu, founder Phurba Sherpa introduced craft beer to Nepal, a market dominated by mass-produced lagers. Sherpa Brewery's range comprises five beers: Khumbu Kölsch, Himalayan Red (an ESB), Sherpa Pale Ale, an IPA, and Everest Stout. These beers can occasionally be found on draft at restaurants and pubs around Kathmandu. Sherpa Brewery has taprooms in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and the Chitwan region.

Gorkha Brewery Established in the late 1980s as a joint venture between a Nepalese company and the parent company of Carlsberg, this company initially focused on brewing and marketing international brands like Tuborg and Carlsberg. In 2007, they launched their successful local brand, Gorkha Beer, which has since become a dominant player in the Nepalese beer market, holding an estimated 70% market share.

Gorkha Brewery also produces San Miguel beer. The beer market in Nepal is driven by various segments, with a significant demand for high-alcohol beers, including 'Extra Strong' (8% ABV or more), 'Strong' (6-7% ABV), 'Premium' (around 5% ABV), and 'Craft' beers, which are typically lower in alcohol content but vary. While craft beer is still a tiny portion of the market, Gorkha Brewery has developed Gorkha Ruby Lager, marketed as a craft beer, to tap into this growing segment.

Yak Brewing Company Located in Kurintar, this craft beer maker is known for its Barahsinghe brand, which is named after the swamp deer. The modern brewery is flat above the Trishuli River, about midway between Kathmandu and Pokhara. It features a German-themed beer hall that opens to a scenic outdoor terrace and is the only brewery in Nepal that offers public brewery tours.

Founded in 2016 by a group of friends passionate about good beer, Yak Brewing is considered one of the most adventurous Nepali craft brewers, offering a variety of experimental beer styles. Their products are relatively easy to find in stores, restaurants, and pubs in populated areas. Head Brewmaster Clemens Neumann, a German ex-pat educated in classic German brewing techniques, oversees the modern facility. Yak Brewing takes pride in its sustainability features, including equitherm technology, which reuses heat throughout the mashing process, resulting in a 30% reduction in energy usage.

The Yak range includes a dry-hopped Pilsner, a Dunkel Weizen, a Yaktoberfest, a Hazy IPA, and a Belgian-style Witbier.

Yeti Brewery Established in 2017, Yeti is located adjacent to Sherpa Brewery and is known for its expansive and modern facilities with a 360,000-hectoliter brewery. Yeti Brewery prides itself on being the fastest-growing local brewery, capturing about 17% of the domestic market. They produce several brands of lagers, including Yeti, Arna, Kingfisher (under a licensing agreement), Shikhar, and Seven Sins, focusing primarily on the strong beer segment.

Although they do not yet offer their beers on draft, Yeti is monitoring Nepal's draft infrastructure growth. Yeti's beers are exported to Nepali expat communities in Japan, Australia, and the UK, and there are potential plans to expand to the US market.

The brewery's location offers quality water, ample manpower, and convenient logistics for importing raw materials and distributing products nationwide. Plans include expanding the brewery and creating a visitor center and beer garden, taking advantage of their proximity to Chitwan National Park, a major tourist destination.

Raj Brewery Part of the Jalakhel Group of Industries (JGI), Raj Brewery uses German technology and expertise to produce premium-quality beers in partnership with Warsteiner, Budweiser, and Foster's Lager. It also imports brands like Corona Extra and Stella Artois.

Other brands United Breweries, Nepal's first commercial brewery, markets Kingfisher beer, which Yeti Brewery brews. CG Brewery, formerly Sun Gold Brewery and part of the Chaudhary Group, produces brands like Nepal Ice and Mustang and was the first Nepali brewery to export internationally. Mount Everest Brewery in the Chitwan District makes Everest Beer and Golden Tiger Beer, contributing to the diverse beer landscape in Nepal.

Pubs Brewpublic, located in Patan, Kathmandu, and established in 2019, makes a premier destination for beer enthusiasts in Nepal. Founded by Kusang Tamang and associates, it offers a wide selection of craft beers, including Nepali and international brands, with tap beers primarily from Barahsinghe. The pub's industrial-chic ambience extends to a street-side terrace near Patan Durbar Square. It is a hub for local and ex-pat beer lovers, home brewers, and industry professionals. Brewpublic also collaborates with Wok 'n Roll, providing a menu of pub fare and significantly distributing Sherpa Brewery draft beers across the city.

Other notable craft beer spots include the Czech Pub in Thamel, known for its excellent draft beer from Czechia, and Nepal Micropubs, operated by Sherpa Brewery, offering a mix of Sherpa drafts and imported beers. With their casual, second-floor setting, Beer Dhara in Thamel and Kyampa- the Social Hub in Lalitpur, featuring repurposed shipping containers and a beer garden, are popular for their diverse taps. Beer establishments like House of Beers in Thamel also enrich Nepal's beer scene.

Sudipa Mahato is a junior editor with Nepal Connect.

Brew-volution

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