Disclaimer: It is important to understand that the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Pakistan are subject to strict laws. Under the Prohibition (Enforcement of Hadd) Order, 1979, it is illegal for Muslims to buy, sell, or consume alcohol. For the non-Muslim population and non-Muslim foreigners, a permit system is in place that allows for the purchase of limited quantities of alcohol from licensed vendors. This guide is for informational purposes only and is intended for those who are legally permitted to purchase and consume alcohol in Pakistan.
Navigating the world of whiskey in Pakistan presents a unique picture, dominated by two national producers and supplemented by a grey market of imported brands. Here’s a look at the whiskies you can find, from legally produced local options to internationally recognized labels available through licensed channels.
The National Producers
Pakistan has two major, long-standing distilleries that legally produce a range of spirits, including whiskey.
1. Murree Brewery
Established in 1860 and based in Rawalpindi, Murree Brewery is the country’s most famous and largest producer of alcoholic beverages. For those legally able to purchase, Murree offers a range of whiskies that are the most widely available options at licensed retailers across the country.
Key Offerings from Murree Brewery:
- Murree’s Malt Whisky Classic 8 Years: Considered their flagship single malt, this whisky is aged for eight years and is often the most recommended among their portfolio for its quality and smoothness.
- Murree’s Millennium Reserve 12 Years Old: A premium and rarer offering, this 12-year-old malt is for those seeking a more refined local option.
- Murree’s Lion Whisky: A popular and more accessible blended whisky.
- Murree’s VAT No. 1: Another one of Murree’s well-known blended whiskies, recognizable by its distinct bottle shape.
- Islay Reserve: For those who enjoy a peated, smokier profile similar to Scotch whiskies from the Islay region, this is Murree’s unique offering.
2. Quetta Distillery Limited (QDL)
Quetta Distillery Limited is the other major licensed producer of spirits in Pakistan. Based in Quetta, Balochistan, QDL has been operating for decades and produces a range of alcoholic beverages.
- QDL Offerings: While less nationally prevalent than Murree’s products, QDL produces its own brands of spirits, including whiskey. Their products, such as Bolan’s Malt Whisky, are primarily available in the Balochistan province and select other licensed outlets. They offer an alternative to the more common Murree Brewery products for those in the region.
Imported Whiskies: Availability and Popular Brands
While the legal importation and distribution of international spirits are heavily restricted, a variety of well-known imported whiskey brands are available in Pakistan. These are typically found at high-end licensed hotels and specialized shops for those with permits.
Popular Imported Brands Found in Pakistan:
- Johnnie Walker: The iconic blended Scotch whisky is arguably the most recognized imported brand. The portfolio, especially Johnnie Walker Black Label and the premium Johnnie Walker Blue Label, is highly sought after.
- Chivas Regal: Another popular blended Scotch, with Chivas Regal 12 Year Old and 18 Year Old being common finds.
- Jack Daniel’s: The classic Tennessee whiskey is a favorite among those who prefer American whiskey.
- The Macallan: For connoisseurs of single malts, various expressions of The Macallan can be found, though typically at very high price points.
- Glenfiddich & Glenlivet: These Speyside single malts are also popular choices for those with a permit to purchase.
Where to Legally Purchase Whiskey in Pakistan
For non-Muslims holding a valid permit, there are two main types of legal vendors:
- Licensed High-End Hotels: Five-star hotels such as the Pearl Continental, Serena, Marriott, and Avari in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are authorized to sell alcoholic beverages to permit holders.
- Licensed “Wine Shops”: Particularly in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan, there are designated and licensed retail shops that cater to the non-Muslim population.
It is crucial to purchase only from these licensed sources to ensure the authenticity and safety of the product, as the black market can be rife with counterfeit and potentially hazardous products.
Tags
best whiskey in Pakistan, Murree Brewery, Quetta Distillery, QDL Whiskey, Bolan’s Whisky, Johnnie Walker Pakistan, Chivas Regal, legal alcohol purchase, single malt, blended whisky, licensed shops, top5pk.com, best job website in pakistan, best sites for jobs in pakistan, best jobs website in pakistan
Hashtags
#WhiskeyInPakistan, #MurreeBrewery, #QuettaDistillery, #QDL, #PakistaniSpirits, #JohnnieWalker, #ChivasRegal, #LegalDrinking, #LicensedRetailers
