Pale lager and whisky brewed and distilled in Rawalpindi, sold only to non-Muslim buyers on a permit. Murree Brewery was founded in 1860 at Ghora Gali to supply British troops, survived prohibition in 1977, and still runs on permit sales.
It is one brewery’s commercial product, and it is sold in Pakistan only under a legal permit system — home brewing there is prohibited outright, and licensed elsewhere.
What goes into it
- malted barley
- hops
- yeast
- water
How it is made
Malt is mashed, the wort boiled with hops, cooled and fermented, then conditioned before filtering and bottling — a conventional brewery process. The unusual part is entirely legal: Pakistan prohibited alcohol for Muslims in 1977, so the brewery sells to non-Muslim citizens and foreigners against a permit, and cannot advertise.
How long it takes: three to four weeks from mash to bottle
How it is eaten
Cold, from the bottle, by permit holders.
History
Murree Brewery was founded in 1860 at Ghora Gali to supply British troops; it survived prohibition in 1977 and still runs on permit sales.
Frequently asked questions
What is Murree Beer?
Murree Beer is a wine & spirit from Pakistan: pale lager and whisky brewed in Rawalpindi, sold only to non-Muslim buyers. Murree Brewery was founded in 1860 at Ghora Gali to supply British troops; it survived prohibition in 1977 and still runs on permit sales.
How is Murree Beer made?
Malt is mashed, the wort boiled with hops, cooled and fermented, then conditioned before filtering and bottling — a conventional brewery process. The unusual part is entirely legal: Pakistan prohibited alcohol for Muslims in 1977, so the brewery sells to non-Muslim citizens and foreigners against a permit, and cannot advertise. It takes three to four weeks from mash to bottle.
Can I make Murree Beer at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. It is one brewery’s commercial product, and it is sold in Pakistan only under a legal permit system — home brewing there is prohibited outright, and licensed elsewhere.
What goes into Murree Beer?
Malted barley, hops, yeast, water.
How is Murree Beer eaten?
Cold, from the bottle, by permit holders.
