About Us | Khukri

Welcome to Khukri Rum

Crafted in the heart of Nepal, savoured around the world.

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Inception of
Khukri

Life in the Himalayas is unlike anywhere else. It is rugged yet serene, harsh yet humbling, scarce yet abundant, cold yet kissed by the most spectacular sunrises. This land, with its extremes and contradictions, has shaped Nepal’s culture—a culture built on resilience, warmth, and deeply rooted traditions. In these high-altitude landscapes, where winters stretch long and the mountains stand silent, two things are essential: the comfort of close-knit communities and the warmth of a good drink.

A great rum serves both. It is more than a spirit; it is a companion to stories by the fire, a centrepiece of celebrations, and an unspoken thread woven into the fabric of rituals and traditions. And this is where the story of Khukri begins—a story distilled from the very essence of Nepal’s heritage, brewing over generations into a culture of its own.

Khukri Rum was born from a bold vision: to craft a spirit that would not only honour Nepal’s rich traditions but also set a new benchmark for craftsmanship and consistency. It was an ambitious dream—to create a branded, high-quality rum that would embody the strength, character, and legacy of the land it came from.

At the heart of this vision was a man who understood both the spirit of Nepal and the power of a ‘khukuri’—the iconic blade wielded by the fearless Gurkha warriors. Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, India’s first Field Marshal, was not only a celebrated leader but also a man with a refined taste for rum. It is said that over many conversations, he and his brother, a resident of Nepal, nurtured the idea of a rum that would reflect the same strength and honour carried by generations of Nepalese warriors.

Together, they laid the foundation for something remarkable. They established three distilleries—the main one in Kathmandu and two more in Bhutan and Sikkim. And in 1959, The Nepal Distilleries was born, rolling out the very first batch of Khukri Rum.

The choice to produce rum was no accident. It was Manekshaw’s drink of choice, and he knew that Nepal, home to the formidable Gurkhas, would embrace a rum that carried their indomitable spirit. The name ‘Khukri’ was chosen with intention—it is more than a weapon; it is a symbol of bravery, honour, and tradition, deeply embedded in Nepalese culture.

And so, with the establishment of Nepal’s first distillery, a new legacy began. A brand was forged that would capture the essence of the high Himalayas, bottling the strength, warmth, and resilience of Nepal to share with the world.

Nepal
Distilleries

Nestled amidst Nepal's towering mountains, home to eight of the world’s highest peaks, alcohol has long been woven into the fabric of life. In a land where bravery is celebrated, and the spirit of the people is as strong as the peaks that surround them, there was a need for something potent, something solid—a drink that could stand up to the harsh climate and reflect the resilience of its people.

Rum, with its warmth and strength, was the perfect answer. But in Nepal, where home-brewing was common, there was a gap — a disconnect in the market. The people needed more than just any drink; they needed something with a consistent quality, a product that could match their bold spirit and offer reliability with every sip.

Since 1959, Nepal Distillery has been able to not just fill this gap but carve out a niche for itself among the finest alcohol producers in the region.

Established with a mission to create something extraordinary, the distillery wasn’t just about producing rum; it was about crafting a drink that would embody the essence of the place. Nepal Distilleries aimed to create a deeper connection with its connoisseurs, fostering loyal patronage not just within the country but across the world. Its rums today celebrate the pristine Himalayan waters as much as they symbolise the rich heritage of Nepalese people.

2024

Bronze at IWSC

Both Khukri XXX Rum and Khukri Spiced Rum were awarded Bronze at the International Wine and Spirit Competition, a prestigious global platform.

2024

Launch of the Cask Series

Introducing the limited-edition Khukri Cask Series with a smoked finish, Khukri Rum takes a bold step into the luxury segment, continuing its legacy of innovation and excellence.

1959

1974

1983

1996

2008

2018

2020

2021 2021

2023

2024 2024

1959

The Beginning

The journey of Khukri Rum began with the establishment of The Nepal Distilleries Pvt. Ltd., marking the inception of a brand rooted in Nepalese culture and craftsmanship.

1974

Coronation Rum

In honour of His Majesty, the Late King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev’s coronation, Khukri introduced Coronation Rum, celebrating Nepal's cultural heritage and royal legacy.

1983

International Acclaim

Khukri Rum gained international recognition, winning Gold at the Medalla De Oro A La Calidad in Madrid, establishing itself as a premium brand on the global stage.

1996

Global Reach

Khukri Rum expanded beyond Nepal, entering the UK market in 1996 and Germany in 1998, bringing handcrafted Nepalese rum to new audiences worldwide.

2008

Spiced Innovation

With the introduction of Himalayan Rum infused with local spices, Khukri added a unique Nepalese flavour to its portfolio, catering to diverse palates.

2018

Facility Upgrade

To meet growing demand, The Nepal Distilleries modernised its production facilities, upgraded barrels, and expanded maturation capacity for enhanced quality.

2020

London Spirits Recognition

Khukri Rum was awarded Gold at the London Spirits Competition, a testament to its distinguished quality and craftsmanship.

2021

Redesigned Packaging

Embracing Nepalese pride, Khukri unveiled new packaging inspired by the iconic Khukuri knife, symbolising the brand's evolution and cultural pride.

2021

Gold for Spiced Rum

Khukri Spiced Rum received the Gold Award at The Fifty Best Spice Rum competition, cementing its place as a premium spiced rum.

2023

Gold for XXX Rum

Khukri XXX Rum achieved Gold at the Bartender Spirits Awards, further enhancing its reputation among industry experts.

2024

Bronze at IWSC

Both Khukri XXX Rum and Khukri Spiced Rum were awarded Bronze at the International Wine and Spirit Competition, a prestigious global platform.

2024

Launch of the Cask Series

Introducing the limited-edition Khukri Cask Series with a smoked finish, Khukri Rum takes a bold step into the luxury segment, continuing its legacy of innovation and excellence.

Welcome to Khukri Rum

Crafted in the heart of Nepal, savoured around the world.

Inception ofKhukri

NepalDistilleries

The Beginning

Coronation Rum

International Acclaim

Global Reach

Spiced Innovation

Facility Upgrade

London Spirits Recognition

Redesigned Packaging

Gold for Spiced Rum

Gold for XXX Rum

Bronze at IWSC

Launch of the Cask Series

The Beginning

Coronation Rum

International Acclaim

Global Reach

Spiced Innovation

Facility Upgrade

London Spirits Recognition

Redesigned Packaging

Gold for Spiced Rum

Gold for XXX Rum

Bronze at IWSC

Launch of the Cask Series

Talk To Us

Inception of
Khukri

Nepal
Distilleries