While many in the UK only became familiar with the exploits of Gurkha soldiers when Joanna Lumley began campaigning for their veterans’ rights, in Nepal they have been revered for centuries. When the East India Company was fought to a standstill by Nepali soldiers in the early 19^th Century, the British government was so impressed that it immediately began recruiting Nepali soldiers. Since then, the exploits of Nepalis serving within Britain’s Brigade of Gurkhas, India’s Gorkha regiments, and within the Singapore police force have become the stuff of legend. Imagery associated with these heroes is all-pervasive in Nepali society, and not just the khukuri knife, synonymous with Nepali military prowess and something of a national emblem. There is a Gurkha cigar brand, a Gorkha beer (“Dedicated to the Brave”) and, of interest to us, the Gurkhas & Guns whisky brand.

This isn’t the Water of Life’s first foray into Nepali whisky: we reviewed the Nepali blend Kala Patthar in November. Gurkhas & Guns represents a different aspect of the Nepali whisky market, however. Whilst Kala Patthar is an entirely locally produced blend (with admittedly some slightly misleading labelling), Gurkhas & Guns is closer to a product from an Irish whisky bonder. The whisky, like several options on the Nepali market, is Scottish whisky imported and bottled under a local label.

And what a local label. The squared glass bottle with its thick base and embossed chevron has a touch of the art deco. All text is picked out in gold lettering, implying wealth and class, overseen by the stern Gurkha soldier peering out from the medallion on the bottle’s centre. The effect is striking.

As for the whisky itself, unfortunately relatively little is disclosed. It is identified as a blend of 10-year-old Speyside whisky from an undisclosed distillery and unidentified “famous Highland Malts”. The Speyside portion is aged in sherry casks, while the Highland part has spent its time in bourbon casks. That is, according to the back of the bottle. The front claims that the whole thing has been matured in bourbon casks and then finished in sherry casks, for sweetness and smoothness respectively. Oh dear.

The simple fact of doing business in Nepal is that the Scottish Whisky Association, while seemingly all-powerful in Europe, has neither presence nor influence. We must take the whisky’s claims as to its origins at face value, but keep in mind that its origin is somewhat unproven. In the meantime, we must attribute the conflicting information from our bottle’s label to carelessness or an error in translation rather than malice or a deliberate attempt to mislead. I suspect a visit to the Avanish Distillery in Kathmandu, where the spirit is bottled, to clear all this up, is out of the question. Ke garne – what can you do?

Gurkhas & Guns Finest Blended Whisky

Blended Scottish whisky, bottled in Nepal.

42.8% ABV

Colouring and filtration not mentioned.

NPR 3080 for 750ml (Daraz) – about £18.30. Limited availability outside Nepal – likely at a much steeper price.

Nose: Clear notes of malt and honey lead the way. The sherry cask influence is immediately apparent, with sultanas and raisins coming through strongly, accompanied by a hint of apricot. A little bit of spice is present as well: peppermint, vanilla, clove, and a kick of white pepper.

Palate: Digestive biscuit, honey, vanilla, and brown sugar. A warmth comes through from peppermint and harsh white pepper.

Finish: A medium, warm finish, with lingering honey and pepper. It becomes increasingly bitter as it fades.

Opinion: Gurkhas & Guns Finest Blended Whisky is pleasant, if uncomplicated and a little unrefined. I do think that the packaging overpromises slightly: there is a real luxury feel to the stylish bottle. While the nose initially delivers on these expectations, unfortunately the palate does not, matching the pricepoint rather than the presentation. This is likely to only be an issue for those buying the whisky on the international market: the price tag in Nepal is unlikely to result in expectations being sky high, despite the excellent packaging.

Speaking of price, the cost of a bottle of Gurkhas & Guns in Nepal is quite competitive, sitting far below imported single malts. That does make me suspect that the “Highland” portion of the blend comes from Nepal rather than the Scottish Highlands: if all the spirit were Scottish, I would expect the price to be far higher. However, this question of origin is unlikely to be resolved. Regardless, the Avanish distillery team have done a pretty decent job of blending – regardless of the spirit’s origin, it is surprisingly well balanced. Any harshness or youth that does come through is banished with the addition of a little ice, which is the usual way whisky is consumed in the intended market.

Overall, Gurkhas & Guns is enjoyable and affordable. Unfortunately, I don’t believe that it will be a competitive product on the international market: once the increased expense of export, as well as various import duties, is taken into account, the cost of a bottle will be such that it will have to compete with much more complete drams. Still, if you find yourself in Nepal, it’s definitely worth a try.

5.5/10