popular-wines-and-drinks-of-bhutan-that-you-must-try

Experience Unique Wines And Drinks In Bhutan

30 Jul, 2025

5 minutes read
Written by- Arpit

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30 Jul, 2025

5 minutes readWritten by - Arpit

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

  • Local Wines and Drinks in Bhutan - Complete Guide
  • 1. Ara - The Traditional Drink of Bhutan
  • 2. Bhutanese Wines - Growing Popularity
  • 3. Bhutan Grain Whisky - A Local Favourite
  • 4. K5 Whiskey - Bhutan’s Premium Whisky
  • 5. Imported Wines and Spirits in Bhutan
  • 6. Local Liquor Options in Bhutan
  • Alcohol Consumption in Bhutan
  • Responsible Drinking Tips in Bhutan
  • Final Thoughts
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When you visit Bhutan , you'll quickly discover that locals love their homemade drinks. Ara is everywhere - this rice wine hits hard and tastes completely different from anything back home. People make it in their kitchens and serve it during celebrations.

Then there's bangchang, which is beer made from millet. Sounds weird, but it's surprisingly good once you get past the first sip. Chang is another one they'll offer you - it's fermented and has this unique sour taste.

You won't find fancy wine stores here. Most imported wines and drinks in Bhutan are only available in upscale hotels or restaurants in Thimphu and Paro. But that's fine because the local stuff is way more interesting.

Trying these drinks becomes one of those unexpected things to do in Bhutan. Families will literally invite you to taste what they've made. If you want the full experience without any awkwardness, our Bhutan Tour Packages usually include proper cultural meals where you can safely try everything. Let’s take a sip into the world of wines and drinks in Bhutan.

bhutan tour packages

Local Wines and Drinks in Bhutan - Complete Guide

1. Ara - The Traditional Drink of Bhutan

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One of the most popular traditional drinks of Bhutan is Ara. It is a local alcohol made from rice, maize, wheat, or barley. The drink is usually homemade and is a big part of Bhutanese culture. In many villages, people still prepare Ara during festivals, religious ceremonies, or family gatherings.

Ara can be served either warm or cold. Some locals even mix it with butter and eggs for extra flavour, especially in the colder regions of Bhutan. Although Ara is not commercially bottled in large quantities, many travellers seek out this drink for an authentic experience of alcohol in Bhutan.

2. Bhutanese Wines - Growing Popularity

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Though Bhutan does not have large-scale vineyards, the demand for wine in Bhutan is growing. There are a few wines available in local shops and restaurants, some imported and some made locally. Bhutanese wines are mild in taste and usually have a fruity or floral flavour, making them easy to drink.

One example of wine in Bhutan is Vintria, a red wine made in collaboration with international experts. It’s smooth, not too strong, and pairs well with local dishes like dumplings and stews.

The Bhutan wine price ranges from ₹ 800 to ₹ 1500, depending on the quality and origin.

3. Bhutan Grain Whisky - A Local Favourite

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When talking about whisky in Bhutan, Bhutan Grain Whisky deserves a special mention. This drink is known for its smooth taste and gentle aroma. It’s a locally produced whisky that has gained popularity not just in Bhutan but also among tourists who like to explore new spirits.

You can find Bhutan Grain Whisky in most liquor stores, and it’s usually priced between ₹ 600 and ₹ 1000. It is also a great option for those who prefer whisky with a lighter feel.

Bhutan whisky price: ₹ 600-800

4. K5 Whiskey - Bhutan’s Premium Whisky

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Another standout among Bhutan wines and drinks is K5 Whiskey. This premium whisky was named after the fifth king of Bhutan and is considered a tribute to his leadership. K5 Whiskey is a blend of Scotch malt and Bhutanese grain spirit, aged well and packed with smooth character.

This whisky is very popular in Bhutan’s urban areas and among travellers who enjoy fine whisky. The Bhutan whisky price for K5 ranges from ₹ 1200 to ₹ 1800, depending on the store. It's one of the best souvenir options for whisky lovers visiting Bhutan.

Bhutan whisky price: ₹ 1,200-1,800

(Prices may vary slightly depending on the store or location.)

Suggested Read: activities in Bhutan

5. Imported Wines and Spirits in Bhutan

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Apart from local drinks, Bhutan also imports wines and liquors from countries like India, Australia, and France. You’ll find red and white wines in restaurants and hotels catering to tourists. These imported wines are usually more expensive than the local ones.

The Bhutan wine price for imported wines starts from ₹ 1500 and can go up to ₹ 4000 or more. Some popular imported labels include Jacob’s Creek, Sula, and Hardy’s, which you can enjoy with both Bhutanese and international meals.

Popular Bhutanese Wines:

1. Zumzin Peach Wine

This is one of the most loved Bhutanese wines. It’s sweet, mild, and has a lovely peach flavour. Ideal for those who don’t like strong alcohol. It pairs well with spicy food.

  • Bhutan wine price: ₹ 350-500

2. Vintria Red Wine

A locally bottled red wine with a smooth, fruity flavour. Great with Bhutanese red rice and grilled meats.

  • Bhutan wine price: ₹ 700-900

3. Sonfy Apple Wine

Another fruity option with a crisp apple taste. It’s popular among younger Bhutanese and tourists.

  • Bhutan wine price: ₹ 400-600

These wines can be found in local liquor stores, hotels, and some restaurants in Thimphu and Paro.

6. Local Liquor Options in Bhutan

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The Bhutan liquor market is also filled with locally brewed drinks. Some of the local brands include Rockbee Brandy, Zumzin Peach Wine, and Sonfy Apple Wine. These drinks are fruity, affordable, and quite popular with both locals and tourists.

Zumzin Peach Wine, in particular, is a light and sweet wine that has a low alcohol content and is loved by people who prefer mild drinks. It’s perfect for casual drinking or as a welcome drink at Bhutanese homes.

These local liquors are usually priced between ₹ 300 and ₹ 1000, making them an affordable way to experience wines and drinks in Bhutan.

Suggested Read: Ambient Café in Thimphu

Alcohol Consumption in Bhutan

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Alcohol consumption in Bhutan is part of local culture, especially during festivals and family events. While drinking is common in Bhutan, the government actively promotes responsible drinking.

There’s also a weekly “dry day” (usually Tuesday), when alcohol is not sold in shops or served in restaurants. Public drinking is discouraged, and you should avoid alcohol near religious sites.

As a traveller, it’s good to enjoy wines and drinks in Bhutan with respect for local customs.

If you’re wondering about wines to try in Bhutan, here’s a shortlist to look out for:

  1. Zumzin Peach Wine - Sweet and fruity
  2. Sonfy Apple Wine - Crisp and refreshing
  3. Vintria Red Wine - Smooth and rich
  4. Sula Dindori Reserve (imported) - Elegant and bold
  5. Jacob’s Creek Chardonnay (imported) - Dry and light
  6. Frontera Cabernet Sauvignon (imported) - Classic and deep

These wines go well with Bhutanese dishes like ema datshi (chilli and cheese), red rice, and grilled meats.

Responsible Drinking Tips in Bhutan

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To make the most of your drinking experience in Bhutan, here are a few useful tips:

  • Altitude affects alcohol tolerance, so drink slowly if you're at high elevations like Bumthang.
  • Avoid alcohol during religious days or near sacred sites.
  • Check availability: Tuesdays are dry days in Bhutan.
  • Ask locals: They’re often happy to suggest good places or offer home-made Ara.

Final Thoughts

Exploring wines and drinks in Bhutan gives you a deeper connection with Bhutanese culture. From the humble warmth of Ara to the elegant sip of Bhutan K5 Whiskey, every drink has a story. Whether you prefer mild fruit wines, rich red wines, or smooth local whisky, there’s something for every palate.

The growing variety of Bhutan wines and drinks makes it easy for tourists to try something new while enjoying the beauty of this Himalayan nation. So, when you're in Bhutan next, take a moment to sit back, relax, and raise a glass to happiness-Bhutan style.

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Siddhant Raman

We went on a customised trip to Bhutan with WanderOn in April, 2024. It was a great experience. WanderOn is very transparent in every step of creating the tour itinerary for you. Sohail was our first contact and Rounaq was our POC for the complete trip and he took care of everything from booking to every day’s itinerary follow ups. Rounaq helped us in getting our desired hotels and he even upgraded to a better one in Thimphu when we could not get the selected hotel. WanderOn made sure that our transfers/immigration/site-seeing were comfortable, smooth and enjoyable. The guide Tshering Tashi and driver Nidup were very nice and patient with us.

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Neethu Mariya Joy

It was an amazing trip. I recently went to Bhutan with WanderOn (7N/8D with Phobjikha valley) and it was a beautiful place to visit. The immigration experience was smooth. We got to visit clean and peaceful cities, cool and serene valleys and truly magnificent monasteries. The best part is that we covered everything in the itinerary and more, including an energetic karaoke night and a chill ride to a snow capped mountain. We enjoyed trying their famous dishes, staying in many nice hotels, taking cute pictures with cherry blossom trees, tasting their special wine and tea,… the list of good stuff could go on. Thanks to the trip captain, Abhishek, for this great trip. He took all of our opinions and needs into account when there was any change in the plan and made sure that our time was spent well. We always had a clear plan for the next day which made it easy for us to coordinate. He informed us well about all the best places to eat and shop in the cities and encouraged us to explore places on our own too. The group that accompanied me during the trip were totally fun. Special thanks to our tour guide and the driver for making this an easy, fun and flexible trip. This trip makes me want to go on many more trips!

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Sneha Landge

I have been on a lot of group trips with different companies, however this one with Wanderon of Bhutan with Phobjikha valley stands out in all ways. From the well strategized, executed tour to the food, location everything was worth it. The wide variety of activities we covered in the limited time was something I didn't expect and was a delightful surprise. Special shoutout to our trip captain Anubhav for being true leader for the smallest stuff to Mr Yonten who was a local guide and explained everything in detail about the culture and history of Bhutan. Also this was the only trip wherein everyone was so mature and supportive that it became the most memorable trip for me.

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Jignesh Gharat

I recently traveled to the magical kingdom of Bhutan with WanderOn, and it was an experience I'll cherish forever! 🌟 The itinerary was spot-on, covering all the must-see spots while allowing plenty of time for soaking in the serene beauty of the Himalayas. Our trip captain, Abhishek Ghosh, was an absolute gem, ensuring everyone had a memorable time and creating an amazing group atmosphere. We all felt like one big happy Team! Food and stay? Absolutely no worries there! Everything was top-notch, with delicious local cuisine and comfortable accommodations throughout the trip. Our local guide in Bhutan was fantastic, sharing deep insights into the traditions and history of this enchanting place. If you're thinking of exploring Bhutan, I can't recommend WanderOn enough. They truly know how to make a trip unforgettable! 🌏✨

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