Murree beer facts for kids

Murree beer is a well-known Pakistani drink made by the Murree Brewery. This company is the only one that produces beer in Pakistan. It's often called "Pakistan's legendary beer." Some people have even described it as a "world-class lager." Murree Beer won awards for its quality at big events like the Philadelphia Exhibition in 1876 and the World Fair in 1867.

A Look at Murree Beer's History

The Murree Brewery has a long and interesting history. It started during a time of big changes in the region.

How the Brewery Began

After a major uprising in 1857, the British government took control of the Indian subcontinent. They set up a new system of government in an area called Punjab. Many British soldiers and officials lived there. To meet their needs, the Murree Brewery was built in 1860.

Production During World War II

The brewery's busiest time was during World War II. Murree produced a huge amount of beer then, about 1.6 million gallons each year. This busy period ended when Pakistan became an independent country in 1947. The division of India meant Murree lost many of its customers.

Changes in Sales and Distribution

Sales and distribution of Murree products faced challenges starting in 1977. At that time, new laws began to limit alcohol. These rules became stricter under the leadership of Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan, the Murree Brewery had to close for several weeks. All production and delivery stopped during this time. As a result, the company earned only half of its expected profits that year. However, many other companies went out of business during the pandemic. Like many breweries around the world, Murree also started making alcohol-based hand sanitizer. This helped support public health efforts.