When it comes to the Cambodian whisky scene there are actually now a few very good entrants. Good though is not always the same as most popular, with that award going to Khmer Whisky.
Yet despite ins infamy it actually took me a long time to discover, Said hearing came from thirst for local favorites, such as Vietnamese Vodka, Bai Jiu in China, and of course Soju. When I asked Khmer people what their local tipple was some would talk about super strength “moonshine” in the countryside, which can quite literally kill you, but for the most part liquor consists of Soju alongside western imports in the cover stores of the Kingdom.
Discovering “Khmer Whisky”
Having almost forgotten about my quest for Cambodian Hooch I found myself on a trip to Anlong Veng. Now the uninitiated this was the final holdout of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, as well as being way the heck up in the mountains and on the Thai border.
Here at a “duty free” type stall on the way to Thailand I saw a guy selling something called “Khmer Whisky 31 Gold for 8500 Rial. Now before you think “wow that sounds really expensive it is actually just north of $2, so not exactly high end. I decided to buy a few bottle and put it to the test. How did it taste? Well we will get to that later.
What the Khmer Whisky?
Since 1997, Prek Prah Winery has been churning out one of Cambodia’s most infamous liquors—Khmer whisky. Unlike the refined, barrel-aged spirits of the West, this stuff is rough, unfiltered, and designed for one purpose: getting you drunk as quickly (and cheaply) as possible.
Prek Prah Winery, located just outside Phnom Penh, is best known for producing budget-friendly rice and sugarcane-based spirits. Their whisky is a local staple, found in roadside stalls, dingy corner shops, and the back shelves of small convenience stores. You’ll also spot it in plastic bottles at markets, often unlabelled or with makeshift branding.
Never heard of Prek Preh Winery? Well you will fund sod al about them on the English internet and lets just say they are not aiming for there western palate.
How doe Khmer Whisky Taste and Can You Mix It?
Ever wondered what failure tastes like? One sip of Khmer whisky, and you’ll know. A harsh blend of paint thinner, regret, and the creeping realization that you should have studied harder or saved more before this trip. Made from sugar, this firewater has more in common with bottom-shelf rum than actual whisky—except even bad rum doesn’t burn like this. Mixing it? Don’t bother. It overpowers even the sweetest cola, turning every sip into a punishment.
Is it really as bad as I am saying? Well I managed to keep the bottle in my house for two months without even being tempted to finish it and I am a borderline alcoholic. Did I finish the Khmer Whisky in the end? Of course I did, but may I point you back to the aforementioned “borderline alcoholic” comment.
So, how actually drinks Khmer Whisky?
So, if borderline alcoholics don’t drink it, then that just leaves the full blown alcoholics and people who are just really poor. The drink is popular among laborers, tuk-tuk drivers, and anyone looking for a cheap buzz. At less than the price of a decent beer, it’s strong, fiery, and not for the faint-hearted.
And while tourists rarely seek it out that is not to say it has not made some mark on the expat community. And by mark I mean the slightly work shy budget weed smokers of places like Koh Rong. This was the only place where I found foreigners that would drink it on a regular basis and while not outwardly enjoying it, could at least put up with it.
Are there any other Khmer Whiskies?
With “Khmer Whisky” obviously giving Cambodian whisky a bad name, this does beg the question are there any other whisky makers in the Kingdom that make something good? To which the question is YES! And a resounding one at that.
Many years ago I got to visit a distillery in Siem Reap where some magic happened! Enter Holly Creek Whisky, Siem Reap’s answer to the big boys. Launched in 2018, this locally crafted spirit actually tastes like whisky—smooth, oaky, with hints of vanilla and spice.
Unlike the sugar-based horrors of Khmer whisky, Holly Creek uses proper grains, aging techniques, and imported oak barrels to create something you’d actually want to sip. It’s got a cult following and even some industry recognition. From the bottling they were definitely taking inspiration from Jack Daniels, but heck why not if you can deliver. Sadly the scent on them has gone dark lately, but they are at least proof that there is more to the Cambodian Whisky, or Whiskey scene than Khmer Whisky 31 Gold!