Indian Beers: What used to be the hunting grounds of the likes of Kingfisher and Haywards 5000, is now the championship arena of brewers huddled up in small breweries bottling bespoke deliciousness. The Indian crafts beer market is like a firecracker. Trailblazers like Bira 91 and, microbreweries like Doolally Taproom and Ardor Brewing Co. were the match that lit up this breathtaking firecracker. We haven’t looked back and it has sorts of been a watershed moment in the Indian alco-bev industry. It not only established roots and demands for premium Indian beer, but it also escaladed into other segments including the now blooming domestic produced, premium wines, gins, whiskey and vodka categories.
We are very sure you are no strangers to the goodness of these nouveau Indian liquor brands. Here we take a look at interesting brews from Indian beer brands. The cherry on the cake, all of them are quite reasonably priced considering the quality, with each pint costing less than ₹250.
Indian Beers: Saint & Sinner
Every time we have to open a pint of this Indian beer, a certain part of our heart aches. It’s like destroying art. If only this bottle could walk, it would be doing the rounds of Milan Fashion Show. The ceramic painted, wax covered bottle is as stunning as they get, Hands down the most beautifully executed packaging concept in the Indian alco-bev industry. And it only gets better from there. The liquid inside that bottle is no less than art itself. It throws back a salute to the trappist monks often accredited with being the original creators of beer. This trappist style ale is flavored with coconuts and curacao peels, gving it a unique character.
With Saint&Sinner, Goa Brewing Co. has firmly established itself as a force to look out for in the Indian beer list. It’s one of the most innovative and quirky brewing houses in the country and they never fail to impress.
Available: Bangalore and Goa
Price: ₹150 in Goa for 330ml Pint
ABV: 8% V/v
INDIAN BEERS: BIRA IPA
No list on Indian beers can be complete without a mention of the original and the most successful Indian craft beer. Bira recently launched their much anticipated IPA. This Pomelo flavoured Indian Pale Ale is a hop fest in the mouth. Predominant flavour profiles include caramelly malts and a whole wide world of tropical fruits. Perfect for sipping in the afternoon with a spicy curry lunch.
Available: Across major metropolitan cities
Price: ₹145 in Delhi for 330ml Pint
ABV: 6.5% V/v
Indian Beers: Veere & Machaa
One of the newer entrants to the market, it is taking the craft beer market by storm. This wheat beer is launched by 7 Rivers Brewing Co, a craft brewer set up by the largest beer houses in the country AB InBev and UB. The manufacturers of beers like Budweiser and Hoegaarden has entered into the arena to compete against the likes of Bira, Simba, White Rhino, etc in a fast-rising market of Belgian and German-style wheat beers. Veere is a pleasantly balanced beer with a freshness and a zing. Predominant flavour profiles include oranges and coriander.
Another launch from the house of 7 Rivers Brewing Co., Machaa is a sister product of the Veere. Both the beers have playful Indian names referring to Brothers in various local languages. Machaa is the slang for brother in South India, and that’s where it draws it’s flavour inspirations from. It is a very unique wheat beer compared to its abundant competition. Whilst most wheat beers rely on the orange coriander axis for flavour, Machaa goes distinctively South with an incredibly balanced Banana and Clove flavour. Interestingly while most craft brewers go for glass bottles, 7 Rivers is sticking to cans.
Available: Pune, Mumbai and Bangalore
Price: ₹140 in Mumbai for a 330ml can
ABV: 5% V/v
Indian Beers: Simba Wit
The Simba Wit is like summer sunshine captured in an amber bottle. The crisp wheat beer shines through flavours of orange peels, coriander and lemongrass to present a clean and crisp palette. It shines apart from the other Indian Beers especially the wheat ones with it’s refreshing and crisp carbonated nature. Highly recommended for an evening post-work drink.
Available: Across major metropolitan cities
Price: ₹110 in Delhi for a 330ml pint
ABV: 5% V/v
Indian Beers: Breakfast Cereal Stout
Another winner from the house of Goa Brewing Co. This beer captures the spirit of Goa. Beer for Breakfast? We say a very loud hell yeah. Who doesn’t love cracking open a cold one right in the morning of a Goa vacation day? Now, a nutritious breakfast takes the shape of a dark, toasty stout and we couldn’t be happier about it. Made using a grain bill of breakfast cereals such as rice puffs, cornflakes and oats, it brings a unique personality to the table. The hero, however, is the incredible cocoa nibs that shine through without getting bitter, rounded off by the sweet creaminess of milk sugar. It’s the happiest and tastiest breakfast time.
Available: Goa and Bangalore
Price: ₹130 in Goa for a 330ml pint
ABV: 4.5% V/v
Indian Beers: White Owl Diablo
Light bodied Irish style Red Ale from the house of White Owl Breweries, is one of the uniquest beers on the market. Indian Beer makers don’t really consider a Irish Red Ale, but White Owl has managed to smash it out of the park. Hints of caramel and low bitterness make it rather palatable for Indian consumers. The bottle design is super cool and minimalist much like the beer it contains. The clear appearance of the beer with it’s uni body design approach makes it stand out on the shelves with a unique golden hue.
Available: Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore
Price: ₹130 in Delhi for a 325ml pint
ABV: 5% V/v
Indian Beers Honourable Mention: Kati Patang Zesty Amber
Although, technically it is not an Indian Beer, it’s spirit and essence is as Indian as it gets. This brilliant brew from our Northern neighbor Bhutan is worth taking note of. It’s selling point is the fact that it is made using fresh water from pristine Himalayan rivers. The Amber Ale is well balanced and full of lots of character
Available: Delhi
Price: ₹235 in Delhi for a 330ml pint
ABV: 4.8% V/v
It’s a limited list and there is a whole world of Indian craft beers for you to discover out there. Indian Beers have started giving intense competition to their imported counterparts and it’s exciting times ahead.
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic refresher, we advise you to bring out the hidden brewer in you with this super simple recipe for a fizzy homemade Ginger Beer
