10 Best Indian Beer Brands You Must Try

Ever wondered what India's all about when it comes to brews? Let us tell you, it's a whole different ball game compared to what you might be used to. Forget the usual suspects – Kingfisher might ring a bell, but there's a hidden world of Indian beer brands waiting to be explored.

We're talking chilled Kingfisher Premiums at a beach shack in Goa, sure, but also imagine sipping on a craft Bira 91 with a spicy curry, or going for a classic Kalyani Black Label that's smooth and easy-drinking. Intrigued? Get ready, because we're diving deep into the world of Indian beer brands.

This little guide will be your passport to exploring what the Indian beer scene has to offer. We'll crack open the history of some iconic brands, introduce you to some hidden gems, and even give you a taste of the different styles you can expect. So, ready to discover a world of hoppy goodness with an Indian twist? Let's get started!

Here is list of 10 best Indian beer brands you must add to your bar 

Kingfisher

Kingfisher has to be the king of Indian beers, reigning supreme since 1857. Brewed by the United Breweries Group in Bangalore, it's no surprise Kingfisher holds a massive market share in India. They source the finest barley to create their signature lagers, and the classic Kingfisher Premium is a go-to for many. But Kingfisher's not a one-trick pony. They offer a variety of brews, from the sturdy Kingfisher Strong to the lighter Kingfisher Ultra, ensuring there's a Kingfisher for every kind of beer drinker.

This Indian beer brand uses a classic brewing process. Barley gets crushed, mixed with hot water to release sugars, then boiled with hops for bitterness. After cooling down, yeast is added to ferment the sugars into alcohol, creating that bubbly goodness we’re so used to. Finally, the beer chills out in tanks before it's bottled and ready to enjoy.

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Goa Brewing Co.

Goa Brewing Co. is a breath of fresh air in the Indian beer brand scene. Founded in 2017, this craft brewery focuses on small-batch, seasonal beers. They're all about using local ingredients and innovative brewing techniques. Unlike Kingfisher's widespread appeal, Goa Brewing Co. caters to craft beer enthusiasts seeking out unique flavour profiles.

Their beers are known for being bold and experimental, with names like Eight Finger Eddie and Mango IPA hinting at the exciting taste adventures that await. Plus, their brewery itself is a cool spot to visit – housed in a 250-year-old Indo-Portuguese house with a sunny courtyard, it's a vibe you won't find anywhere else in India.

Six Fields

Six Fields offers a taste of Europe brewed in India. Launched by DeVans Beverages, a well-known Indian brewery, Six Fields takes inspiration from Belgian styles. They source their hops from the fertile plains along the Ganges River, adding a unique touch to their beers. Six Fields is all about a smooth, refreshing experience.

Their flagship brew is the Six Fields Cult Blanche, a Belgian-style wheat beer with a light body and citrusy aroma. They also offer a stronger version, the Six Fields Cult Premium Strong, for those who like a bit more punch in their beer.

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Bira 91

Bira 91 is the modern champion of Indian beer. Launched in 2015, this brewery throws flavour parties in your mouth. They source ingredients from around the globe, like Himalayan hops and Belgian malts, and even throw in Alphonso mangoes.

Forget the usual lagers – Bira 91 is all about variety. Their White series is a summer dream with citrus, mango, or berry twists on their wheat beers. This Indian beer brand also has options for hopheads with bold IPAs and even a Belgian-style strong beer. Bira 91 doesn't just quench your thirst, it's a full-on flavour ride with cool labels and a youthful vibe that's become a hit with Indian beer lovers.

Simba

Simba roars onto the scene as India's first homegrown craft beer brand. Founded in 2016 by beer-loving brothers, Simba brews in small batches at their brewery in Durg, Chhattisgarh. Unlike some breweries that use readily available underground water, Simba sources fresh water from a nearby river, giving their beers a unique character.  

They're passionate about quality ingredients, using the finest malts and hops to create a range of beers. Simba's WIT is a light and refreshing wheat beer, while their Stout is a pioneer – India's first bottled stout, offering a rich and toasty taste. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or just looking for something different, this Indian beer brand promises a flavorful experience.

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Proost69

Proost69 brings a budget-friendly taste of Europe to India. Launched in 2017 by Grano69 Beverages in Delhi, they focus on making high-quality yet affordable beers for the everyday drinker. While they don't disclose specific ingredients, they emphasise using fresh ingredients and a touch of German expertise to craft their brews. Proost69 offers a variety of styles to suit different palates.

Their White Ale is a light and refreshing option with hints of vanilla and orange zest, perfect for beating the Indian heat. They also have a Mild Lager, a smooth and easy-drinking brew, and for those seeking a bolder option, their Weizen Beer boasts citrusy and fruity flavours with hints of banana and mango. So, if you're looking for a tasty and affordable beer adventure, Proost69 might be your perfect match.

Be Young

Be Young is making waves as India's first strong craft beer. Launched by Kimaya Himalayan Beverages in 2019, they focus on bold flavours and a youthful vibe. Their beers are brewed with high-quality ingredients, including local and international hops, for a unique taste.

Be Young doesn't shy away from packing a punch – their signature brew clocks in at 7.2 per cent alcohol by volume and boasts a crisp, clean finish with a hint of citrus. While they currently only offer this strong beer option, this Indian beer brand is quickly gaining a loyal following among Indian beer enthusiasts seeking a flavorful and potent experience.

White Owl

Founded in 2013 by Javed Murad, a Harvard graduate with a passion for brews, they're known for their award-winning selection. White Owl uses German purity standards to craft unique flavour profiles. They source the finest ingredients, and their brewing process ensures quality in every bottle.  

Unlike some breweries with a single focus, White Owl offers a hooting good variety. Think Spark, a Belgian Wit with summery citrus notes, or Diablo, a caramel-roasted Irish Red Ale for a maltier experience. They even have India's first bottled cider, Ace, for those seeking something different. With plans to expand their offerings and geographic reach, White Owl is a craft beer brand to keep an eye on.

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Medusa

Medusa isn't your mythical monster of a beer, but it certainly packs a punch. Launched in 2017 by Medusa Beverages, this Delhi-based brand caters to a younger crowd seeking a bolder brew. They use a strategic mix of imported hops from Germany for bitterness and the finest barley malt to create their signature beers.  

This Indian beer brand offers two main options: the original Medusa Premium Strong, a full-bodied brew with a 5.9 per cent ABV, and the lighter Medusa Air, a 4.5 per cent ABV option for those who want a refreshing taste without the full bite. So, if you're looking for a smooth, strong beer with a hint of German influence, Medusa might just turn you into a loyal fan (without the stone-cold stare, of course).

Hopper

Hopper isn't your typical Indian beer. This brand brings a taste of Belgium to the party. It's a collaboration between Brindco, a big-name Indian importer, and Brouwerij De Brabandere, a historic Belgian brewery with over a century of brewing heritage.  

Hopper offers two main brews — the Hopper Witbier, a cloudy wheat beer with citrusy notes, and the Hopper Blonde, a crisp and refreshing lager. Both are brewed with high-quality ingredients, including aromatic hops and a touch of spice from coriander seeds. So, if you're looking for a unique and flavorful Indian beer experience, Hopper's your hop!