Budweiser India – Your Guide To Price, Variants, And History

If you love beer, we are sure you know of Budweiser. Budweiser is one of the beer brands in India that needs no introduction. Not only is the brand iconic, but the beer in itself is an experience. It has a legacy of brewing the best beer, which is loved by millions. With continued innovation and consistent quality, the brand has made a solid mark in the Indian market. And if you’ve always been curious to know more about this brand, unsobered has got you covered with everything Budweiser. 

From price, history, to variants, here’s all you need to know about Budweiser India. 

History

Budweiser is a classic American beer brand that began its journey in 1876, and it entered the Indian market in the mid-2000s through a partnership with local breweries. 

In 2006, a joint venture was formed between Anheuser-Busch, the owner of Budweiser, and Crown Beers India Ltd. The reason behind this joint venture was to brew, market, and distribute Budweiser in India. In order to adapt to Indian tastes, the brand had to alter its classic recipe, which meant slimming the lager down to around 5% alcohol by volume (ABV). 

Right after its entry, the brand came up with variants like Budweiser Magnum, which is a stronger variant for people who like robust beers. By 2007, Budweiser started its local production in the outskirts of Hyderabad, India, which increased its availability and hence lowered the costs compared to the imports that were very expensive. 

Initially, the brand faced tough competition from United Breweries and SABMiller, which were established players and at that time dominated 80% of the market. 

They had to market their brand through surrogate advertising as direct advertising of alcohol was and is restricted in India. Today, Budweiser is known as one of the leading premium beer brands in India, with a variety of lagers to offer, especially among the young urban consumers. 

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Variants

Budweiser Premium (Original)

Budweiser Premium is a medium-bodied classic lager that is very widely famous among consumers who are looking for a smooth lager. It has an ABV of 5% and is crafted for a crisp, clean profile that smoothly balances light bitterness and malt sweetness. 

Budweiser Magnum

Budweiser Magnum is a stronger, premium lager that offers a nice malt sweetness with a slightly bitter finish. The Magnum range (Magnum Lager, Strong, Premium, Light) is something that is specifically for people who have robust taste and a stronger kick. Magnum variants are very famous in India's strong beer category and have a 6.5% ABV. 

Budweiser Light

Budweiser Light offers the same taste but with a lower ABV and fewer calories compared to its other variants. It is a variant that was brought in for consumers wanting an easier-drinking beer and a lower-calorie drink. With around 5% of ABV, the flavor is milder than the original one. 

Budweiser 0.0

Budweiser 0.0 is a non-alcoholic beer option for consumers who prefer the taste of beer without any alcohol. It is formulated in a way that it actually replicates the appearance and taste of the regular Budweiser with zero alcohol. This variant supports both legal restrictions and lifestyle choices. 

Budweiser Select 55

Budweiser Select 55 is an American-style premium light lager. It has only 55 calories and has a clean and crisp finish. Also, it is brewed with caramel malts. This variant is a blend of domestic and imported hops, providing a flavorful yet light beer experience. Budweiser Select 55 has a very low alcohol content of 2.4% ABV and makes it a lighter option than Budweiser Light. 

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Summing up

Budweiser India’s story is one of passion and innovation. They had to tweak their recipes to survive in the Indian market, and they did wonders. Their variants, from strong to 0 ABV, are all the result of identifying the right gap in the market and serving the consumers what they wish for.