In a country that has had a glorious affair with alcoholic beverages, beer and India is a sure shot blockbuster. From dingy hole-in-the-wall bars to upscale pubs, a chilled pint of beer is the ultimate desi icebreaker. Whether you’re a lager fan or a craft beer enthusiast, there’s an Indian beer brand that’s just for you.
So, here's the team unsobered winding down on the 10 best Indian beer brands in the country. Crack open a chilled beer, take a sip, and keep reading our listicle on the top 10 Indian beer brands – in no particular order!
What image does your mind create when you hear of Bira 91? Endless summer parties, a youthful approach, and attractive packaging – yes, exactly what the brand represents!
It is a brand that, since its inception in 2015, has tapped into the pulse of young Indian beer consumers. It was a gamechanger when it introduced Indian consumers to different kinds of beer – be it India Pale Ales or Stouts, a refreshing change beyond the usual lagers.
Today, Bira 91 stands as a crowd-favorite Indian brand that has one of the most loved beers in the country. And thanks to a youth-centric marketing, India’s youngsters can’t get enough of this beer brand!
Why Indians love Bira 91: Youthful brand image, accessible across the country, crowd-favorite
Origin: 2015
Variants: Bira 91 White, Bira Malabar Stout, Bira IPA brewed with Pomelo
Price: Generally starts from INR 110 onwards
The craft beer scene in India is slowly expanding, and if there’s one homegrown brand that is riding this wave, it has to be BeeYoung. This Indian craft beer brand also claims to be the country’s first strong craft beer that has an alcohol content of 7.2%.
The craft beer brand uses high-quality ingredients to make its beer, including two-row barley and the water of the Bhakra Dam. The use of Columbus and Styrian Golding hops gives the beer an edge over other competitors. So, have you tried this craft beer?
Why Indians love BeeYoung: India’s first strong craft beer, youthful brand image, commitment to using high-quality ingredients
Origin: 2018
Price: Generally starts from INR 110 (Delhi)
On our list of Indian beer brands, up next is a homegrown brand that is adding a unique desi twist to traditional beer styles. Take their offerings like Zesty Amber Ale and Saffron Lager for example.
The former is rich with all-natural malts and aromatic hops, lending it a smooth, caramel-laden finish. On the other hand, the latter is a beer infused with saffron straight from the Pampore region of Kashmir.
Kati Patang is a beer brand that is leading the way in showcasing that beer can be made desi with the right use of Indian ingredients and craftsmanship.
Why Indians love Kati Patang: Uses local, Indian ingredients in the most innovative way in its beer.
Origin: 2018
Variants: Bareilly Bold, Saffron Lager, Zesty Amber, Snappy Wheat
Price: Generally starts from INR 170
Bold, carefree packaging and a brand philosophy that values quality and authenticity over scale and efficiency. Simba beer is not mass-produced, it is made carefully in small batches using tested recipes and not just formulas.
This results in a rich, smooth, and most importantly, a high-quality product that stands a class apart. Simba offers Simba Wit, Simba Lager, as well as Simba Stout (India’s first bottled stout).
If you have discerning tastes when it comes to selecting your beer, we think Simba would definitely be your go-to choice.
Why Indians love Simba: Reasonably priced, premium-quality, recipe-focused over mass production
Origin: 2016
Variants: Wit, Stout, Lager, Strong
Price: Generally starts from INR 130
As one of India’s earliest beers with a high alcohol content (7.5%), Haywards 5000 has become a cult classic today. The name is often associated with strong beer that has delivered consistently.
The beer is made with Indian malts and German hops. The result is a full-bodied product that is strong, refreshing, yet exceptionally smooth. Speaking of the beer, it offers a robust malt flavor and a refreshingly smooth finish, making it a preferred choice for those who like their beer smooth yet strong.
Why Indians love Haywards 5000: Affordable, accessible, and consistent for decades.
Origin: 1974
Price: Generally starts from INR 140
There was a time when King’s Beer was a trailblazing name in the regional beer industry, having its roots in Goa. The beer captured the ‘susegad’ way of Goan life – to relax your mind and soul and live a laidback lifestyle.
You could find this pilsner at almost every beach shack and wine shop in Goa, but with the rise of many new and innovative beer brands in India, King’s started disappearing. However, the brand itself confirmed in 2021 that it is eyeing to launch back in Goa with a new zeal and make way to Delhi and Mumbai as well.
Whatever the case may be, King’s will definitely remain one of the most iconic beer brands in the country.
Why Indians love King’s Beer: Affordable, easy-going, and simply iconic for its Goa-centric approach
Origin: N/A
Price: Generally starts from as low as INR 60 to INR 80
We talked about India’s first craft strong beer, but did you know which brand had India’s first-ever strong beer? Thunderbolt Beer holds the title for being India’s first strong beer and it has held this title since its inception in 1984.
The beer has an alcohol content just shy of 8% and it is made with pristine Himalayan water. It gets its signature taste from imported French malts that are specially curated for the Indian market.
While the beer brand isn’t that popular in South India, it has more or less a cult following in North India – and we get why! If you do get a chance to try out this beer, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed.
Why Indians love Thunderbolt: Affordable, strong, and a trusted brand
Origin: 1984
Variants: Select, Strong
Price: Generally starts from INR 150
Igloo is fairly new to the Indian beer market but it has steadily grown in its appeal. What makes it so appealing is its approach to making unpasteurized beer and paying homage to many of India’s regional flavors.
Take the Konkan Rice Lager and Mumbai Daze for example. The attractive animal-centric packaging and a strong distribution network make it an attractive choice for those who like trying new beer.
Igloo Craft Beer might be a new player in the game, but it definitely knows the field! So, when are you trying out this beer?
Why Indians love Igloo Craft Beer: Attractive packaging, unique flavors, and richer, fuller flavor
Origin: 2019
Variants: Ready Red, Konkan Rice Lager, Wit and Wisdom, Belgian Triple, Cucumber Sour, Busy Bombay Ale, Heavy Hitter, and many more!
Price: Generally starts from INR 160
Brewed in the country’s heartland, Madhya Pradesh, Stok is definitely winning hearts for its carefully crafted beer that caters to a younger audience. Stok offers three variants – Strong, Poised, and Laidback. And let us say that each one of these is unique in their own way.
While the Strong variant is obviously a strong beer, Laidback is there more ‘chiller’ easy-going beer, while Poised packs richer, fuller flavors.
Stok is the ultimate companion to have at your parties, evening brunches, pool parties, and basically any fun occasion! Try it out for yourself!
Why Indians love Stok: Attractive packaging, limited but distinguished variety, youth-centric marketing
Origin: 2019
Variants: Strong, Poised, Laidback
Price: Generally starts from INR 130
We saved the best for the last, and we bet you’ll agree! Kingfisher, since the 1990s, has been a frontrunner in making affordable, high-quality beer accessible to Indians.
Today, it is inarguably the ‘king’ of all beers in India, thanks to a consistent product portfolio, aggressive marketing, and catering to India’s diverse tastes. After all, who doesn’t remember those Kingfisher advertisements we all grew up watching on television?
With a strong portfolio of varieties like Premium, Ultra, Storm, Ultra Max, and others, the brand has cemented itself as an indispensable part of India’s liquor market.
Why Indians love Kingfisher: Iconic appeal, accessible, affordable prices, and consistent taste
Origin: 1978
Variants: Premium, Strong, Ultra, Ultra Max, Ultra Witbier, Storm, Radler
Price: Generally starts from INR 120
There are plenty of Indian beer brands and while some didn’t make it to the list, each of the entries on our listicle on ‘Top 10 Indian Beer Brands Loved Across the Country’ are unique in their own sense. Be it BeeYoung’s pioneering craft beer products, Bira 91’s youthful packaging, or Kingfisher’s timeless appeal – there’s something special about each of these brands. So, if you haven’t tried one or a few of these brands, consider this to be your cue to do so! Cheers to a fun and responsible beer-time!
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