In a significant update for the capital’s craft beer enthusiasts, the "Roar" is back. After a brief hiatus that left dark beer lovers searching for alternatives, Simba Stout returns to Delhi in early 2026.
Simba, one of India’s first homegrown craft brands, has reclaimed its spot on the shelves, bolstered by recent international acclaim. At the World Beer Awards 2025, Simba Stout earned a prestigious Bronze medal in the "Stout & Porter" category, solidifying its reputation as one of the best craft stout beers in India 2026.
Simba Stout Beer Taste and Flavour Profile Review
What is the taste of Simba Stout? It is best described as a "dessert in a bottle" for those who appreciate bold, roasted characteristics. Unlike thin, watery dark lagers, this is a true-to-style stout.
- Simba Stout coffee and chocolate notes explained: The beer gets its signature profile from high-quality dark roasted malts. On the first sip, you’ll notice a prominent espresso bitterness followed by the smooth, lingering sweetness of dark cocoa and caramel.
- Is Simba Stout a creamy or dry beer? While it carries the roasted "dryness" typical of Irish stouts, its mouthfeel is distinctly creamy and velvety. This is achieved through a meticulous brewing process that ensures the body is rich enough to coat the palate without being overly heavy.
Comparison: Simba Stout vs. Bira 91 Malabar Stout
When comparing the two giants of the Indian craft scene:
- Bira 91 Malabar Stout leans heavily into the "Coffee Stout" category, using cold-brew coffee from the Malabar hills, which gives it a very specific, bean-forward aroma.
- Simba Stout offers a more traditional, balanced profile where the roasted barley provides a complex interplay between chocolate and coffee, making it slightly more versatile for those who want a classic stout experience.
Alcohol Percentage and Ingredients
For those tracking the specifics, the Simba Stout alcohol percentage remains steady at 5% ABV, making it a sessionable dark beer compared to high-gravity imperial stouts.
The ingredients are a testament to Simba’s "small-batch" philosophy:
- Water: Pure filtered water.
- Malt: A blend of fine malts, including specialty dark-roasted barley.
- Hops: Carefully selected to provide a subtle bitterness that balances the malt sweetness.
- Yeast: Top-fermenting ale yeast.
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Availability Hacks: Where to Buy Simba Stout in Delhi
With the 2026 return, distribution has been optimized for both retail and "dine-in" experiences.
Stores and Bars
- The Beer Cafe Delhi: You can consistently find Simba Stout at The Beer Cafe locations across the city, where it is often available both in bottles and occasionally on tap.
- GK-1 and Hauz Khas: These neighborhoods remain the hubs for craft lovers. Look for it at best bars in GK-1 and Hauz Khas like Hauz Khas Official or the various boutique restro-bars lining the N-Block market.
- Simba Stout price in Delhi 2026: In retail wine shops (L-7/L-1 stores), a 330ml pint is approximately INR 130, while a 500ml can is around INR 220. Prices in bars typically range from INR 350 to INR 500 depending on the venue's "Happy Hours."
Craft Beer Home Delivery Delhi 2026
Thanks to updated excise policies and delivery platforms, craft beer home delivery in Delhi 2026 is more accessible. Many premium L-13 licensed retailers now offer home delivery via authorized apps, allowing you to stock your fridge with Simba Stout without leaving your home.
Food Pairing: What Food Goes Best With Simba Stout?
Because of its rich profile, Simba Stout is a fantastic companion for food.
- Best snacks for dark beer in India: Think "smoky and spicy." Tandoori chicken or seekh kebabs are excellent because the char on the meat mirrors the roasted notes of the beer.
- Simba Stout and dark chocolate pairing guide: For a decadent finish, pair it with a 70% dark chocolate bar or a flourless chocolate cake. The bitterness of the cocoa enhances the beer's sweetness.
- Main Course: It pairs surprisingly well with rich stews or even Blue Cheese, where the beer's creaminess cuts through the sharp saltiness of the cheese.
Summing Up
The return of Simba Stout to Delhi is a win for the evolving palate of the Indian consumer. Its 2025 World Beer Award win isn't just a trophy; it’s a guarantee of the quality you’ll find in every bottle. Whether you're enjoying it with a spicy kebab in Hauz Khas or ordering a case for home delivery, the bold, coffee-infused profile of Simba remains the benchmark for Indian stouts.
