India’s beer culture is no longer just about strong lagers and familiar names. Craft beer has tapped into the urban drinker’s imagination with its bold flavours, small-batch authenticity, and immersive brewery experiences. And the best part? A quality pint of craft beer in most Indian cities typically ranges between ₹250 to ₹400—making it an accessible indulgence for many. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth ditching your go-to bottle for a freshly brewed mug, here are five compelling reasons to give craft beer a shot:
A Burst of Flavours Unlike Anything Else
One of the biggest draws of craft beer is its flavour diversity. Unlike mass-produced beers that often stick to one or two basic profiles, Indian craft brewers experiment boldly—offering IPAs, wheat beers, stouts, saisons, sours, and even mango– or kokum-infused ales.
For instance:
- White Owl Spark is a Belgian-style wheat beer with citrusy undertones.
- Simba Stout, brewed in Durg, Chhattisgarh, has strong notes of coffee and chocolate.
- Bira 91’s Boom IPL offers a hoppy, tropical profile that’s rare in mainstream beers.
Craft beer introduces Indian palates to a more sophisticated and varied drinking experience, where every pint tells a different story.
Made with Better, Often Local, Ingredients
Craft breweries in India tend to use natural, high-quality ingredients, often sourced locally. Because these beers are unfiltered, unpasteurised, and made without artificial preservatives, they retain more of their original character. This not only improves taste but also makes them relatively easier on the system for many drinkers compared to overly processed commercial beers.
Support Local Breweries and Entrepreneurs
By choosing craft beer, you’re supporting a booming local industry made up of passionate Indian entrepreneurs. India has seen an explosion in craft breweries—from just a handful in 2011 to hundreds today, with hubs in Bengaluru, Pune, Gurugram, Mumbai, and Goa.
Well-known names like:
- Gateway Brewing Co. (Mumbai),
- Arbor Brewing Company (Bengaluru),
- Toit (multiple cities),
- and Simba (based in Durg, Chhattisgarh)
— are not only pushing boundaries but also providing jobs, boosting local tourism, and reshaping how Indians experience beer.
Environmentally and Ethically Conscious
Many Indian craft breweries are adopting sustainable brewing practices. For example, Zero40 Brewing in Hyderabad and Windmills Craftworks in Bengaluru repurpose spent grain into animal feed and use water-efficient systems. Supporting such breweries means encouraging eco-friendly innovation in India’s food and beverage space.
Some brewers are also transparent about their brewing processes and ingredient sourcing, making it easier for consumers to make ethical drinking choices.
It’s a Full Experience—Not Just a Drink
Craft beer in India is about culture and experience. Breweries often double as beautiful community spaces, offering brewery tours, food pairings, music gigs, and tasting sessions.
Places like:
- The Beer Café (pan-India),
- Ironhill Brewery (Asia’s largest microbrewery, in Bengaluru),
- and Effingut (Pune and Mumbai)
are creating immersive environments where people can learn about beer, meet like-minded enthusiasts, and try limited-edition or seasonal brews.
This makes craft beer more than just a drink—it becomes a social and sensory experience worth remembering.
Summing Up
India’s craft beer scene is young, vibrant, and filled with exciting possibilities. Whether you’re a seasoned beer drinker or someone just curious to explore beyond the usual Kingfisher or Tuborg, giving craft beer a try can open up a whole new world of taste, community, and culture. So the next time you visit a brewery or scan a bar menu, take a chance on a local craft brew—you might just find your new favourite way to unwind.
