In the past decade, beer culture in India has exploded, with more people enjoying chilled brews, not only at parties, but also for casual evenings and dinner time. No matter if you prefer strong lagers, light pilsners, wheat beers, or craft beers, the Indian beer market has everything for you. From international names to local heroes, the range and quality of beer have developed to an entirely new level. Many Indian beer lovers are constantly innovating with local ingredients and flavors to further enhance this experience. With all the available choices today, it can be difficult to choose the best one. Therefore, we have put together the names of some of the best beer brands in India, so you can know exactly what to look for. So, let’s dive straight into the blog.

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List of the Top 10 Beer Brands in India

No matter if it is after work or if you are hosting a party with friends, there is the best beer for every occasion and mood. Here is a curated guide focusing on some of the prominent beer brands in India, with context to help you choose your next beer.

1. Kingfisher

Kingfisher is famous because of its esteemed reputation, taste, and availability, so it’s no wonder it is said to be the best beer in India. Kingfisher provides a range of variants for everyone, such as Premium, Strong, Ultra, and Ultra Max. Kingfisher Premium is an easy-drinking smooth lager. Kingfisher Strong is higher in alcohol content, which provides a kick. Ultra and Ultra Max, the two premium experiences, are best for those looking to sip on a refined flavor. Kingfisher is a long-standing brand with decades in the market, and it provides customers with consistency in quality. Thus, it is the leading beer brand in the Indian beer culture, and remains a reliable choice for beer lovers.

2. Tuborg

Tuborg has found its niche as one of the best beer brands in India and has developed a smooth, light taste with a global fan following. It is brewed as a bottom-fermented lager and is especially made for casual drinkers with 4.8% alcohol content. This makes it an exceptional choice for social occasions. Tuborg appeals to those consumers who do not enjoy strong beers with its floral aroma, balanced bitterness, and crispy mouthfeel. The Green, Strong, and Classic with Scotch malt flavors, Tuborg appeals to the Indian palate and shines with its thirst-quenching qualities and ability to pair with a variety of foods.

3. Carlsberg

Carlsberg would be the best beer available for drinkers who prefer clean, mild, and very discreet flavors. Carlsberg is brewed using European barley in the renowned Danish brewing style. It is very light and balanced, which adds a bitterness. Carlsberg Smooth is preferred by casual drinkers, while Carlsberg Elephant offers more punch in the body. This beer lineage has a golden color with a nicely crisp finish, and pairs adequately with lighter food options and appetizers. Carlsberg is best for unwinding from the daily grind on weekdays or a delightful pairing during celebrations.

4. Bira 91 Boom

Bira 91 Boom has become one of the best beer brands in India in a short period, mainly among millennials and craft beer enthusiasts. Inspired by the Munich Helles-style beer, it is made with two-row and caramel malts and rice for a refreshing flavor, mild sweetness, and smooth mouthfeel. With an ABV of less than 8%, it offers a stable strength with a significant balance in taste. The noble hops used in Bira Boom contribute sweetness to the brew while providing gentle bitterness that does not overwhelm the palate. Bira Boom pairs well with spicy Indian cuisine and is popular among craft beer lovers for its bold flavor, contemporary style, and branding.

5. BeeYoung

BeeYoung is the best beer in the strong craft beer category to consume in India. Made with water from the Bhakra Dam and two-row barley, it offers a nice, smooth drinking experience with an ABV of 7.2%. This percentage is best for someone looking for a strong and comfortable drinking experience. The use of Columbus and Styrian Golding hops in making BeeYoung gives depth and freshness to each sip. Even if you are at a party or just having a weekend, BeeYoung offers a clean and crisp drinking experience. Available in cans and bottles, it is a beer that any fan of quality strong beer should try.

6. Kati Patang

Kati Patang has secured a spot among the best beer brands in India by transforming what Indian craft beer can be. Brewed with Himalayan spring water, it brings local authenticity to the forefront. Their standout brews include Zesty Amber Ale, Snappy Wheat, and Saffron Lager. Each of them is infused with bold Indian ingredients like coriander, ginger, and even Kashmiri saffron. Kati Patang is ideal for those who want variety and bold experimentation in their beer. The brand’s use of all-natural ingredients and a range of flavors makes it a favorite among urban craft beer lovers.

7. Corona

For those who enjoy light and easy-to-drink lagers with a mild level of bitterness, Corona is the best beer choice. This rather famous beer brand comes from Mexico, and its light and refreshing beer style has found a massive audience in India. It has delicate, tart, fruity, and honey aromas. A lime wedge serves as a garnish that only enhances its quality. Such factors make Corona best for daytime drinking, or with a spicy and crispy meal. Though it can be slightly pricey, its taste and international reputation make it worth your indulgence. Corona Light and Corona Extra can both be found in India.

8. Foster’s

Foster’s remains a classic name in the list of the best beer brands in India. It is especially preferred by drinkers looking for a strong & bitter beer. Foster’s beer profile is rich in malty character, with late hopping and a small batch process. This profile allows the consumer to enjoy the beer without losing its freshness and flavor. Foster’s Lager beer is a light and golden beer, while the Foster’s Premium beer has some nice, deeper caramel tones, being richer on the mouthful. This beer is brewed for drinkers who enjoy bold, strong, full-bodied beers, while still enjoying the strong character of the aroma and flavors. Though it was introduced in Australia, Foster’s was able to navigate the more demanding market in India, and continues to be a viable option available in many bars and on retail shelves.

9. Simba

Simba is undoubtedly one of the top beer brands in the Indian craft segment, known for providing premium, full-bodied beers that are brewed with love and care. The Belgian-style Wit is bright and light, which makes it a good option for a hot day. On the other hand, Simpson Lager is refreshing and crisp. Simpson Stout is the first canned stout in the country, and is rich in its complexity with notes of chocolate, toffee, and coffee. Simba focuses on the quality of its ingredients with small-batch brewing, earning a reputation among selective drinkers. This is a great choice for anyone looking for something different than the lagers and strong beers that populate the market in India.

10. Haywards 5000

Haywards 5000 offers a strong lager option and has been one of the best beer brands in India. At 7.5% alcohol, it is full-bodied without leaving out the smoothness. Brewed with a combination of Indian malts, along with German hop extracts, it has a rich, deep malt taste. Haywards 5000 is known to be consistent and affordable, which keeps it as an option in both rural and urban marketplaces. Therefore, this will be a go-to nameplate beer for those making heavier choices for beers.

Conclusion

With its creativity, diversity, and taste, the Indian beer market is flourishing. The best beer brands in India provide something different for every type of beer enthusiast. There is the ideal bottle waiting for you, regardless of your preference for a strong, malty punch or a light, crisp taste. Exploring different beer brands also gives you a chance to support local breweries and discover new favorites that you might not find on every shelf. It’s an exciting time to be a beer enthusiast in India as tastes continue to change and new brews hit the market. So grab something new and toast to the expanding Indian beer market.

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