10 Best Indian Beers That Beer Lovers Must Try At Least Once

Mar 10, 2023 - Views: 4020

Rating: 5.0 - 51Votes

The top 10 best Indian beers below will help you get greater choices for amazing and unique beer flavors. 

These beers are famous brands worldwide with crowded drinkers. Yet, each brand has distinctive features and tastes for you to choose from.   

Let’s thoroughly look at the beer name list list of famous beers in India below.

The best Indian beers

Top 10 beer brands in India

History of Indian Beer

Tasty and strong beers in India began many centuries ago, around 1500 BC. 

The composition consisted of fermented barley and rice drinks flavored with spices and local fruits. 

Yet, this is not the modern beer we are familiar with, containing malted barley, yeast, hops, and water.

In 1716, this European-style beer was imported from England to India.

Ales arrived in India in the late 1700s from England since the climate there did not allow beer brewing.

Then, the Pale Ale and Porter consumed by the British in India led to new styles featuring higher alcohol strength and hop profiles. 

It's also the now infamous IPA or India Pale Ale.

India Pale Ale

India Pale Ale

The IPA's demise was finalized long before the British left India.

Whiskey, opium, brandy, red wine, and gin (gin and tonic water) slowly replaced beer in the late 1800s and early 1900s. 

When the British left, IPAs went with them. 

Pioneering brewers in India began brewing the styles that replaced pale ale worldwide: pilsners and lagers, flooding the country with pilsners and lagers.  

The result is to produce multiple larger varieties, and a strong lager, which is high-gravity lager (6-8% ABV) brewed with a malted barley combination and some additives.

History of Indian beer

History of Indian beer

These beers vary in flavor profile in the mouth, with pronounced sweet malt notes intertwined with fusel alcohol on the nose and sometimes sour bitterness. 

Still, these beers satisfy the Indian palate and are cheap yet affordable but strong.

You can watch this video to know more about India Pale Ale:

What Are The Best Indian Beers?

These are some of the best microbrews to watch out for as a beer-loving traveler in India. 

However, this list of the best tasty beer in India avoids imported brands because travelers will likely want to experience something new.

Also, imported beers seem to have much higher prices than local ones.

So check out the best Indian beer brands of all time!

The list of best Indian beers

The list of best Indian beers

Kingfisher

 

Kingfisher Strong Beer is among top beer brands in India, which was created by United Breweries Bangalore group in the 1970s. 

Kingfisher beers have a pleasing balance of malty and citrusy grains, giving them a new flavor. The taste of Kingfisher is refreshing and clean, with citrus undertones and pleasant bitterness. 

A carefree beer that always promises a good mood, as the slogan "King of the Good Times" already says.

Check out the history of Kingfisher beer here:

Variants: 

  • Kingfisher Ultra

  • Kingfisher Premium

  • Kingfisher Strong

Kingfisher

Kingfisher is a tasty beer in India

Budweiser

Another best taste beer in India, Budweiser is a medium-bodied American-style drink brewed with exquisite barley and hops. 

Thus, it also has become one of the best Indian beer in USA. 

Alcohol percentage Budweiser is 5% and is associated with the first beer taste in India and worldwide.

Sold in wine shops and bars across India, it is characterized by its tasty flavor and crisp texture. Budweiser features a certain smoothness and is widely drunk around the world. 

Watch this video to discover some truths behind this best Indian beer:

Variants: 

  • Budweiser Supreme

  • Budweiser Select

  • Budweiser Select 55

  • Budweiser Chelada

  • Budweiser Zero

Budweiser-a great option for beer lovers worldwide 

Budweiser is a great option for beer lovers worldwide 

Royal Challenge

Royal Challenge has become one of the strongest beer in India by alcohol content as well as the tastiest beer in India.

Like the Godfather, Royal Challenge includes a long-brewing cycle of changing the taste. This beer gives you a great drinking experience with a smooth taste. 

If you are interested in this beer, refer to this review for further information:

Variants: 

  • Antiquity Blue 

  • Antiquity Rare

Royal Challenge beer is one of the good brands in India

Royal Challenge beer is one of the good brands in India

Carlsberg

Carlsberg is one of the world's strongest beer price in India with the malicious slogan "Probably the best beer in the world." 

A product with nearly 200 years of tradition, Carlsberg was founded in 1811 by a creator named Jacob Christian Jacobsen. 

Its fresh, crisp taste has maintained its place among beer lovers.

Check out the history of Carlsberg Indian beer here:

Variants: 

  • Carlsberg Pilsner 

  • Carlsberg Beer 

  • Carlsberg Elephant

  • Kronenbourg 1664

  • Grimbergen

  • Tetley's English Ale

  • Okocim

Carlsberg is a famous beer manufacturer worldwide

Carlsberg is a famous beer manufacturer worldwide

Heineken

Heineken is a Dutch beer company founded in 1873 by Gerard Adriaan Heineken. 

Heineken's Pale Lager is the finest in the country with its red star and recognizable green bottle.

As it became one of the most strongest beer in India, it was sent to several countries.

Heineken-One of the Indian strongest beer brands worldwide 

Heineken is One of the Indian strongest beer brands worldwide

 

Made with only the triple ingredients of barley, hops, and distilled water, you can get a stable and unique flavor all year round. 

Heineken is a Scotch ale malt beer with a sweet taste and rich yellowish-brown color.

Heineken is so familiar with most people, but have you ever wondered what makes it so popular? Watch this video to get the answer:

Variants: 

  • Heineken strong larger beer

Tuborg

Tuborg Strong, one of the strongest beer in India, appears to be the most effective Tuborg-style beer released in response to the Indian consumer base's desire for stronger beer.

Tuborg is a healthy and tasty beer brand worldwide

Tuborg is a healthy and tasty beer brand worldwide

Carlsberg makes Tuborg Brewery in India and is considered one of the country's most luxurious bottle-fermented malt beers. 

Tuborg Green is smooth and natural, with a perfect balance of floral and cereal aromas. This medium-bodied, low-sweet beer comes at an incredibly affordable price. 

Get a detailed review of this beer here:

Variants: 

  • Tuborg Strong premium 

  • Tuborg Green

Haywards 5000 Strong Lager

The Haywards Beer Label is widely revered for its 7% ABV hard-hit stout, Haywards 5000.

Haywards 5000 is the good Indian beer

Haywards 5000 is among the best Indian beers

The brand was launched in 1974 to expand the Haywards Alcohol Company, best known for its Haywards 2000 pale beer, founded in the 1900s. 

This brand is one of the strongest beer in the India served at restaurants. And, if you can drink beer and break the winning record, you'll get a beer for free.

Curious about whether Haywards 5000 is worth trying? Get a Haywards 5000 beer review before making a purchase:

Variant: 

  • Haywards 5000 ultra-strong beer

Corona

The Corona is among the top 10 beer brands in India, which is made in Mexico, but AB InBev in Belgium owns the production company. 

Corona Extra beer is smoother than the typical beer you are used to, with a nice mix of grain and malt flavors. 

It gives you a comfortable, noticeable dryness with minimal bitterness and throaty sweetness. 

Uncover the history of Corona beer by watching this video:

Variant: 

  • Corona Extra Beer

Corona

Corona

Godfather

The Godfather is the label for the iconic beer of Devans Modern Breweries Limited, which began production in Jammu in 1961. 

There are three types of beer based on Godfather beer alcohol percentage: strong (7.5% alcohol), lager (5% alcohol), and light (4.5% alcohol). 

Thus, Godfather is the right option to which beer has highest alcohol in India.

Godfather-The available strongest beer in India

Godfather is a tasty beer in India

It is a surprisingly easy-to-drink lager with a smooth taste of key grain sweetness, distinctive smoke, and a rich body. 

Godfather beer price is about Rs 180 for 650ml.

Variants: 

  • Godfather strong beer 

  • Godfather Lager beer 

  • Godfather Lite beer

Here is a complete review of Godfather beer:

Kalyani Black Label

The Kalyani Black Label remains one of the oldest and top beer brands in India. Like Kingfisher, it is also produced by United Breweries Group. 

There are two versions of Kalyani Black Label: mild and strong. 

Kalyani Black Label is included in the popular beer name list 

Kalyani Black Label is included in the popular beer name list 

Though many beers have a strong after-taste, it is different with a sweet after-taste. 

For a very long time, Kalyani Black Label has been one of the the best Indian beer brands of all time.

Maybe you will find this review helpful:

Variants:

  • Kalyani Black Label Strong Beer

  • Kalyani Black Label Premium Lager Beer

  • Kalyani Black Label Super Strong Premium Beer

Are you curious about what is the strongest beer in the world? 

It is Brewmeister Snake Venom Ale with an ABV of 67.5%. Check out the other 4 in Barcode Live!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does India have good beer?

Yes, India has various beer types with good quality, such as Bira 91, Kingfisher, Budweiser, and Heineken. 

2. Why do Indians prefer strong beer?

Indians prefer strong beer because it is better than strong liquor or alcohol. In addition, Indians love strong beer for cultural and religious reasons. 

Also, strong beer gives them powerful strength and spirit. 

Which is the oldest Indian beer?

Brewed by Asia's first brewery and India's oldest brewery, Mohan Meakin, Golden Eagle was the number-one beer in the country until the launch of Kingfisher in the early 1980s.

Wrapping Up

The above is the latest list of the best beer brands in India. You can consider the features and taste of each one to choose the most favorite beer. 

Yet, note that all of the best Indian beers have their unique local flavors that keep beer lovers coming back.

Rating: 5.0 - 51Votes

12 Comments

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  1. Everly Gagnon

    Everly Gagnon

    Which Indian b#er is non-bitter or less bitter?

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    1. Barcodelive

      While most Indian beers tend to be on the bitter side due to the type of hops used, there are some Indian beers that are relatively less bitter, such as Kingfisher Ultra, Godfather, Goa Kings Beer

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  2. Harper Pelletier

    Harper Pelletier

    Do non-Indians like and enjoy the taste of Indian b**r?

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    1. Allan

      Allan

      I'm from New York and I have to say that nothing is better with Indian food than a nice, tall, cold Kingfisher.

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    2. james

      james

      In the UK almost all Indian restaurants sell Kingfisher b*er, and it's enjoyed by many British people.

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    3. Samuel Martin

      Samuel Martin

      Yes, Kingfisher in particular is rich, mild, and not bitter, it’s easy to like, and popular particularly in Indian restaurants in non-Indian countries. As their adverts attest, it is sold and enjoyed in more than 60 countries

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  3. Ragini Narayanan

    Ragini Narayanan

    Is it bad to drink b*er daily? I mean the Indian b*er Kingfisher.

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    1. Barcodelive

      Drinking it is not bad,it can be of any brand, but consuming daily is harmful for both physical and mental health.

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  4. Amelia Li

    Amelia Li

    How much abv is Indian beeer?

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    1. Barcodelive

      Between 5% to 8%

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  5. Mohit Arya

    Mohit Arya

    I'm in the US and my father is in India, and I'm returning to India this week. But I have no idea though about the difference between beers in India and those available in the US. The two brands I know are common in India are Kingfishers and Fosters. I would like to take back to my dad something that's new for him that blows his mind. So anyone has any idea?

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    1. Zoe Jones

      Zoe Jones

      Founders BastardScotch ale, High Seas Siren Noire Bourbon barrel ale. If your dad likes scotch (like a typical indian uncle does) he might like those. If you don't find anything at least look for something aged in whiskey/Bourbon barrels.

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