Beer is one of the most widely consumed alcoholic beverages in India, and the market continues to expand with both legacy brands and new-age craft brewers.
Indian consumers today have access to a diverse selection of brews, each offering something distinct in terms of taste and experience.
While some brands have become household names over decades, others are carving their niche by focusing on unique ingredients and regional appeal. Crisp lagers, bold stouts, and fruity wheat beers, the Indian beer scene today is more exciting than ever.
As preferences evolve and the demand for quality brews rises, these top beer brands continue to redefine what it means to enjoy a good pint.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top beer brands that have shaped the country’s drinking culture!
List of Top Beer Brands in India
Kingfisher
Kingfisher, brewed by United Breweries Group in Bangalore, is one of the most iconic and widely recognized beer brands in India. Originally introduced in 1857 and relaunched in 1978 by Vijay Mallya, it has grown to become the top-selling beer in India and is available in over 60 countries worldwide.
Brewed using water, malted barley, hops, and yeast, Kingfisher is known for its clean, refreshing taste and consistent quality. The brand caters to diverse tastes with a range of options, including Kingfisher Strong, Kingfisher Ultra, Kingfisher Light, Ultra Max, and Kingfisher Premium.
Kingfisher is a lifestyle symbol. With its “King of Good Times” slogan, the brand has been closely associated with music festivals, sports events, and vibrant social gatherings, making it a go-to choice for many beer lovers in India and abroad.
Bira 91
Bira 91, a homegrown craft beer brand, was founded by Ankur Jain in 2015. In just a few years, it has become a favorite among urban beer lovers in India and has expanded its reach to over 25 countries, including the US, UK, Singapore, and Thailand.
Known for its bold flavors and playful branding, Bira 91 offers a diverse range of beers such as Bira 91 White (wheat beer), Blonde (lager), Light (low-calorie lager), Strong, and IPA.
They’ve also introduced experimental brews like Mango Lassi, Brown Ale, Kokum Sour, and Bollywood IPA; often released as limited editions.
Bira 91 beers are brewed using ingredients like water, malted barley, wheat, hops, and yeast. Some varieties also include unique additions like coriander, orange peel, oats, or rice, giving them a distinct, refreshing twist.
With its modern take on traditional styles, Bira 91 has carved out a fresh space in the nation’s beer culture.
Budweiser
Budweiser, among the most iconic beer brands globally, was first launched in 1876 by Carl Conrad & Co. in St. Louis, Missouri. It later became part of Anheuser-Busch, co-founded by Adolphus Busch and Eberhard Anheuser. Over the years, Budweiser has grown into a global brand and is now exported to more than 80 countries.
In India, Budweiser has made a strong mark, especially among the youth, with products like Budweiser Magnum and Budweiser 0.0, a non-alcoholic beer catering to health-conscious consumers. India is now the brand’s fourth-largest market.
Budweiser offers several variants, including Budweiser (classic American-style lager), Bud Light, Budweiser Zero (non-alcoholic), Budweiser Select, and Budweiser Magnum (a stronger lager), alongside limited editions like Chelada and Reserve Copper Lager.
The beer is brewed using malted barley, rice, yeast, hops, and water. The production process is detailed and includes beechwood lagering, a technique that gives Budweiser its smooth finish.
Due to trademark conflicts with Czech brewery Budvar, Budweiser is sold under different names in some countries, like Czechvar in the U.S. and Canada.
Simba
Founded in 2016 by cousins Prabhtej Singh Bhatia and Ishwaraj Singh Bhatia, Simba Beer traces its roots to a family with a deep legacy in the liquor industry.
Starting with their first beer launch in Chhattisgarh, Simba has grown into one of India’s leading independent craft beer brands, now available in 17 markets across India and exported to New Zealand, Australia, and Oman.
What sets Simba apart is its focus on authentic craft brewing, brewed at its own facility in Durg, Chhattisgarh. The brand prides itself on using quality ingredients such as water, malted barley, hops, and yeast. Some variants, like Simba Strong, may include maize or rice for added character.
Some popular variants of Simba include Simba Strong (High-alcohol lager), Simba Wit (Belgian-style wheat beer), Simba Stout (Dark beer with roasted malt notes), and Simba Light (Lighter lager).
White Rhino Brewing Co.
Founded in 2016 by Ishaan Puri, White Rhino Brewing Co. holds the distinction of being one of India’s first craft breweries. Located in Malanpur, near a tributary of the Chambal River in Madhya Pradesh, the brewery was born from Puri’s vision to bring high-quality, craft-style beers to the Indian market, a vision shaped by his brewing education in the UK and a diploma in brewing.
White Rhino focuses on quality, consistency, and authentic brewing techniques. The company has also expanded its global presence by partnering with UK-based distributor James Clay to export Indian craft beer to the UK market.
Popular beer varieties from White Rhino Brewing Co. include Witbier (Belgian-style wheat beer brewed with Indian-rolled wheat, fresh Himalayan coriander seeds, and orange peel), Lager (Munich-style brew), IPA (India Pale Ale), Pale Ale (Brewed with Citra and Mosaic hops).
White Rhino reinforces its commitment to authentic craft brewing by using only high-quality ingredients, including 100% two-row pilsner malt, noble hops, and locally sourced grains and spices.
Afterword
India’s beer culture has grown into something far more exciting than just familiar lagers. There’s something that resonates with every kind of palate. As brewers continue to experiment and refine, it’s safe to say the best pours might still be ahead of us!