Top 10 Best Beer Brands in India
India has witnessed a remarkable growth in its beer culture in recent years, with a plethora of beer brands catering to the diverse tastes of consumers. From ... read more...traditional lagers to craft brews, the following beer brands in India have gained recognition for their exceptional flavors, brewing techniques, and popularity among beer enthusiasts.
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The saying "Don't judge a book by its cover" is highly applicable to this particular beer brand. Despite the negative association of the word "Corona" with the COVID-19 pandemic, this has not diminished the brand's popularity in India. Corona Extra, produced by the Mexican brewery Cervecería Modelo, has established itself as a formidable brand, especially among the country's youth.
Owned by the Belgian brewing company AB InBev, Corona Extra is recognized as one of the finest beers available in India. Moreover, it has also gained a significant market share in the United States, where it ranks as a top-selling imported beer brand.
While Corona Extra, a pale lager, remains the most popular variant globally, it is worth noting that the brand offers other equally appealing options. These include Corona Light, Corona Premier, and Corona Familiar, which also enjoy substantial sales.
Beer enthusiasts should not overlook the delightful malty sweetness that Corona Extra offers. It pairs exceptionally well with burgers and spicy Indian dishes, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking a complement to their meals.
Headquarters: Mexico City, Mexico
Founded: 1925
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corona/ (891K followers)
Website: www.corona.com -
The Dutch community has always had a strong passion for beer, and the worldwide success of Heineken is a testament to this fact. Founded by Gerard Adriaan Heineken in 1864, this beer company boasts more than 165 breweries across all continents.
Indian consumers are particularly fond of Heineken due to its affordable and appealing nature, making it one of the leading beer brands in India in terms of market share. Its ascent to becoming the second-largest brewer came after the merger of the brewing giants Anheuser-Busch InBev and SABMiller in 2016.
Heineken's headquarters are located in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. In 2019, it achieved a global revenue of over 23 billion euros and produced an impressive 241,300,000 hectoliters of beer, setting a new record that year. Throughout its history, Heineken's products have received numerous awards, including the Medaille d'Or at the Columbian Exposition in Paris.
Beyond the Netherlands, the beer brand enjoys considerable popularity in former Dutch colonies like Indonesia, Taiwan, and, of course, India. Additionally, it is a top-selling beer brand in several European countries.
Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Founded: 1864
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heineken/ (776K followers)
Website: www.heineken.com -
In 1876, Carl Conrad & Co. introduced Budweiser, a North American pale lager renowned for its distinctive taste and color. Among Indian urban beverage enthusiasts, it ranks as one of the top beers. The United States' beer brand is widely available in more than 80 countries.
Notably, according to Statista, in 2021, Budweiser was the world's most valuable beer brand, valued at $16.17 billion. Throughout its existence, whether in glass bottles or cans, Budweiser has managed to maintain its taste and quality.
Anheuser–Busch, the American brewing company, manufactures Budweiser, which is a filtered beer with approximately 30% rice content, complemented by a balanced blend of hops and barley malt. In the Indian beer market, Budweiser holds a significant share, accounting for about 3%, solidifying its position as one of the country's most popular beer brands. For those seeking a distinctive and mood-enhancing experience, a couple of glasses of Budweiser beer offer a unique choice.
Headquarters: St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Founded: 1876
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/budweiser/ (625K followers)
Website: www.budweiser.com -
Undoubtedly, Kingfisher stands as the most renowned beer brand in India. As a native Indian beer, it holds the top spot in terms of sales in the country. Its wide range of options and affordable prices give it a dominant position in the beer industry, capturing around 41% of the market share. Produced by the United Breweries Group based in Bangalore, Kingfisher Beer has become one of the most recognizable Indian brands, sponsoring numerous sports teams like FC Goa, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Southampton F.C., and more.
Beyond India's borders, Kingfisher Beers have expanded their presence to over 60 countries, enjoying a substantial market share in many of them. The 2012 Brand Trust Report by Trust Research Advisory ranked it 74th among India's most trusted brands. Among the various Kingfisher variants, Kingfisher Strong stands out as the most popular choice. Its sweet and malty taste resonates well with Indian delicacies like kebabs, burgers, and various snacks, making it a favorite among most Indians.
Headquarters: Bangalore, India
Founded: 1978
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingfisherworld/ (205K followers)
Website: https://www.unitedbreweries.com/ -
Bira 91, also known as Boom Bira in India, made its debut in the Indian market in 2015. Its remarkable surge in popularity within such a short timeframe is truly praiseworthy. This Indian craft beer brand is produced by B9 Beverages Pvt. Ltd, a company founded by Ankur Jain. The brand received a positive response from the country's young population, propelling it to become one of the top beers in India.
The beer company offers five main variants - Bira 91 White, Bira 91 Blonde, Bira 91 Light, Bira 91 Strong, and The Bira 91 Indian Pale Ale. Notably, the last variant is known as the first IPA to be brewed and bottled in India. One of the reasons for the brand's rising fame is the high quality of its low-bitterness wheat beer, featuring a mild alcohol content of 4%. Additionally, many fitness-conscious Indians appreciate its low-calorie lager, often pairing it with lunch and dinner.
Headquarters: New Delhi, India
Founded: 2015
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bira91beer/ (109K followers)
Website: www.bira91.com -
Carlsberg, the Danish pilsner, has gained significant popularity in India over the past few years. As the flagship beer brand of the Carlsberg Group, headquartered in Copenhagen, it has successfully established itself in the vast Indian market. One of the key reasons for its appeal is its excellent taste, adhering to the standard of a pale lager.
The multinational brewing company was founded back in 1847 by J. C. Jacobsen and was named after Carl Jacobsen, the founder's son. Apart from Carlsberg, the company boasts various other beer brands that enjoy popularity in different parts of the world.
Carlsberg Group's presence extends internationally, with its brands being top-sellers in several countries, including Russia, Latvia, China, and more. Despite facing competition from India's own Kingfisher, Carlsberg beer has managed to establish itself as one of the top beers in India in terms of brand value.
The operations of Carlsberg India Pvt. Ltd. are based in Gurgaon, and it operates five other breweries in Alwar (Rajasthan), Aurangabad (Maharashtra), Paonta Sahib (Himachal Pradesh), Kolkata (West Bengal), and Hyderabad (Telangana).
Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
Founded: 1847
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlsberg/ (70.2K followers)
Website: www.carlsberg.com -
Simba's journey as a homegrown Indian beer has been nothing short of remarkable. With its distinct flavors and commitment to quality, Simba has emerged as a beloved choice among beer enthusiasts in the country. In recent years, its popularity has soared, particularly after the COVID-19 lockdown, as people sought comfort and enjoyment in the little moments of life.
Crafted with precision and customized to cater to the preferences of Indian consumers, Simba offers a range of four variants that cater to different tastes and occasions. Each variant is carefully designed to provide a unique and memorable experience to its consumers.
The wit variant of Simba has captured the hearts of many with its refreshing and zesty profile. This variant, with its light and citrusy notes, offers a perfect companion to beat the tropical Indian heat. Its crisp and clean flavor makes it a popular choice for those who appreciate a beer that is both refreshing and invigorating. Whether it's a casual get-together or a lively celebration, the wit variant of Simba is often the go-to option for many.
Headquarters: Bangalore, India
Founded: 2015
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roarwithsimba/ (23.9K followers)
Website: www.simbabeer.com -
Tuborg is a highly popular and trendy name in the realm of top-notch beers in India. Established in 1873, this Danish brewing company became a part of the Carlsberg Group in 1970. Founded by Philip Heyman, C. F. Tietgen, Gustav Brock, and Rudolph Puggaard, Tuborg's headquarters is located in Fredericia.
Currently, Tuborg has a presence in more than 30 countries. Among its well-liked variants are Tuborg Green, Tuborg Lemon, Tuborg Red, Tuborg Twist, and others. In India, Tuborg Strong stands out as the most favored variety of this beer brand, particularly for those who prefer a robust lager.
An Indian survey revealed that one out of every six beer drinkers prefers Tuborg. It is available in both bottles and cans, and many people relish its brilliant taste when paired with mutton and chicken dishes. For numerous years, Tuborg pilsner has been offering the taste of the 21st century to lakhs of Indians. Additionally, Tuborg has been a prominent sponsor for various sports teams worldwide. The flavors of flowers and roasted grains are particularly well-liked by consumers.
Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
Founded: 1873
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tuborg/ (23.8K followers)
Website: www.tuborg.com -
Kati Patang is a beer brand that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in India. This brand offers a refreshing and enjoyable beer experience for beer enthusiasts. With its unique name, Kati Patang captures attention and stands out in the crowded beer market.
Kati Patang beer is known for its smooth taste and quality ingredients. It is brewed using traditional methods and carefully selected ingredients, resulting in a well-balanced flavor profile. The beer offers a crisp and clean palate, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a refreshing beverage.One of the noteworthy aspects of Kati Patang is its versatility. It pairs well with a variety of cuisines, making it a suitable companion for Indian dishes as well as international flavors. Whether enjoyed with spicy curries or grilled meats, Kati Patang beer adds to the overall dining experience.
The brand has also made efforts to engage with beer enthusiasts through social media platforms. Kati Patang maintains an active presence on Instagram, where they share updates, promotions, and engage with their followers.
Overall, Kati Patang beer has carved a niche for itself in the market with its distinct taste, quality ingredients, and versatility. It offers a delightful beer-drinking experience and continues to gain popularity among consumers who appreciate a well-crafted and enjoyable brew.
Headquarters: New Delhi, India
Founded: 2017
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatipatang (20.9K followers)
Website: https://katipatang.com/ -
As its name suggests, Godfather truly reigns as the undisputed leader among all Indian beers, offering a delightful experience for lager enthusiasts. It holds a prominent position as one of India's best-selling beers, especially gaining popularity in the northern region of the country. The hallmark of Godfather lies in its smooth and full-bodied flavor, which has garnered a loyal following of beer enthusiasts.
The brand proudly boasts its Super 8 variant, which stands out as "India's stronger beer with the smoothness of malt and a kick of revitalizing strength." For those seeking a blend of bold hops and golden wheat, the Super Strong variant offers an amazing choice, packing a punch with its 6.5% alcohol content.
Godfather's success as one of India's top beers is evident from its unwavering market share, which has remained steady in recent years, showcasing its enduring appeal. For those in search of an incredibly refreshing retreat, Godfather proves to be an astonishing choice that never disappoints. Its combination of robust flavors and invigorating quality make it a go-to option for beer enthusiasts looking to savor the best of Indian lagers.
Headquarters: Jammu, India
Founded: 1961
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godfatherzone/ (2863 followers)
Website: https://www.godfatherbeer.com/