A visible and amazing change has happened in India’s beer market in recent years. With the arrival of microbreweries and craft beer brands, Indian customers are experiencing various flavours, brewing methods, and global influences. But this growth has been a massive booster for a new-found appreciation for beer culture in India and to hold an Indian beer on the global podium—Indian beers of the world stage. Indian breweries have been recognised globally, clinching coveted awards in categories of gemstone beer craftsmanship, distinctive taste profiles and competitive raw material sourcing.
These included award-winning beers from India that show a new culture of beer brewing in India, bringing out the essence of local talent and craft beers of local brewers working hard to make significant and innovative beers. From crisp lagers and rich stouts to experimental ales made with local ingredients, Indian breweries have shown they can compete with some of the best in the world.
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Bira 91 White
Founded in 2015, Bira 91 quickly became the poster child for India’s craft beer revolution. Bira 91 White: One of the many beers in Bira’s portfolio is Bira 91 White, a Belgian-style wheat beer that brings a refreshing experience with citrus and spice notes. And beer from there, offered as house unfiltered, has become highly regarded for its continuing smooth mouthfeel and aromatic profile among the urban “brewmetic” consumers. Packing in flavour and quality, Bira 91 White won a silver medal at the Beer of India Awards 2023 under the Packaged – Witbier category, establishing it as a world-class Indian craft beer.
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Simba Stout
Founded in 2016, Simba is one of the pioneers of the Indian craft beer renaissance, bringing exciting flavours to bear. Simba Stout, India’s first bottled stout, has coffee and chocolate notes rich yet smooth in the drink. In October 2023, its commitment to brewing quality stout was honoured with a Bronze award at the Beer of India Awards for 2023 under its Packaged—Witbier category.
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Godfather Legendary
Godfather Legendary is a strong lager produced by Devans Modern Breweries, which has been a classic in the Indian beer realm for several decades now. It is recognised for its robust flavour and elevated alcohol content, appealing to consumers looking for a more powerful beer profile. The high and consistent quality of Godfather Legendary has also been recognised, making it a Bronze winner at the Beer of India Awards 2023 (in the Packaged—Strong Lager segment), signifying its lasting preference among Indian beer enthusiasts.
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Six Fields Cult
Six Fields Cult, a Belgian-style strong wheat beer, is another excellent offering from Devans Modern Breweries. It is a wonderful mix of traditional Belgian brewing techniques and Indian sensibilities, the complexity of which has wooed many. The beer was also awarded a silver medal in the DubbleWit category at the Brussels Beer Challenge 2022, a testament to its global appeal and the brewery’s mastery of the craft.
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Kotsberg Pils
Kotsberg Pils is a light lager that exemplifies the delicate touch required for good pilsner brewing. This smooth and refreshing drink has become the go-to beer for purists. Whatever the beer was, it was good enough to win a Gold Medal in the lager ice category at the Brussels Beer Challenge 2022. This means this beer will be among the best lagers in the world, and it proves that India is finally giving out world-class beers now.
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Geist Marzen
Bangalore-based Geist was one of the first Indian craft beer brands to import the best hops from Germany and create food-pairing ales. A traditional German-style lager, their Märzen features a malty sweetness countered with a light hop bitterness. Renowned for its adherence to the craft, the beer won a Gold at the Beer of India Awards 2023 in the Rauchbier category for its authenticity and craftsmanship, appealing to seasoned beer drinkers.
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White Owl Ace
White Owl Brewery has found its niche with some creativity. Its Ace Belgian-style wheat beer is light-bodied with refreshing citrus notes and is the perfect introduction to craft beers. It has already earned accolades, like a Silver medal at the Beer of India Awards 2023 in the Belgian Witbier category, which just goes to show that it has created a top-quality Indian Beer.
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Kati Patang Zesty Amber
Opened in 2018, Kati Patang has quickly made a name with inventive brews. Zesty Amber is the brewmaster’s flagship beer, a balanced amber ale with a rich maltiness and subtle citrus notes. This unique flavour profile has appealed to drinkers looking for something different from traditional lagers. It won a Silver medal at the Beer of India Awards 2023 in the Irish Red Ale category, a recognition that emphasises this brewery’s work to diversify the range of beers available in India.
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Maka di Honey Ale
Maka di, a Goan craft brewery, has generated a buzz with its unique beers that often blend local ingredients. The brewery also produces a Honey Ale, sweetened with honey, that fills the mouth with smooth, well-balanced flavours. This innovative brew also scored a Gold medal at the Beer of India Awards 2023 under the Experimental – Fruit & Speciality Fruit Beer category, indicating the scope of harnessing desi flavours in the beer world.
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BeeYoung Crafted Strong Beer
Launched by Kimaya Himalayan Beverages, BeeYoung is a bold beer that has quickly created a buzz for its rich flavour and smooth taste. With its imported hops and malts, it serves as a high-end offering in the beer market for those who want their beer with a little more depth and strength. It was awarded a Silver at the Beer of India Awards 2023 under the packaged Strong Lager category, further establishing it as one of India’s best beers.
Conclusion
India’s beer industry has matured, with players consistently pushing out quality, world-class beers that appeal to different palates. The country’s brewers celebrate tradition and innovation, using indigenous ingredients while mastering styles and techniques worldwide. It has earned global recognition, with Indian beers winning top prizes at prestigious competitions, including the Brussels Beer Challenge and Beer of India Awards. These kinds of accolades not only add credibility for Indian breweries but also inspire more experimentation and refinement about making a good brew.
With the craft beer scene in India continuing to grow, beer enthusiasts can expect to see more innovative and engaging brews in the coming years. When it comes to Indian brews, these award-winning beers are a testament to the industry’s raw potential, making it possible for local breweries to hold their own shoulder-to-shoulder with breweries globally. Whether wheat beer, stout, or an experimental ale is your drink of choice, you find something to love at India’s breweries.
