Beer Brands in India 2024

India is famous for its diverse culture, rich history, and vibrant cuisine. One of the most popular beverages in India is beer, which is enjoyed across the country. With the rise in popularity of craft beers and microbreweries, the Indian beer market has seen a surge in the number of brands available. From refreshing lagers to bold and hoppy ales, there is a beer for every palate. If you’re also keen on discovering great wines, take a look at our compilation of the finest wine brands available in India. Additionally, for those interested in exploring other fine beverages, we invite you to explore our curated list of the Best Wine Brands in India.

This blog post will explore India’s top 10 best beer brands, each with unique taste and brewing techniques.

Beer Brands in India

Based on our research,

The beer industry in India has been growing significantly in recent years, driven by the rising purchasing power of the young millennial population and the popularity of low-alcohol beverages. Here are some facts and statistics about the beer industry in India:

• The Indian beer market stood at nearly INR 371 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach approximately INR 662 billion by 2026.
• The Indian beer market reached a value of INR 383.6 Billion in 2022 and is expected to reach INR 622.4 Billion by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.1% during 2023-2028.
• The beer market in India is projected to grow by 8.17% (2023-2027), resulting in a market volume of US$19.81 billion in 2027.
• The Indian beer market is highly concentrated, with several large, medium, and small-scale players currently operating.
• The top beer companies in India include UB Group, SABMiller, Carlsberg, and Heineken.
• Kingfisher is India’s most popular beer brand, followed by Carlsberg, Budweiser, Tuborg, Heineken, Foster’s, Corona Extra, and Haywards 5000.
• The consumption of beer in India was 280.75 million cases in 2021, which generated revenue of over INR 39000 crores.
• The per capita consumption of beer in India is 1.6 litres.

The beer industry in India is expected to continue growing in the coming years, with rising disposable incomes, changing societal perspectives, and the expansion of organized retail chains and modern trade outlets strengthening the market.

Beer Brand	Alcohol Content (%)	Price Range (INR)
1. Carlsberg	4 – 7	100 – 180
2. Budweiser	4 – 5	100 – 160
3. Kingfisher	4.8 – 8	90 – 200
4. Heineken	5	140 – 225
5. Tuborg	4.6 – 5.5	95 – 150
6. Foster’s	4.9	100 – 160
7. Haywards 5000	5.6 – 7	85 – 150
8. Corona Extra	4.5	180 – 250
9. Godfather	5 – 7	100 – 180
10. Hoegaarden	4.9 – 8.5	170 – 350

Apart from beer, India has an impressive array of whisky options; explore the top whisky brands in India in our dedicated article.

1. Carlsberg

Carlsberg is one of the best beer brands in India. The company has a wide range of products popular with beer lovers. Carlsberg products include Carlsberg Elephant Beer, Carlsberg Export Beer, and Carlsberg Pilsner. Carlsberg Elephant Beer is one of India’s most popular beers. It is a strong beer with a 7% alcohol content. It has a distinct taste loved by many. The company’s export beer is another popular product. It is a light beer with a 4% alcohol content. It has a refreshing taste that makes it suitable for any occasion.

2. Budweiser

3. Budweiser is one of the best beer brands in India. It is widely available and popular among beer drinkers. The company has a wide range of products, including Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and Stella Artois. Budweiser is a light lager with a slightly sweet taste. It is low in calories and has a clean, crisp finish. Bud Light is a light beer that is perfect for drinkers who are looking for a low-calorie option. Michelob Ultra is a light beer with only 95 calories per 12-ounce serving. It is perfect for those who want to enjoy a beer without guilt. Stella Artois is a Belgian beer that has a slightly fruity taste.

3. Kingfisher

Kingfisher is one of the best and most popular beer brands in India. The company has a wide range of products that include both lagers and ales. Kingfisher also offers speciality beers, such as light beer and strong beer. Not only are their products some of the best-tasting beers in India, but they are equally affordably priced. As a result, Kingfisher is one of the most popular beer brands in the country. Thanks to their high-quality products and affordable prices, Kingfisher is sure to continue to be one of the best beer brands in India for many years to come.

4. Heineken

Heineken is a Dutch beer brand that has been brewed since 1873. Heineken has become one of the most recognizable beer brands in the world, including India. Heineken beer is a premium lager brewed with only three ingredients – water, barley, and hops. The unique Heineken A-yeast strain gives Heineken beer its signature crisp taste and smooth finish. Heineken beer has won numerous awards and accolades for its quality, taste, and branding. Heineken beer is one of India’s most popular beer brands, with its distinctive green bottle and red star logo. Millions of beer lovers across the country enjoy it. Heineken beer is one of the best beer brands in India, offering a high-quality and refreshing drinking experience.

5. Tuborg

Tuborg is a Danish brewing company that has operated in India since 2009. Their beers are known for their distinct flavour and refreshing taste, making them one of the best beer brands in India. Tuborg has a wide range of products, including Tuborg Green, Tuborg Classic, and Tuborg Strong. These products are all popular among Indian beer enthusiasts. The company has been innovative in its brewing approach, introducing novel flavours and styles to the Indian market. They are also known for their trendy packaging and branding, making them a favourite among younger beer drinkers. Tuborg beer is one of the best beer brands in India, offering delicious and refreshing options for beer lovers.

6. Foster’s

Foster’s, an Australian beer brand, has made a name for itself in India with its crisp and refreshing taste. Foster’s is one of the best beer brands in India, offering a range of products loved by beer drinkers across the country. The brand’s signature blue and gold packaging and “Australian for beer” tagline have become synonymous with a cool and refreshing brew. Foster’s is known for its easy-drinking lager with a light and crisp taste, making it an ideal companion for any occasion. With a distinct taste and loyal following, Foster’s beer is a top choice for beer lovers in India.

7. Haywards 5000

Haywards 5000 is one of the best beer brands in India. The company has been brewing beer for over 50 years and is known for its high-quality products. Haywards 5000 is brewed with the finest ingredients and fermented for longer than other brands, resulting in a fuller flavour. The beer is also dry-hopped, which gives it a distinct bitterness that beer lovers will appreciate. In addition to its delicious taste, Haywards 5000 is also very affordable, making it one of the most reasonably priced beers on the Indian beer market. Popular products from Haywards 5000 include Haywards 6000, Haywards 7000, and Haywards 8000.

After exploring these top beer brands, you might also be interested in our selection of the leading Whisky Brands in India.

If you’re interested in learning about popular cigarette choices in India, check out our selection of the leading cigarette brands in India.

8. Corona Extra

Corona Extra is one of the best beer brands in India. It is popular among young adults for its unique taste. The company has brewed beer since 1897 and has won many awards. Corona Extra is available in different sizes and packaging, making finding the right product for any occasion easy. The brand’s flagship product is Corona Extra, a light beer perfect for any occasion. In addition to its classic light beer, Corona Extra also offers a variety of flavours, including mango, lime, and grapefruit. These flavour-packed beers are great for refreshing on a hot day. Thanks to its wide appeal and delicious products, Corona Extra is one of the best beer brands in India. Cheers!

9. Godfather

Godfather beer is a premium beer brand that has established itself as one of the best beer brands in India. The brand offers a range of beers with distinct flavours catering to Indian beer lovers’ diverse taste preferences. Godfather beer is brewed using the finest quality ingredients and state-of-the-art brewing techniques, ensuring an exceptional drinking experience. The brand has gained a loyal following for its high-quality beers, which are suitable for enjoying with friends and family on any occasion. With its commitment to quality and innovation, Godfather beer is sure to continue to be a favourite among beer enthusiasts in India for years to come.

10. Hoegaarden

Hoegaarden is one of the best beer brands in India for many reasons. Firstly, their beers are brewed using only the finest ingredients. This gives their beers a distinct flavour loved by beer drinkers. Secondly, Hoegaarden has a long tradition of making excellent beer. Their brewers have years of experience and constantly innovate to create original and exciting beers. Finally, Hoegaarden’s beers are reasonably priced, making them accessible to a wide range of beer drinkers. Hoegaarden products include their flagship wheat beer, Belgium Blond, and India Pale Ale. These beers are all world-class and offer something unique to the Indian market.

Beer Buying Guide

Beer has been steadily growing in popularity in India. With several international and local brands available in the market, choosing the right one can be tricky. Here’s a beer-buying guide for Indian consumers that outlines types of beer, popular brands, and tips to help you make the best choice.

Understanding Different Types of Beer

1. Lager: Lager is the most commonly consumed type of beer in India. It is fermented and conditioned at low temperatures, offering a smooth and somewhat neutral flavour. Examples include Kingfisher, Budweiser, and Tuborg.
2. Ale: Ales are brewed at higher temperatures than lagers, leading to more affluent, fuller flavours. Examples include Simba Stout and Bira 91 Blonde Ale.
3. Stout: This type of beer is dark and has intense flavours of malt, chocolate, or coffee. Examples include Simba Stout.
4. Wheat Beer: This beer is brewed with a large proportion of wheat and is typically light and refreshing. Examples include Bira 91 White and White Rhino Wit.
5. Craft Beer refers to beer that a small, independent, and traditional brewery produces. These often boast unique, complex flavours. Examples include Goa Brewing Company’s Eight Finger Eddie and White Owl Brewery’s Spark.

Additionally, for those who enjoy pairing their beers with snacks, you might find interest in our guide to the Best Dark Chocolate Brands in India, which offers a perfect complement to a variety of beer styles.

Buying Tips

1. Know your taste: Beer comes in a wide variety of flavours, from bitter to sweet, mild to strong. If you are a first-time beer drinker, start with mild flavours like Lager.
2. Look at the alcohol content: Beer alcohol content can range from around 4% up to 12% or more. Choose one that suits your preferences and the occasion.
3. Consider the food pairing: Certain beers pair better with certain foods. For example, spicy Indian food might pair well with a crisp, cold lager that can cool down the heat.
4. Try before you buy: If possible, try a small sample of the beer at a bar or tasting event before buying a six-pack. You might discover that your preferences are different than you expected.
5. Support local breweries: There has been a rise in craft breweries in India, offering an interesting variety of high-quality beers. Buying local supports local businesses and often provides you with the freshest beer.
6. Pay attention to the packaging date: Beer isn’t meant to age like wine. A fresher beer is typically better, so check the packaging date and pick the most recent one.

Remember, the best beer is subjective and depends on your personal preference. Don’t hesitate to try different brands and types of beer to find the one you enjoy the most.

Our Beer Brands Recommendations

1. Casual Social Gatherings:
   • Carlsberg: Known for its balanced taste and crisp finish, Carlsberg is a great all-around beer for casual get-togethers.
   • Budweiser: Its familiar, refreshing flavour is famous globally and an easy choice for large gatherings where tastes vary.
2. Day at the Beach:
   • Corona Extra: This light, refreshing beer is perfect for a hot day at the beach. Serve it with a wedge of lime for the classic Corona experience.
   • For non-alcoholic refreshment options at the beach, don’t forget to check out our comprehensive guide on the Best Juice Brands in India.
3. Spicy Indian Food Pairing:
   • Kingfisher: The smooth and crisp taste of Kingfisher can balance out the spicy flavours of Indian dishes.
4. High-end Party or Event:
   • Heineken: Recognized worldwide, Heineken is a premium brand often associated with sophisticated and upscale events.
   • Hoegaarden: This Belgian wheat beer, known for its refreshing citrus and coriander notes, is ideal for those seeking a slightly more refined beer experience.
5. For Strong Beer Lovers:
   • Haywards 5000: This strong lager has a robust flavour and higher alcohol content, making it a good choice for those who prefer their beers strong.
6. For a Barbecue:
   • Foster’s: This Australian lager is well-suited for barbecue events due to its full-bodied yet smooth and refreshing taste.
7. A Night at the Pub:
   • Tuborg: A favourite among younger crowds, Tuborg’s smooth, slightly sweet taste is perfect for a night out with friends.
   • Godfather: A popular choice in many Indian pubs, Godfather is known for its strong yet balanced taste.

Remember, while these are general recommendations, individual tastes can vary widely. What’s most important is finding a beer you enjoy!

While enjoying your favourite beer, why not also indulge in some sweet treats? Discover the delightful flavours from our list of the Best Ice Cream Brands in India, perfect for complementing a relaxed beer session.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Indian beer market is booming, and many excellent beer brands are available for consumers. From Kingfisher’s refreshing taste to Bira’s bold flavours, these top 10 best beer brands in India offer something for everyone. Whether you are a fan of traditional lagers or experimental craft brews, you will find a beer that suits your taste buds. It’s essential to remember to drink responsibly and follow all guidelines when drinking. With so many delicious options, there’s never been a better time to explore beer in India.