Beers from India
India’s beer scene has grown remarkably in recent years, with a diverse range of styles that reflect both local ingredients and global trends. Although the country is more traditionally known for its spirits like whisky and rum, beer has become increasingly popular, especially with the younger generation. Indian beers often reflect the tropical climate, offering crisp and refreshing styles that are perfect for hot weather. While lagers dominate the market, the rise of craft breweries has introduced more experimental styles. In the UK, several Indian beers are readily available, allowing British consumers to enjoy the unique flavours of Indian brewing.
Types of Indian Beers
Lager
Lager is by far the most popular beer style in India, making up the bulk of the country’s beer production. Indian lagers are typically pale, light-bodied, and highly carbonated, making them refreshing and easy to drink in the tropical climate. They often have a mild malt sweetness with a low to moderate hop bitterness. Brands like Kingfisher and Cobra are well-known both in India and internationally, including in the UK. Kingfisher Premium Lager is a light, crisp beer that pairs exceptionally well with Indian cuisine, offering a slightly malty flavour balanced by a hint of hops.
Strong Lager
A unique characteristic of Indian beers is the popularity of strong lagers, which typically have a higher alcohol content, ranging from 6-8% ABV. These beers are more robust in flavour and body, often featuring a stronger malt profile and a slightly more pronounced bitterness. Kingfisher Strong and Haywards 5000 are two popular strong lagers in India. While Kingfisher Strong is available in some UK markets, Haywards 5000 is mostly found within India. Strong lagers are a good choice for those looking for a fuller-flavoured beer with more kick than a typical lager.
Wheat Beer
With the rise of craft breweries in India, wheat beers (also known as Weissbiers) have become increasingly popular. These beers are brewed with a high proportion of wheat, giving them a cloudy appearance and a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. Indian wheat beers often feature fruity and spicy flavours, with notes of banana and clove that are characteristic of this style. Simba Wit is an example of a popular Indian wheat beer, offering a light, citrusy profile with hints of coriander. Though not as widely available in the UK as the more mainstream lagers, some Indian craft wheat beers are beginning to find their way into speciality shops and restaurants.
India Pale Ale (IPA)
India Pale Ale, despite its name, was not traditionally brewed in India but has now become a popular style with the rise of craft breweries. Indian IPAs are typically hop-forward, with tropical fruit, citrus, and pine notes, balanced by a strong malt backbone. Some IPAs brewed in India also incorporate local ingredients such as spices and fruits, giving them a distinct twist. Craft breweries like Bira 91 and White Owl have developed IPAs that are becoming increasingly popular among beer enthusiasts in India, although their availability in the UK is limited to specialist retailers and restaurants.
Flavours of Indian Beers
Crisp and Refreshing
The majority of Indian beers, especially lagers, are designed to be light, crisp, and refreshing. This style suits the country’s hot and humid climate, offering a clean and easy-drinking beer that pairs perfectly with spicy foods. Brands like Kingfisher and Cobra epitomise this refreshing quality, making them ideal companions to Indian dishes such as curry, biryani, and tandoori meats.
Strong and Malty
Indian strong lagers offer a bolder flavour, with a higher alcohol content and a more pronounced malt character. These beers are slightly sweeter and heavier than regular lagers, making them a satisfying option for those who prefer a stronger taste. While their bitterness remains moderate, the malt-forward profile of strong lagers provides a fuller, more robust drinking experience.
Fruity and Spicy
Craft wheat beers and IPAs brewed in India bring more complex flavour profiles to the table. Wheat beers often have fruity notes of banana and citrus, with a subtle spiciness from the yeast. IPAs, on the other hand, are known for their bold hop character, with tropical fruit and citrus flavours dominating the palate. The growing craft beer scene has led to more experimentation with local ingredients, introducing beers with unique fruity and spicy nuances that reflect India’s diverse culinary traditions.
Indian Beers Available in the UK
Several Indian beer brands have made their way to the UK market, where they are enjoyed both in restaurants and at home. Some of the most popular Indian beers available in the UK include:
Kingfisher: Kingfisher Premium Lager is widely available in supermarkets and Indian restaurants across the UK. Its light, crisp taste makes it a popular choice to pair with spicy dishes.
Cobra: Known for its smooth and less carbonated profile, Cobra Lager is another popular beer in the UK, particularly for pairing with Indian food. It is brewed in both India and the UK.
Bira 91: A relatively new brand, Bira 91 has started to gain traction in the UK, especially in speciality stores. Their range includes lagers, wheat beers, and IPAs, offering more variety for beer lovers looking to explore Indian craft brews.
Simba: Simba, an Indian craft brewery, has begun to enter the UK market with its range of lagers and wheat beers, offering British consumers a taste of India’s burgeoning craft beer scene.
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Conclusion
India’s beer industry has evolved rapidly, with a wide variety of styles and flavours now available, ranging from crisp and refreshing lagers to bold IPAs and smooth wheat beers. The most iconic Indian beers, such as Kingfisher and Cobra, are widely available in the UK, providing a perfect accompaniment to Indian cuisine. Meanwhile, the rise of craft breweries in India has introduced exciting new beers with innovative flavour profiles that are slowly making their way to international markets. For beer enthusiasts in the UK, the diverse offerings of Indian beers provide a chance to explore both traditional favourites and new, experimental brews.
