Prior to its anticipated 2026 IPO, the firm that makes Bira 91 beer rebranded itself from B9 Beverages Private Ltd. to B9 Beverages Ltd. According to a media report, the company had to write off INR 80 crore in inventory and cease sales for a few months as a result of this name change, which proved to be quite costly. There were problems with compliance until a new product label was registered. According to the research, this led to a 22% decline in revenue and a 68% increase in losses during the fiscal year 2023–2024.
IPO for Generating Adequate Working Capital
The IPO strategy was implemented at a time when craft beer producers, microbreweries, and international breweries introducing premium brands in India’s expanding market were posing a serious threat. The company planned the IPO to generate new finances for its expansion objectives, stating that beer requires a significant level of working capital allocation and capital investment to grow. In 2023 alone, the beer sector made INR 92,324 crore in GDP contributions to India. According to a media citation, B9 Beverages experienced a net loss of INR 748 crore in 2023–2024, surpassing even its total sales of INR 638 crore. According to Ankur Jain, the founder of B9 Beverages, the business had to re-register labels and reapply across states for 4-6 months as a result of the name change, which led to absolutely no sales for several months even though there was a demand for its products.
Tough Time Ahead
In its first greenfield project in ten years, United Breweries, owned by the multinational conglomerate Heineken, said on 14 February that it would invest INR 750 crore in a new brewery in Uttar Pradesh. Carlsberg, a Danish beer company, stated that it plans to invest more in India by 2025. At a time when more consumers are looking for craft alternatives to major labels, B9 Beverages has lost money and maybe market share as a result of its name change error.
History of Bira
Due to cost savings, Bira began brewing in India after first importing the Hefeweizen-style beverage from Belgium ten years ago. Eventually, six outside breweries were added. According to the report, new companies like Bira make a substantial contribution to the industry not just through sales but also by launching creative goods and cutting-edge strategies.
Vinod Giri, Director General of the Brewers Association of India (BAI), was mentioned in a media article as saying that these enterprises need to remember that the attractiveness of a fresh, diverse flavour palette, whether it be wheat, dark lager, or craft, is rooted in its uniqueness. Therefore, its development plan and growth goals should withstand the pressure to quickly scale up in order to become a popular product. That would be neither here nor there and would only weaken the product’s distinctiveness in the eyes of customers.
With India’s beer market projected to reach $16.8 billion by 2025, it’s no surprise that the country is home to a thriving beer industry. From major international players to local microbreweries, there’s no shortage of options for beer lovers in India.
As Hunter S. Thompson once said,
“There is no bad beer. Some beers just happen to be better than others.”
And with India offering such a vast array of beers, from refreshing pilsners to spicy wheat brews, it’s clear that there are plenty of great options to choose from.
There are various types of beers available in India; these are:
Ale
Fruit beer
Lager, Sahti
Small beer (very low alcohol)
Wheat beer
Over 30% of the total population in India comprises youth, and beer consumption is increasingly becoming part of their social interactions. It is expected that the demand for premium beer will continue to rise in the future with an increase in personal disposable income and higher living standards.
Facts About the Indian Beer Market
Here are some facts about the Indian beer market:
The Indian beer market is one of the fastest-growing in the world, with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of around 8.38% between 2023 and 2029.
The market is dominated by a few key players, with United Breweries Limited (UBL) and Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) accounting for over 90% of the market share.
The Indian beer market is largely driven by the increasing middle-class population, changing lifestyles, and the rise of the youth demographic, who are more open to experimenting with different types of beers.
The demand for premium beer has increased in recent years, driven by rising disposable incomes and changing consumer preferences.
The Indian beer market is heavily regulated, with high taxes and strict advertising laws. This has led to a limited marketing presence for beer brands in India, with most relying on word-of-mouth and experiential marketing.
Despite being a large market, per capita beer consumption in India is still relatively low compared to other countries, with an average consumption of just 2 liters per person per year, compared to around 75 liters in the United States and 140 liters in Germany.
The Indian beer market has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the closure of bars and restaurants leading to a decline in on-premise sales. However, the market is expected to recover as restrictions ease and consumers return to drinking in public places.
Beer reduces the risk of developing kidney stones.
Beer increases Vitamin B levels.
Beer helps cure insomnia.
Beer has positive effects on the skin and hair.
Beer delays aging and promotes longevity.
Beer flushes out toxins from the body.
Beer helps in the development of denser and healthier bones.
“The maturing beer market combined with the support of government incentives on exports will positively open up higher export potentials for Indian beer brands,” – UBL, Annual Report 2019-20.
Demand for Beer Yearly
Now, let’s jump into the top beer companies in India that are leading the charge and making a name for themselves in this exciting market.
Top Beer Companies in India
There are several beer companies operating in India, each with its own unique flavors and characteristics. Some of the best beer companies in India are:
Kingfisher
Beer Name
Kingfisher
Country of Origin
India
Price ( in Delhi)
Kingfisher Fine Lager Beer 330Ml, Rs 70 ; Kingfisher Fine Lager Beer 500Ml, Rs 105 ; Kingfisher Fine Strong Beer, Rs 130
Variants
Kingfisher Premium, Kingfisher Strong, Kingfisher Magnum Strong, Kingfisher Strong Fresh, Kingfisher Draught, Kingfisher Ultra, etc.
Top 10 Beer Company in India – Kingfisher
Kingfisher, brewed by United Breweries Group, Bangalore, is considered the best beer in India. The brand, launched in 1978, holds a prominent position on the list of India’s top 10 beer brands.
With a market share of over 36% in India. It is a fully matured beer with exceptional clarity and a pleasantly bitter taste. Only Kingfisher Premium is sold in Europe and most export markets.
The brand gained considerable attention via its association with the sport of cricket. It is a major sponsor in the Indian Premier League. United Breweries launches its first craft beer, Kingfisher Ultra Witbier.
Over the years, the Kingfisher family has expanded to include brands and variants that cater to all segments of our audience.
Key Features:
Kingfisher has more than 36% of the market share in India’s massive beer market.
Launched in 1978, Kingfisher beer now sells in over 52 other countries apart from India.
Heineken is the largest shareholder in UB Group, the holding company of the Kingfisher brand.
Tuborg Strong, Tuborg Green, Tuborg Classic With Scotch Malts (specially brewed for the Indian palate)
Top 10 Beer Company in India – Tuborg
Tuborg is a Danish brewing company founded in 1873 on a Harbour in Hellerup, an area North of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Tuborg Green is a bottom-fermented lager beer. It’s brewed on lager malt, a slightly roasted, bright type of malt that results in the well-known mild, fresh taste and aroma of flowers and grain, and is one of the top 3 beer brands in India.
Tuborg contains an alcohol percentage of only 4.8%. This medium-rich and lively drink has a moderate bitterness in the aftertaste. In India, Tuborg stands at number 2 amongst all brands and number 1 when it comes to international brands.
Key Features
Tuborg started in 1880, and its name is derived from Thues Borg, meaning Thues’ castle in Danish.
Its Tuborg Green beer is one of the most recognizable beer brands in the world.
The brand sells its beer in bottles and different sizes of cans across the globe.
Carlsberg
Beer Name
Carlsberg
Country of Origin
Denmark
Price ( in Delhi)
Calsberg Elepht.St. Sup Beer 500Ml: Rs 125
Variants
Carlsberg Elephant (full bodied and full flavoured), Carlsberg Smooth
Top 10 Beer Company in India – Carlsberg
The Carlsberg Group was established in 1847 by brewer J.C. Jacobsen. Today, Carlsberg is one of the best beer brands and the world’s leading brewery group.
This beer contains pale yellow lager leaves and a mild, hoppy bitterness. Carlsberg makes the drinking experience smoother for those who appreciate the unique flavor and variety of premium beers. Carlsberg Research Laboratory discovered that purifying the pitching yeast used during the brewing process was the cure.
Carlsberg is serious about sustainability. Carlsberg wants you to drink in the ‘Green Zone.’
Key Features:
Carlsberg’s India flagship Elephant is one of the bestselling strong beers in the country.
The brand also sells a regular Carlsberg variant alongside a Special brew option.
Budweiser is a medium-bodied, flavorful, crisp American-style lager. It’s the strongest beer in India and is brewed with the best barley malt and a blend of premium hop varieties.
India will soon be drinking Budweiser beer brewed using solar power. It was the first beer to travel via refrigerated rail cars – an industrial innovation.
Budweiser still leads not only in the US but also in India and is one of the best-selling beer brands in India.
‘While alcohol moderation is becoming more pronounced among Indians as a whole, with an average of 38% of Indian beer consumers interested in switching to low/no alcohol versions, the over 45s (32%) are less enthusiastic about making this switch’.
Key Features:
Budweiser is known for its crisp and smooth taste, which is achieved through a combination of high-quality barley malt, rice, and hops.
The beer has a refreshing aroma with hints of caramel and malt.
Budweiser has a well-balanced flavor that is neither too sweet nor too bitter.
Budweiser is brewed using a time-honored recipe that has remained consistent over the years, ensuring that every bottle or can has the same great taste.
The alcohol content of Budweiser is around 5% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), which is relatively standard for most beers.
Heineken has been brewed for more than 150 years. Today, Heineken is the world’s second-largest brewer.
In 2012, Heineken acquired Desperados, a tequila-flavored beer that targets EDM-loving drinkers.
It is slightly stronger than other mass-produced lager drinks and probably a little better than others.
Key Features:
Heineken has been in the business of producing quality beers for the last 140 years.
Twenty-five million cases of beer are sold each year across 192 nations globally.
The brand’s custom A-Yeast gives it a smooth flavor profile, making it loved by millions across the globe.
Imported Beer Reviews
Corona
Beer Name
Corona
Country of Origin
Mexico
Price ( in Delhi)
Corona Extra Premium Beer 330 Ml Bottle: Rs 155
Variants
Corona Extra (3.6% alcohol), Corona Light
Best Beer Company in India – Corona
Corona Extra is a pale lager produced by a Mexican brewery. It is commonly served with a wedge of lime or lemon in the neck of the bottle to add tartness and flavor.
Corona Extra, like many top beer brands in India, contains barley malt, corn, hops, yeast, antioxidants (ascorbic acid), and propylene glycol alginate as a stabilizer. The flavor is crisp and well-balanced between hops and malt.
Key Features:
Corona is produced by Mexico-based brewery Cervecería Modelo, while AB-InBev owns the brand.
The beer is usually served with a wedge of lime on the neck of the bottle to add flavor.
Corona’s recipe includes adding corn to the usual barley malt to provide a unique flavor profile.
Bira 91 Blonde Summer Large Beer 330 Ml Bottle: Rs 80
Variants
Bira Blonde (5% alcohol), Bira White Ale (5% alcohol), Bira Light (4% alcohol), Bira Pale Al (7% alcohol), Bira Strong Ale (latest addition with a spicy taste (7% alcohol)
Best Beer Company in India – Bira 91
Bira 91 aspires to bring flavorful beers to the new world. As one of the fastest-growing beers in the world. It aims to drive the global shift in beer towards more color and flavor.
Bira 91 recently launched one of the first low-calorie beers to be introduced in the Indian market. Bira 91 Strong is a “High-Intensity Wheat beer.,” This is the first strong beer based on wheat.
This Indian beer is top-fermented ale, giving the beer a unique and rich taste that is low on bitterness and high on honey and caramel notes. Bira 91, one of the prominent Indian beer brands, where 91 stands for India’s country code, is currently available across 15 cities. The company is focusing on the premium beer space and will have a presence in 8 more cities this quarter.
Key Features:
Bira 91 is known for its distinctively fruity and hoppy flavor.
Bira 91 offers a range of beer varieties to suit different tastes and preferences. Some of the most popular options include Blonde Lager, White Ale, IPA, and Strong Ale.
Bira 91 beers typically have a moderate to high alcohol content, with most varieties ranging between 4.5% to 7%. This makes it a great choice for those looking for a beer with a bit of a kick.
Foster’s Lager is an internationally distributed brand of lager. It is owned by the international brewing group Asahi Group Holdings. Foster’s Lager is a type of lager owned worldwide by a brewing company called AB InBev. Foster’s Lager is known for its distinctive bold taste. The flavoring flower and a unique kind of yeast impart a bold flavor to the drink. Foster’s Lager has 5 % alcohol content; however, different variants of the brand have higher alcohol content.
Key Features:
Foster’s Lager has a crisp and refreshing taste, with a slight bitterness and a subtle sweet finish.
Foster’s Lager typically has an alcohol content of around 5%, making it a moderate-strength beer.
Foster’s Lager is sold in a distinctive blue can that features the brand’s logo, which includes two kangaroos holding a pint of beer.
It has a characteristic fruity taste and clear spicy notes of clove and coriander. It was known as the original Belgian white beer. Hoegaarden is one of the oldest beers out there. The modern Hoegaarden White Ale is an unfiltered Belgian White beer that gets its unique taste from the addition of orange peel and coriander, making up for its absence of a typical amount of hops. With an alcoholic content of 4.9%, Bananas and cloves are immediately evident in this refreshing beer.
Key Features:
Hoegaarden is a cloudy, pale yellow beer that appears opaque due to the presence of suspended yeast and wheat proteins.
Hoegaarden has a citrusy aroma with notes of coriander and orange peel.
Hoegaarden has a complex flavor profile that is both sweet and tart.
Hoegaarden is a light-bodied beer with a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. The suspended yeast and wheat proteins give the beer a slightly chewy texture.
Hoegaarden has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.9%, which makes it a relatively mild beer compared to many other Belgian styles.
The bottle is priced at Rs 150 and the can is priced at Rs 115
Variants
BeeYoung – India’s first crafted strong beer
Best Beer Company in India – Kimaya Himalayan Beverages
BeeYoung starts with a crisp attack, delivering a perfect malty taste followed by ripe fruitiness on the mid-palate. Its invigorating flavors & taste make each sip eventful and perfect for all social settings, most enjoyed in the company of your loved ones. BeeYoung is India’s one-of-a-kind lager that is artfully curated with the choicest of fine ingredients sourced from around the world, bringing rich, smooth, aromatic & silky flavors to life and a perfect festive surprise for your guests!
With an ABV of 7.2%, BeeYoung is all set to dominate the strong beer segments and establish itself as India’s first strong craft beer.
Key Features:
Kimaya Himalayan Beverages’ key objective of launching the said variant, i.e., BeeYoung, is to provide a premium product at an affordable price point for consumption in India. Kimaya Himayalan provides credible quality products – from ingredients to the process and packaging. (BeeYoung comes in 500 ml packaging other than 650 ml bottle size, 500 ml pack size is the right quantity to enjoy a beer at the right temperature and share adequately between two friends!)
Emphasis on Provenance: The ingredients are sourced from their provenance. The beers exhibit graceful flavors of carefully selected international malt with the inclusion of premium Basmati rice to provide smoothness on the palate. Noble hop Saaz is carefully chosen and infused with Himalayan source water from Bhakra Dam.
With an ABV of 7.2%, BeeYoung is all set to premium the strong beer segments and establish itself as India’s first crafted strong beer.s
MillerCoors
Beer Name
MillerCoors
Country of Origin
United States
Price ( in Delhi)
MillerCoors 600Ml: Rs 160
Variants
Miller Lite, Coors Light, Blue Moon, Leinenkugel’s, Miller High Life, Keystone Light
Best Beer Company in India – MillerCoors
The Miller Brewing Company is an American brewery and beer company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A unique mixture of chosen Saaz and Pacific Northwest hops and a high amount of caramel malt can be identified in the making process. This beer is ideal for those who drink beer like water, as it is one of the cheapest beers available in India.
Key Features:
MillerCoors produces a diverse range of beer styles, including lagers, ales, pilsners, stouts, and wheat beers. Some of their most popular brands include Miller Lite, Coors Light, Blue Moon, and Leinenkugel’s.
MillerCoors uses a combination of traditional and modern brewing techniques to create their beers. They use high-quality ingredients to ensure consistent flavor and quality.
A clean, crisp taste with a mild bitterness generally characterizes MillerCoors beers.
MillerCoors beers typically have a moderate alcohol content, with most brands ranging from 4% to 6% ABV.
MillerCoors beers are available in a variety of packaging formats, including cans, bottles, and kegs.
London Pilsner Premium, London Pilsner Strong, London Pilsner Mild
Best Beer Company in India – London Pilsner
London Pilsner, or “LP,” is a popular beer in Maharashtra, India. Privately owned and introduced in 1994, LP offers a refreshing taste with a smooth and balanced flavor. It comes in mild and strong versions, with striking packaging and competitive pricing. United Breweries back LP and has a loyal following, with cricket ace Ben Stokes as its brand ambassador.
Key Features:
London Pilsner offers a refreshing taste with a perfect blend of malt sweetness and hop bitterness, ensuring a crisp and enjoyable drinking experience.
Crafted with traditional European methods, London Pilsner embodies the classic Pilsner taste.
London Pilsner guarantees a high-quality brew with premium malted barley, Saaz hops, and carefully selected yeast strains, consistently delivering a smooth and satisfying flavor.
London Pilsner is filtered for a crystal-clear appearance, with a golden hue that enhances the drinking experience.
London Pilsner is a versatile beer that can be enjoyed on any occasion with its sessionable approachability.
Haywards 5000 is a special beer in India since 1974. It’s the first national beer and the most popular strong one. It tastes bold and malty but surprisingly smooth with up to 6.5% alcohol. People love its green bottle and gold writing. It’s a drink and a symbol of celebrating and being together in India. The tagline, “The champion beer for champion men,” means it’s linked to strength and doing well. It’s not only about the taste; it’s about sharing good times. So, Haywards 5000 is not just a famous beer; it’s a part of Indian celebrations, bringing people together and making good memories. Cheers to Haywards – the special beer that everyone loves in India!
Key Features:
Haywards 5000 is known for its bold, full-bodied taste that sets it apart in the beer market.
A distinctive feature of Haywards 5000 is its high alcohol content, providing a more potent and intense drinking experience for those who appreciate strong brews.
The beer undergoes an extended maturation process, resulting in a well-rounded and matured flavor profile that sets it apart from other beers in its category.
Haywards 5000 is made using only premium ingredients, carefully selected to create a superior brew that will satisfy beer enthusiasts with discerning tastes.
Godfather Beer, produced by Devans Modern Breweries in India since 1961, is renowned for its bold and flavorful brew. It comes in two varieties: The Legendary Premium Strong (7.5% ABV) and Super 8 (India’s strongest beer at 8% ABV). The Legendary Premium Strong received a gold medal at the Spiritz Selection Awards 2020, demonstrating its superior quality. With over 60 years of brewing history, Godfather Beer is known for its consistent excellence and traditional techniques. The brand has a strong image, giving it a powerful and exclusive look. Godfather Beer is not just a drink; it’s an expression for those who appreciate bold flavors, tradition, and luxury.
Key Features:
Super 8, India’s strongest beer with 8% ABV, boasts an intense flavor profile that delivers a powerful punch and satisfies the craving for boldness with every sip.
Devans Modern Breweries has been brewing for over 60 years. Their experience shows in Godfather’s quality and time-honored methods. Each sip is a tribute to their rich brewing heritage.
A brand that evokes power, sophistication, and exclusivity – the Godfather beer’s bold character and striking packaging commands attention.
Bro Code
Beer Name
Bro Code Beer
Country of Origin
India
Price (in Mumbai)
375Ml: Rs 120, 500Ml: Rs 185, 750Ml: Rs 250
Variants
Bro Code 10, Bro Code 15, Witty Bro, Bro Code Club Soda
Best Beer Company in India – Bro Code
Bro Code, launched in 2018, isn’t just another new beer company in India; it’s a lifestyle for modern men. With craft beers like “Wingman” and “Bro Down,” it emphasizes bold flavors and humor, connecting with guys who appreciate a good laugh and banter. Bro Code fosters a community by engaging on social media through memes and challenges. Beyond beer, it organizes events and supports charitable causes, focusing on men’s mental health and veterans’ well-being. More than a drink, Bro Code celebrates male friendship, humor, and a shared “bro code” for enjoying life with buddies.
Key Features:
Craft Brews with a Bro Personality: Bold Flavors and Unexpected Twists. From hoppy IPAs like “Wingman” to smooth stouts like “Bro Down,” Bro Code’s beers are crafted with unique flavor profiles and witty names.
Beyond drinking, Bro Code offers shared experiences like bar crawls, gaming tournaments, and sports nights, solidifying the brand as a lifestyle for active men.
Online Bro Community: Interactive content, events, and challenges foster belonging. It’s a lifestyle, not just a brand.
Beyond serving beer, Bro Code hosts events like bar crawls, gaming tournaments, and sports viewing parties, positioning itself as a lifestyle brand that creates unforgettable experiences for active men.
Simba Beer
Beer Name
Simba Beer
Country of Origin
India
Price (in Delhi)
Simba Wit Beer: INR 110 per bottle, Simba Stout: INR 150 per bottle, Simba Strong Lager (500ml): INR 230 per can
Variants
Wit Beer, Stout, Strong Lager
Best Beer Company in India – Simba
Simba Beer emerged with the birth of the genius Prabhtej Singh Bhatia and his partner Ishwaraj Singh Bhatia in 2016. The workshop itself is situated in Durg, Chhattisgarh, and is famous for holding up high-quality techniques in brewing. During the initial few years, craft beer makers understanding the need for an era on the rise began to implement their unique flavors and imported high-quality ingredients.
At the moment, Simba Beer is moving consciously under proper study toward the creation of a niche piece in India’s largely booming craft beer market. It has successfully balanced the extremes-i.e., it was commonly found that the notoriety of the craft brewer highly correlates with reasons attributed to characteristics and quality properties on one side, making the company’s credo. Behind this, Simba is celebrated for its innovative techniques of brewing.
Key Features:
Simba Beer has varied stables with a range of beers: Wit Beer: A Wheat beer refreshing to the palate. Stout: Simba Stout Style is also known for being the first Indian bottled stout. Strong Lager: It’s a strong beer with high alcohol content.
Brewing in small batches, Simba prides itself on creating beers, with the primary essence of focusing fully on the fine details and seeing into thorough quality control. The method allows for experimentation on flavors; it also ensures robustness and commonality in different batches created.
They get hold of fresh water around, and premium malts and hops, unlike using underground water. Wit beer from Simba also obtains its real flavor from incorporating actual orange peels among their extra distinct ingredients.
It has indeed achieved strong exposure to India by being even available in Delhi, Assam, Goa, and Karnataka.
Bad Monkey
Beer Name
Bad Monkey
Country of Origin
India
Price (in Delhi)
500 ml: INR 180,
Variants
Bad Monkey Tamed
Best Beer Company in India – Bad Monkey
Bad Monkey Beer, a brand originated in 2018 by Rohan Khare, turned out to be very quick in terms of promotion in India, having achieved a figure of around ₹130 crore of turnovers within real 2 years of inception, selling over 900,000 cases across states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand. After demonstrating success at the national level, the brand has also expanded to cover exports to Australia and New Zealand.
The brand is titled Bad Monkey, which has a dosa recipe that states that a passerby in Delhi yelled bad monkeys concerning the bad monkeys that usually were mischievous around Khare’s office. In Punjab, the beer would be brewed using quality raw materials and produced with European malted barley, North American hops, and Himalayan water, with fermentation creating a unique flavor. Consistency was ensured through the complete quality of every batch tested in-house for uniformity. As of January 2025, Bad Monkey Super Strong Beer in Delhi costs around INR 180 for a 500ml bottle, making it a premium option in the craft beer market.
Key Features:
Its alcohol percentage is at 8% alcohol content by volume Bad Monkey is a super strong beer, striking a balanced profile as bold flavors meet refreshing or even hoppy ends altogether.
Bad Monkey Super Strong Beer is most anticipated to be marketed to consumers who are looking for a huge drinking experience.
The company follows a branding strategy that incorporates distinctive advertising methods as India bans all direct liquor advertising, having them inquire more about the product by doing them tasting and events directly.
Basmati Rice Lager, India Pale Ale, and Mango Wheat Ale
Best Beer Company in India – Rupee Beer
Established in 2021 by siblings Vanit (Van) and Sumit Sharma, Rupee Beer is the first Indian-American brand of beer, aptly named after the Indian currency. It was crafted to meet the shortage of beers that can be paired with Indian dishes. Its creators the Maine-rooted Sharma brothers describe it as light and smooth, making it perfect for pairing with several international cuisines. Rupee Beer, launched at first, is currently present in ten states, including Maine, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, and is popular in Indian and Thai restaurants. This brand is also eyeing global markets, which would mean further growth. It is an infusion of roots that radiate the brewing industry with a new product opposite finding a collaboration in Rupee Beer.
Key Features:
A bright golden lager with low carbonation, crafted to complement spicy foods.
With an ABV of 4.75%, it’s a light choice for beer lovers.
It is brewed with basmati rice, maize, malted barley, and three distinct types of hops for a unique flavor.
Rupee Beer pairs well with Indian, Thai, Asian, Mexican, Caribbean, BBQ, Middle Eastern, African, and Latin cuisines.
Six Fields
Beer Name
Six Fields
Country of Origin
India
Price (in Delhi)
Six Fields Blanche (330ml): INR 110, Six Fields Cult (500ml): INR 150, Six Fields Brute (500ml): INR 180, Six Fields Pilsner (500ml): INR 140, 5-Litre Keg: INR 3,200
Variants
Six Fields Blanche, Six Fields Cult, Six Fields Brute, and Six Fields Pilsner
Best Beer Company in India – Six Fields
Six Fields is a premium brand of beer that has been produced by modern breweries like DeVans, which has also been known for the production of usual Belgian-style beer. The brand was launched in the year 2019 in the Indian market and since then, it has truly grown to offer various styles that also go well with those people who are selectively looking for good craft beers. Six Fields is a term derived from the six major items that are traditionally going to go into making it, namely, handpicked hops from the Ganga plains, barley malt, water, and also wheat.
Key Features:
Six Fields Range offers: Six Fields Blanche: A smooth Belgian-style wheat beer that offers a refreshing taste of citrus with touches of orange and coriander. Six Fields Cult: A great taste in the premium strong beer it is. Six Fields Brute: A strong lager, with a high ABV of up to 8%. Six Fields Pilsner: A pleasant light lager with an ABV of up to 5%.
The Brewery has become a recipient of several prestigious awards from international agencies because of its excellent beer-making ways.
The Lion Beer was lofty stature arose from Sri Lanka itself, perhaps one of the oldest brands of beer in Asian history until the 1820s when it was first brewed in the Kasauli Brewery in India, before it was shipped to Sri Lanka where it became a flagship product of the Company known as Lion Brewery PLC. Now, it has managed a great reputation around its product quality and has taken hold in the market, ultimately making that brand known within the Sri Lankan market as the No. 1 lager.
In January 2025, Lion Beer set foot into the Indian market facilitated by the partnership of Lion Brewery PLC and Fairmacs Pvt Ltd. It meant that South India was adequately promoting the products of Sri Lanka, and the very first commercial consignment was delivered at Chennai, heralding a great leap by the brand.
Key Features:
Various types of Lion Beer, such as: Lion Lager: A clear and fresh beer with moderate alcohol content Lion Strong: A high-alcohol version.
Lion Beer is made of fine ingredients from both local and international supplies because taste consistency can be ensured once it has been brewed.
There is a rich cultural heritage in Lion Beer; it is often associated with festivities and social gatherings in Sri Lanka.
Hunter Beer
Beer Name
Hunter Beer
Country of Origin
Bangladesh
Price (in Delhi)
500 ml Bottle: INR 150, 650 ml Bottle: INR 180
Variants
IPAs, porters, and stouts
Best Beer Company in India – Hunter Beer
Som Distilleries and Breweries are known for brewing Hunter Beer, a line of real heavyweight brew included in the catalog. It’s trendy simply because it was made for the foreseen demand of more strenuous beers and as revenues have shown, it is truly a hit for those looking for heavy drinking. Its name owes its existence to select malts from Argentina and Chile and German hops-that is, two ingredients that give it its distinct flavor profile.
Key Features:
Generally, Hunter Beer will have 8% alcohol by volume (ABV), making it strong in class.
It is said to be a full-bodied beer with a smooth bite, making the beer an ideal choice to pair with spicy Indian recopy meals.
It caters to beer lovers of young times who seem to be enjoying more taste and higher alcohol.
Fort City Brewing
Beer Name
Fort City Brewing
Country of Origin
India
Price (in Delhi)
Pint of Beer: INR 295, Dhumri (whisky barrel-aged stout): Approximately INR 595 for half pints without tax
Variants
IPAs, Lager, and Stouts
Best Beer Company in India – Fort City
Based in New Delhi, this pub-style brewery is known for innovative craft beers that could not leave the scene unpublished. Started by Gautham Gandhi and Ashish Ranjan, the brewery brews its way to a curious drinking experience by leveraging traditional brewing methods with modern techniques. This Indian beer company has quickly drawn revelers for its extensive and varied fields of beers including negative number brews, besides diverse flavors of high-trend.
Key Features:
The Fort Brew City is remembered to have launched India’s first spiced whisky barrel stout with Dhumri in collaboration with Indri Distilleries. It lets beers appeal to lovers of both whisky and beer, aging the stouts in old whisky barrels to induce flavors in their ingredients.
The brewery is known for its wide range of beers ranging from IPAs and stouts to lagers. Notable offerings include: Rakshas: is a popular flavored beer in the market. Amber Rye Lager: known for its rich taste Brut Jowar Lager: uniquely brewed using jowar (sorghum) and displaying the flavors of local produce.
The Fort City Brew Pub in Hauz Khas offers a buzzing ambiance with live music and trivia nights, making it the perfect spot for craft beer lovers. The pub keeps popular food items alongside its beer menu making an evening more exquisite.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Indian beer industry has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with an increasing number of domestic and international brands entering the market. While there are many great beer companies in India, it’s difficult to pick just one as the “best.” However, some of the most popular and well-respected beer companies in India include Kingfisher, Bira 91, Tuborg, and Heineken.
Ultimately, the best in India will depend on your personal taste and preferences. Whether you’re a fan of classic lagers, trendy craft beers, or something in between, there are plenty of great options to choose from in India’s vibrant beer market.
FAQs
What are the most popular beer brands in India?
Some of the most popular beer brands in India include Kingfisher, Bira 91, and Budweiser.
Which is the top beer company in India?
The top beer company in India is United Breweries Limited (UBL). It dominates the Indian beer market with its flagship brand, Kingfisher, which is one of the most popular beer brands in the country.
What types of beer are available in India?
There are many types of beer available in India, including lagers, ales, stouts, and wheat beers.
What is the alcohol content of Indian beer?
The alcohol content of Indian beer can vary depending on the brand and style. Most beers have an alcohol content ranging from 4% to 8% ABV.
Which is the highest-selling beer in India?
Kingfisher is the highest-selling beer in India.
Who is the king of beer?
Budweiser beer is known as the “King of Beers.”
Which city is famous for beer in India?
Panjim is the best city in India to drink beer.
Are there any international beer brands available in India?
Yes, many international beer brands are available in India, including Budweiser, Heineken, and Corona.
What food pairs well with Indian beer?
Indian beer pairs well with a variety of foods, including spicy curries, grilled meats, and salty snacks like peanuts and potato chips.
Which are the Beer manufacturing company in India?
Here is a list of beer manufacturers in India:
United Breweries Limited (UBL): Known for its flagship brand, Kingfisher.
AB InBev India: Produces Budweiser, Corona, and Hoegaarden in India.
Carlsberg India: Offers brands like Carlsberg, Tuborg, and Elephant Strong.
Bira 91: A fast-growing craft beer brand with a focus on innovative flavors.
Simba Brewery: Known for craft beers like Simba Stout and Simba Strong.
Mohan Meakin: Makers of the iconic Old Monk beer and other brews.
What is top beer companies market share in India?
In India, the beer market is mainly dominated by two companies: Heineken (UBL), which holds over 54% of the market share, and Anheuser-Busch InBev, with around 19.4%. Other smaller players include Carlsberg and Bira 91, but they have a much smaller share in comparison to the leaders.
Ankur Jain is an Indian entrepreneur who founded Bira 91, an Indian Multinational craft beer brand. He is the CEO and Founder of B9 Beverages Private Limited. The parent company B9 Beverages manufactures the beer Bira 91. He launched his beer venture in 2015 and it eventually grew and executed exceptional results from 2017.
Ankur was born in 1981 in Delhi. He moved to United States in 1998. His father is an urban planner Architect and his mother is an Author as well as an Interior Designer. He went abroad for his education. He is married and expecting a baby post lockdown.
Ankur Jain, Founder Bira 91
Ankur Jain- Education
Ankur completed his Bachelor’s in Computer Science from Illinios Institute of Technology, Chicago in 2002. He worked with Motorola for a short while. He then started his first venture in Healthcare Revenue Management in New York.
Ankur Jain- Professional Life
After completing his studies in 2002, Ankur continued with his entrepreneurial journey for four consecutive years in US. He then returned to India after selling the New York health-care start up to an undisclosed healthcare provider network. The Healthcare Revenue Management got a new owner and Ankur got good returns. In 2007, he got a job at Reliance Industries but left it post a year. He further decided to start his own venture as a beerpreneur. He has a great taste in beers. He accorded that he wants to taste each and every beer of the world.
When Ankur acceded to his father that he wanted to become a beerpreneur, his father didn’t spoke to him for around four years. Though his beer brand Bira 91 was launched in 2015 via B9 Beverages, but his journey of becoming a beerpreneur started when he returned to India in 2007.
In 2008, Ankur started his own venture by importing 20-30 types of beer, which did not exist in India. His engagement in the beer import aided him to learn the taste of the youths. He started discerning the fact that the youth generally preferred lighter flavors and wheat beers. He was well acquainted with the correct point price that made Indian customers delighted to shell. Ankur was thus ready to establish his own beer brand with brilliant efficacy.
It has been a tough journey for Ankur to escort investors and make them believe in his business plan of international expansion. Today, his venture is one of the fastest growing craft beer brands out of India.
B9 Beverages Private Limited manufactures alcoholic beverages. The company offers varied flavors of beer. The company serves the customers across United States and India. B9 Beverages owns and sells craft beer brand Bira 91. It is headquartered in New Delhi, India.
Ankur serves as the CEO of the B9 Beverages. He founded the company in 2015. The company has raised $20 million in bridge financing from investors – India’s Sequoia Capital and Belgium’s Sofina.
Bira 91 is a beer brand manufactured by B9 Beverages Pvt. Ltd., launched in 2015. The company distill beers with ingredients imported from France, Belgium, Himalayas, and Bavarian Farmes. This is how the beer is brought in India with the essence of ingredients circumscribing different parts of the globe.
In 2019, the company developed two new breweries in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The company is expanding locally as well as internationally to bid a quadruple production capacity. Currently, it operates four breweries in India and has a presence in 400 cities across 10 nations.
It has been anticipated that Bira 91 may achieve a $502 billion mark by 2025. The market is expected to grow owing to the heavy demand of craft beers. The company counts more than 5% share in overall beer market and more than 20% in premium beer.
Bira 91 – Name & Logo
Bira 91 Logo
Bira 91 derived its name from Punjabi word Bira which literally means elder brother. Bira also signifies the brave one in Bengali. While, 91 represents India’s country code, connoting the brand’s roots. The reverse B in the logo signifies a spirit of nonchalant. The monkey mascot represents the urban millennial as the key consumer of Bira 91. Moreover, it manifests the idea of presenting the brand with a playful identity. Bira 91 has also launched its T-shirts, bags, growlers, ice-bucket and beer mugs.
Bira 91 – Funding
Initially, B9 Beverages received an investment of worth $6 million from Sequoia capital India in 2016. Ankur raised $1.5 million from the first investment. It was the very first investment of Sequoia Capital in the Alcohol Beverage segment. Some of the Angel investors of India also invested for the firm.
In 2018, the company has received a funding of $50 million by Sofina, a Belgium investment firm. This investment helped the company to grow with $100 million funding. In 2019, Sixth Sense Ventures invested for the firm of worth $4.3 million.
The apt investments succored support and encouragement and the company eventually expanded to more markets in the United States and Southeast Asia. The funding will also help Bira 91 to leave a footprint on the global market of beer business.
The name Bira does not stand for anything literally, however, colloquially it is how a Punjabi would call his brother, and 91 represents India’s Country Code. The reverse B in the logo represents a spirit of irreverence.
Is Bira Beer good for health?
Bira 91, recently launched one of the first low-calorie beers to be introduced in the Indian market (90 calories for a 330 ml bottle). According to Jain, said, “Bira 91 Light is the lowest calorie option for any alcoholic beverage in the bar.
Which Bira is best?
Bira White is a favorite among the most vehement opposers of beer. It’s a delicious wheat beer that contains a hint of spicy citrus with a soft finish, ideal for the non-beer-drinkers.
Why is Bira so famous?
With the Belgians being world-renowned for their brewing expertise, Bira 91’s two initial beers were quickly a hit in India. So much so that Bira 91 couldn’t import the bottles quickly enough, and in 2016 it started making the beers at a facility in the central Indian city of Indore.
Why is it called Bira 91?
Originally named after the Punjabi word for brother, Bira, the 91 is derived from the country code you dial for India. Ankur Jain, founder-CEO, describes the beer as “smart and fun at the same time, but not pretentiously so.” ‘Can’t be a Delhi-ite,’ I think, as he says it, though the brand debuted in Hauz Khas Village.
Conclusion
“I am a very big beer drinker and work and play is all the same for me. To bust stress I like to go on a weekend trip, and also like cooking vegetarian fare,” says Ankur Jain.
Ankur Jain wants to be more proactive to make the Bira 91 premium brand in the Indian market. Bira 91, a whole new beer world, full of flavours, has been discovered and the beer is going to rule the world. The name Bira does not stand for anything literally, however colloquially it is how a Punjabi would call his brother and 91 represents India’s Country Code. The reverse B in the logo represents a spirit of irreverence.
Nitin Konde
