Best Beers in India: Top 10 Beer Brands & Prices 

Here’s a list of best beers in India, split into two categories: famous beers that are widely recognized and consumed across the country, and less-known beers that are either regional, niche, or emerging in the craft beer scene.

This is based on current market trends, popularity, and availability as of March 30, 2025. I’ve included a mix of commercial giants, traditional brews, and lesser-known craft or regional options to give you a broad view of India’s beer landscape.

Let us first understand- what, how and why beer?

What is Beer?

Beer is one of the world’s oldest and most widely consumed alcoholic beverages, made by fermenting malted grains (usually barley) with water, hops, and yeast. It has a mild to strong bitter taste, carbonation (fizziness), and typically contains 3–10% alcohol by volume (ABV).

Key Characteristics of Beer

1. Ingredients:
   • Malted Barley/Wheat (provides fermentable sugars)
   • Hops (adds bitterness & aroma)
   • Yeast (converts sugar into alcohol + CO₂)
   • Water (majority of beer’s composition)
2. Alcohol Content: Usually 4–6% ABV (standard lagers) but can go up to 12%+ (strong ales, stouts).
3. Flavors & Styles:
   • Light & Crisp (e.g., Lager, Pilsner)
   • Fruity & Spicy (e.g., IPA, Wheat Beer)
   • Dark & Roasty (e.g., Stout, Porter)
4. Carbonation: Naturally fizzy due to fermentation (or artificially carbonated).

How is Beer Made? (Simplified Process)

1. Malting → Barley is soaked, sprouted, and dried.
2. Mashing → Grains are mixed with hot water to extract sugars.
3. Boiling → Hops are added for flavor and preservation.
4. Fermentation → Yeast turns sugars into alcohol + CO₂.
5. Conditioning → Beer is aged for better taste.
6. Packaging → Bottled, canned, or kegged.

Why Do People Drink Beer?

• Social: Popular at parties, bars, and gatherings.
• Flavor Variety: Thousands of styles (from sweet to bitter).
• Cultural: Linked to traditions (Oktoberfest, pub culture).
• Relaxation: Mild alcohol content helps unwind.

Beer vs. Other Alcohol

Fun Fact

The world’s oldest known beer recipe dates back to 3400 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq)!

Famous Beer Brands  in India

These are the heavyweights—brands with massive market share, national recognition, or a strong cultural presence:

1. Kingfisher
   • Producer: United Breweries Group
   • Why Famous: India’s top-selling beer, synonymous with celebrations and leisure. Variants like Kingfisher Premium (4.8% ABV), Strong (8% ABV), and Ultra are staples at bars and parties.
   • Flavor: Crisp, refreshing lager with mild maltiness.
   • Price Range: ₹ 55 – ₹ 225, depending on the bottle size and location-specific taxes and retailer pricing.
2. Budweiser
   • Producer: AB InBev
   • Why Famous: A global icon that’s carved a premium niche in India. Budweiser Magnum (6.5% ABV) is especially popular for its bold taste.
   • Flavor: Smooth, medium-bodied with hints of rice and malt.
   • Price Range: ₹150 to ₹200, depending on the bottle size and location-specific taxes and retailer pricing.
3. Haywards 5000
   • Producer: SABMiller India (now under AB InBev)
   • Why Famous: One of India’s best-selling strong beers, loved for its potency (7% ABV) and affordability.
   • Flavor: Malty, bittersweet with a boozy kick.
   • Price Range:₹100 to ₹200, depending on the bottle size and location-specific taxes and retailer pricing.
4. Bira 91
   • Producer: B9 Beverages
   • Why Famous: A craft beer darling since 2015, known for trendy branding and urban appeal. Variants like Bira White (5% ABV) and Boom Strong (8% ABV) are hits.
   • Flavor: Wheat beers and IPAs with citrusy, hoppy notes.
   • Price Range: ₹150 to ₹250, depending on the bottle size and location-specific taxes and retailer pricing.
5. Carlsberg
   • Producer: Carlsberg Group
   • Why Famous: A Danish import with a strong Indian presence. Carlsberg Elephant (7.2% ABV) caters to strong beer fans.
   • Flavor: Smooth, malty with a clean finish.
   • Price Range: ₹150 to ₹230, depending on the bottle size and location-specific taxes and retailer pricing.
6. Tuborg 
   • Producer: Carlsberg Group
   • Why Famous: Known for its light, easy-drinking profile and pull-off cap. Tuborg Green (4.6% ABV) is a casual favorite.
   • Flavor: Light lager with mild bitterness.
   • Price Range: ₹100 to ₹200, depending on the bottle size and location-specific taxes and retailer pricing.
7. Heineken
   • Producer: Heineken International
   • Why Famous: A premium global brand with a growing Indian fanbase, recognized by its green bottle.
   • Flavor: Crisp, mildly bitter with a balanced malt taste (5% ABV).
   • Price Range: ₹100 to ₹200,depending on the bottle size and location-specific taxes and retailer pricing.
8. Royal Challenge
   • Producer: SABMiller India (now AB InBev)
   • Why Famous: Popular in northern and eastern India, known for its smooth taste (6% ABV).
   • Flavor: Crisp, vibrant with subtle maltiness.
   • Price Range: ₹190 – ₹240 depending on the bottle size and location-specific taxes and retailer pricing.
9. Godfather
   • Producer: Devans Modern Breweries
   • Why Famous: A northern India favorite, especially in Jammu, with a strong 7.5% ABV variant.
   • Flavor: Rich, malty, and robust.
   • Price Range: ₹80 – ₹400 depending on the bottle size and location-specific taxes and retailer pricing.
10. Corona
    • Producer: AB InBev
    • Why Famous: A Mexican beer with a beachy vibe, often served with lime. Popular in upscale settings.
    • Flavor: Light, citrusy (4.5% ABV).
    • Price Range: ₹ 180 – ₹350, depending on the bottle size (330ml or 500ml) and location-specific taxes and retailer pricing.

Best Craft Beers in India

These are either regional, traditional, craft, or newer entrants that haven’t yet hit mainstream fame but are worth exploring:

1. Handia
   • Producer: Indigenous tribes (e.g., in Jharkhand, Odisha)
   • Why Less Known: A traditional rice beer, brewed domestically by tribal communities, not commercially mass-produced.
   • Flavor: Slightly sour, earthy, low ABV (2-5%).
   • Price Range:  ₹20 to ₹50.   

The price range for Handia, the traditional rice beer in India, is typically between ₹20 to ₹50 per liter in rural markets where it’s commonly sold, like in Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. 

This range reflects its status as an affordable, locally brewed beverage, though exact prices can vary slightly depending on the region, vendor, and local factors like ingredient costs or demand. Let me know if you need more details!

2. Chhaang

• • Producer: Himalayan communities (Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh)
  • Why Less Known: A millet-based beer served in bamboo containers, popular locally in the northeast but rare elsewhere.
  • Flavor: Warm, fermented taste, varies by recipe (3-6% ABV).
  • Price Range: ₹100 for Fresh, local batch. And ₹200 – ₹ 300 for the commercial version in urban centres.

3. Simba

• • • Producer: Simba Brewery
    • Why Less Known: A craft beer brand growing in metros like Mumbai and Bengaluru. Simba Stout is India’s first bottled craft stout.
    • Flavor: Rich, roasty stout or refreshing wit (5-8% ABV).
    • Price Range: ₹120 to ₹180 

3. White Rhino

• • • • Producer: White Rhino Brewing Co.
      • Why Less Known: India’s first craft brewery (since 2013), still niche despite quality offerings like IPA and Wit.
      • Flavor: Hoppy IPA or citrusy wheat beer (4.5-6% ABV).
      • Price Range:  ₹120 to ₹200 per 330ml bottle/can.

4. Kati Patang

• • • • • Producer: Kati Patang Brewing
        • Why Less Known: A newer craft brand with bold ales like Zesty Amber, mostly in Delhi and Goa.
        • Flavor: Amber ale with malty sweetness (5-6% ABV).
        • Price Range: ₹120 to ₹200 per 650ml bottle.

5. Bee Young

• • • • • • Producer: Kimaya Himalayan Beverages
          • Why Less Known: A strong craft beer (7.2% ABV) launched in 2019, limited to northern states like Delhi and Punjab.
          • Flavor: Crisp, citrusy with a punch.
          • Price Range: The price range for Bee Young Beer in India is approximately ₹80 to ₹150 per 650ml bottle.

6. Goa Kings

• • • • • • • Producer: Goa Brewing Co. (or local brewers)
            • Why Less Known: A pilsner iconic in Goa but rarely found outside the state.
            • Flavor: Light, beach-friendly lager (4.5% ABV).
            • Price Range: The price range of Goa Kings Beer in India typically varies between ₹80 to ₹150 per 650ml bottle, depending on the location (Goa being cheaper) and the retail outlet. In some premium stores or tourist-heavy areas, it may go up to ₹160-180.

7. Six Fields

• • Producer: DeVans Modern Breweries
  • Why Less Known: A Belgian-style wheat beer, overshadowed by sibling brand Godfather.
  • Flavor: Light, spicy wheat ale (4.5-6% ABV).
  • Price Range: The price range for Six Fields beer in India typically varies between ₹120 to ₹200 per 650ml bottle, depending on the city, retailer, and taxes. (Prices may vary slightly based on location and store discounts.)

8. Bad Monkey

• • Producer: Sinq Beverages
  • Why Less Known: A super-strong beer (8% ABV) gaining traction among youth, but not as widespread as Haywards.
  • Flavor: Bold, bitter, and intense.
  • Price Range: The price range of Bad Monkey Beer in India is approximately ₹120 to ₹200 per bottle (330ml–650ml), depending on the variant and location. Prices may vary slightly across states due to taxes and retailer pricing.

9. Rupee Beer

• • Producer: Rupee Beer Co.
  • Why Less Known: An Indian-inspired craft lager launched by Punjabi brothers, more popular abroad than in India yet.
  • Flavor: Light, spiced lager (4.5% ABV).
  • Price Range: The price range of Rupee Beer in India typically varies between ₹120 to ₹250 per bottle (330ml – 650ml), depending on the variant and location. Prices may differ slightly based on taxes and retail markups.

Notes

• Famous Beers: These dominate sales (e.g., Kingfisher holds over 36% market share) and are available nationwide, often tied to big breweries like United Breweries, AB InBev, or Carlsberg.
• Less-Known Beers: These include traditional brews (Handia, Chhaang) with cultural significance but no commercial scale, and craft beers still building their footprint. Availability is often limited to specific regions or urban craft beer hubs like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Goa.
• Trends: India’s beer scene is shifting—strong beers (6-8% ABV) remain dominant due to tax structures favoring high ABV, but craft beers are rising among younger, urban drinkers.

Factors Affecting Price:

1. 1. Location: Higher in cities due  to transport and demand; cheaper in local area due to its brewed locally, if found near by.
   2. Taxes: Alcohol taxes vary by state ( e.g., high in Karnataka, lower in Goa), impacting final costs.
   3. Form: Homemade is cheaper; commercial versions are pricier due to packaging and distribution.

• Taxes & Government Policies  

   – Excise Duty: Varies by state (e.g., high in Tamil Nadu, Kerala; lower in Goa).  

     – GST: 18% applied on beer (lower than spirits, which attract 28%).  

   – State-Specific Levies: Additional fees like license fees, cess, or local taxes.  

• Raw Material Costs 

   – Ingredients: Barley, hops, yeast, and water prices fluctuate due to supply chain or import costs.  

   – Packaging: Aluminum cans are costlier than glass bottles.  

• Distribution & Logistics 

   – Transportation Costs: Fuel prices and distance from breweries impact final retail price.  

   – Storage: Cold chain logistics for premium beers add expenses.  

• Brand Positioning & Variant

  – Premium vs. Regular: Craft or imported beers cost more than mass-market brands.  

   – ABV (Alcohol Content): Higher alcohol beers often attract higher taxes.  

• Retail Markup  

   – Pubs/restaurants charge 2–3x MRP, while supermarkets sell closer to MRP.  

• State Regulations 

   – Monopoly States (e.g., Tamil Nadu, Kerala): Government-controlled sales inflate prices.  

   – Open Markets (e.g., Karnataka, Maharashtra): Competitive pricing.  

• Seasonal Demand 

   – Prices may rise during festivals (e.g., Holi, New Year) due to increased demand. 

Conclusion

India’s beer landscape is a fascinating mix of legendary brands, rising craft breweries, and traditional regional brews. Whether you prefer the crisp refreshment of a lager, the bold bitterness of an IPA, or the rich maltiness of a stout, there’s a beer for every palate.

While Kingfisher, Budweiser, and Carlsberg dominate the market, craft beer brands like Bira 91, Simba, and White Rhino are gaining popularity among urban drinkers.

Additionally, regional brews like Handia and Chhaang offer a taste of India’s deep-rooted beer culture.

As consumer preferences evolve and new players enter the market, India’s beer industry is set for an exciting transformation.

So, whether you’re a casual drinker or a true beer enthusiast, exploring these options will surely enhance your beer journey. Cheers to discovering the best beers in India! 🍻