A celebration of 6 Best Indian Craft Beers in all their rich variety

Beer holds a significant place among India’s top drink choices, so much so that it transcends all seasons, whether it’s hot summers or cold winters, festivals or celebrations, formal events or casual gatherings. A vast array of options exposes drinkers to new and exotic brews, each claiming to be the most authentic, strongest, and best.

The craft beer revolution has swept the country by storm, offering a wide variety of distinct flavours and styles. From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, there is a brew to suit every palate. Microbreweries are popping up in cities, each experimenting with local ingredients and innovative techniques, providing beer lovers with limitless options to explore.

After an extensive tasting journey through a myriad of craft beers, we picked our top six picks. Each stands out in its own category. We tried a range of crafts, from fruit-forward styles to a couple of German Hefeweizen, Belgian Wit, lagers and robust stouts and more. Each sip was a journey of discovery. TheGlitz has more.

EFFINGUT BREWERIES

Bavarian Wheat Beer

ABV: 6.2%

“Refreshing wheat beer with a nice hop presence.”

One of the earliest pioneers of the craft brewing explosion that began in 2014, Effingut Breweries has been brewing up a storm, combining a passion for great beer with a love for experimentation.

Having won Asia’s Best Hefeweizen Bronze Award, this is the heaviest, heartiest brew in the bunch. The Bavarian Wheat Beer caresses the sides of the tongue with its carbonation and rolls on straight to the stomach. We like it straight from the can because the fizz doesn’t lose its wallop, and it’s less work with eyes glued to the big screen watching cricket. The aftertaste is classic, smooth, wheaty, and oh-so-light, with prominent notes of banana, clove, and bubble gum.

Perfect for: A get-together at home with buddies while watching cricket to kick-in. For sides go with seafood and/or spicy Indian fare.

INCIDER Ale Kashmiri Apple

ABV: 6.4%

“Sweet. Crisp. Complete delight.”

From the first sniff to the last swallow, this is an exemplary English Cider, also known as Graf. What you get with your pour is more champagne-like bubbles and less of the soda-style suds of other beers. The sweet and tarty kick tastes (from the malts and hops) and the flavours of crisp mountain apples and sweet spices are a delight for the taste buds. This one goes well with barbeque, Indian potato and onion fritters and Chinese fare. It has the richness and depth to stand up to varied cuisines.

Perfect for: A laid-back evening after a long day’s work.

Verdict: Bavarian Wheat and Incider Ale Kashmiri Apple from Effingut – as the name suggests is 2-F***ing-good-2-Go.

WHITE OWL

SPARK Belgium Wit

ABV: 7.9%

“Hazy Belgian Wit with notes of citrus and an orange peel finish”

White Owl’s Spark Belgian Wit is a delightful take on the classic style. This hazy, golden brew features a complex mix of citrus and spice from traditional ingredients like coriander and orange peel. Its taste blends subtle wheat sweetness with a gentle spice kick, finishing with a bright, refreshing note from the orange peel. High carbonation adds a lively effervescence. With a low ABV, it’s perfect for unwinding after a long day or casual drinking. White Owl has created a beer true to its Belgian roots, offering a refreshing twist ideal for the Indian climate.

Perfect for: Any and every occasion.

Verdict: Pick a six-pack for your Netflix binge-watching session.

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SIMBA

Jungle STOUT

ABV: 5%

“Solid roasty flavour with hints of espresso and cocoa.”

Simba Stout claims to be India’s first craft stout in a bottle. Founded in 2016 in Chhattisgarh, Simba Jungle Stout is a dark, full-bodied, ebony-brown brew with a strong roasty aroma that reminds of Hershey’s Dark Chocolate and expresso. The brand boasts an alcohol content of around 6–7% and a rich, creamy-creamy texture. We suggest drinking it from the bottle for the best balance between high-quality roasted malts and hops.

What does it taste like? Imagine drinking light coffee with a mouthful of chocolate and roasted nuts. It is best for those who enjoy a strong and complex brew. Pair it with anything grilled and roasted.

Perfect for: Slaying some me-time.

Verdict: A rich, flavourful brew that packs a punch and pleases sophisticated tastes.

BIRA 91

Indian Pale Ale Pomelo

ABV: 4.5%

“IPA brewed with Pomelo.”

This session IPA from BIRA 91 is a refreshing twist on the classic Indian pale ale style, featuring the unique addition of pomelo. At 4.5% ABV, it’s designed for easy drinking without sacrificing flavour complexity. The brew presents a balanced blend between the juicy, citrussy notes of pomelo and the tropical punch of American hops. Citra and Mosaic varieties from the Northwest United States lend their distinctive aroma and flavour profiles, creating a vibrant, fruit-forward experience. Wheat and malted barley make up the grain bill, providing a smooth backdrop for the hop and fruit interplay.

Overall, we liked the bright, zesty aroma that leads into a crisp, refreshing taste. The pomelo’s subtle sweetness and slight bitterness complement the hop character beautifully.

Perfect for: Those seeking a flavourful, lower-alcohol option that doesn’t skimp on craft beer qualities.

Verdict: Its aftertaste clings to your palate like a toddler refusing to leave the playground at sunset.

LONE WOLF

MAVRICK Blonde Lager

ABV: <5%

“Beer brewed for the Bold.”

Mavrick by Lone Wolf, a crisp, blonde lager, is a refreshing brew that is sure to please both newcomers and seasoned beer enthusiasts. As we poured the brilliant golden hue with its impeccable clarity, it was a feast for the eyes before it even touched our lips. The 100% malted brew delivers a clean, light-bodied experience that’s perfect for easy drinking.

An earthy aroma teases the senses, hinting at the subtle complexities within. With a low IBU, bitterness takes a backseat, allowing the malt character to shine. The sub-5% ABV makes this lager an ideal session beer, perfect for long conversations or warm, humid afternoons. True to the lager style, expect a smooth, well-balanced flavour profile with a crisp finish that leaves you reaching for another sip.

Perfect for: Those who appreciate nuance in their lighter beers.

Verdict: A refreshing blonde lager, perfect for all beer lovers (both new and seasoned) with a crisp finish.

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Cover image: Stefan Cosma via Unsplash