best craft beer brands in india (2026) — beyond kingfisher and budweiser

tldr: bira 91 white (rs 150-200) remains the most accessible and best-tasting craft beer in india. goa brewing co (rs 180-250) makes some of the most interesting beers if you’re in goa or can find them in metros. simba (rs 140-180) is the best alternative to bira if you want wheat beer at a slightly lower price.

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the best craft beer brands in india have turned the beer market upside down in the last five years. before bira 91 showed up, indian beer meant kingfisher, budweiser, or whatever strong lager was cheapest. now there are over a dozen craft beer brands making genuinely interesting beer: wheat ales, IPAs, stouts, belgian whites, and everything in between. if you’ve been drinking commercial lagers your entire life and think all beer tastes the same, trying craft beer will change that assumption fast.

this guide covers 11 craft beer brands available in india, from bira 91 (which you probably already know) to smaller brands like goa brewing co and great state aleworks that are doing genuinely exciting work. i’ve tried bira extensively and a few others at bars and taprooms. for brands i haven’t personally tried, i’ve relied on reviews, beer community feedback, and friends who are deeper into the craft beer scene than i am. everything is clearly labeled.

one important caveat: craft beer availability in india is heavily metro-dependent. if you’re in bangalore, mumbai, pune, delhi, or goa, you’ll find most of these brands. if you’re in a tier 2 or tier 3 city, you might only find bira 91 (if that). this isn’t a criticism of the brands. it’s the reality of distribution, licensing, and the fact that craft beer is still a niche market in india.

this guide is part of liquor india, where i cover every major alcohol brand available in india. no sponsors, no affiliate links.

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best craft beer india: quick comparison

#	brand	style	price (500ml)	ABV	best for
1	bira 91 white	wheat ale	rs 150-200	4.7%	the gateway craft beer
2	simba wit	witbier	rs 140-180	5%	bira alternative
3	white owl spark	wheat ale	rs 150-200	4.5%	smooth session beer
4	goa brewing co	various	rs 180-250	4.5-6.5%	adventurous drinkers
5	medusa	lager/wheat	rs 120-160	4.5-6.5%	budget craft
6	independence brewing co	various	rs 180-220	5-7%	IPA lovers
7	arbor brewing	various	rs 180-220	4.5-7%	bangalore craft scene
8	brewdog india	various	rs 200-280	4-6.5%	international craft quality
9	kati patang	lager/ale	rs 140-180	4.5-5%	north india craft
10	susegado	witbier/lager	rs 150-200	4.5-5%	goan craft
11	great state aleworks	various	rs 180-250	4.5-7%	maharashtra craft

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beer styles explained (for beginners)

if you’ve only ever had kingfisher and budweiser, craft beer can feel overwhelming because there are so many styles. here’s the simple breakdown:

wheat beer / witbier: smooth, slightly hazy, often with citrus or coriander notes. the least bitter style. if you hate bitter beer, start here. bira 91 white is the best example.

lager: the style you already know. crisp, clean, light. craft lagers are just better-quality versions of what kingfisher does. less metallic taste, more actual grain flavor.

IPA (india pale ale): hoppy and bitter. this is the style that craft beer nerds obsess over. if you’re used to smooth lagers, IPAs can be jarring at first. the bitterness is an acquired taste, but once you acquire it, you start understanding why people get passionate about beer.

stout: dark, rich, roasty. think coffee and chocolate flavors. heavy, filling, and usually higher ABV. not a summer beer. best in cooler weather or with dessert.

pale ale: sits between a lager and an IPA. some hop character and bitterness, but less aggressive than a full IPA. a good bridge style.

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best craft wheat beers in india

wheat beers are the best entry point for indian craft beer. they’re smooth, not bitter, and genuinely enjoyable even if you’ve never had anything beyond kingfisher. most people who try a good wheat beer for the first time have a “wait, beer can taste like this?” moment.

bira 91 white — the craft beer that started it all

price: rs 150-200 (500ml) | style: wheat ale | ABV: 4.7% | rating: 9/10

i’ve already covered bira extensively in my best beer brands in india guide, but it deserves its place here too. bira 91 white is the beer that introduced most indian drinkers to craft beer. before bira, the concept of “craft beer” barely existed in the indian retail space. now bira is available in most metro liquor shops and many restaurants.

the wheat ale is their best product. smooth, slightly hazy, with a lightness that commercial lagers don’t have. i’ve had it countless times and it’s my default order at any restaurant that stocks it. no bitterness, no harsh aftertaste, just clean wheat beer that goes down easily and pairs well with everything from pizza to paneer tikka.

at rs 150-200, bira white costs about rs 50-80 more than kingfisher premium. that gap is 100% worth it. the flavor difference between a rs 100 kingfisher and a rs 180 bira white is like the difference between instant coffee and a properly brewed pour-over. for the full comparison, check my bira 91 review and bira 91 vs kingfisher breakdown.

simba wit — best bira alternative

price: rs 140-180 (500ml) | style: witbier | ABV: 5% | rating: 7.5/10 | research-backed

simba is an indian craft brand that’s been steadily building distribution since 2016. the simba wit is their flagship product, a belgian-style witbier with orange peel and coriander that directly competes with bira white.

from what i’ve gathered from friends who drink it regularly, simba wit is slightly more complex than bira white. the orange peel is more noticeable, and there’s a bit more body to the beer. the ABV is marginally higher at 5% compared to bira’s 4.7%, which some people prefer. price-wise, simba is often rs 10-20 cheaper than bira in the same store, making it a genuine value proposition.

the catch is availability. simba has decent distribution in metros, especially delhi, mumbai, and bangalore, but it’s harder to find than bira in most cities. if your local shop stocks it, try it. if you like bira white, you’ll almost certainly like simba wit. they’re playing in the same space, and healthy competition is making both brands better.

white owl spark — mumbai’s craft favorite

price: rs 150-200 (500ml) | style: wheat ale | ABV: 4.5% | rating: 7/10 | research-backed

white owl is a mumbai-based craft brewery that’s been making waves since 2014. the spark is their wheat ale, and based on reviews, it’s a clean, easy-drinking beer with a light citrus character. it’s less complex than simba wit but very approachable, designed to be a session beer that you can drink multiple pints of without fatigue.

what sets white owl apart is their range. beyond the spark wheat ale, they make a witty (witbier), a diablo (IPA), a shadow (stout), and several seasonal releases. if you visit their taproom in mumbai (lower parel), you can try the full lineup, which is a better way to experience the brand than buying cans. the canned versions are good but taproom-fresh is always better for craft beer.

distribution is strongest in mumbai and parts of maharashtra. you’ll occasionally find white owl in bangalore and delhi, but it’s primarily a mumbai brand. if you’re in mumbai and haven’t tried white owl, it should be on your list.

susegado — goa’s chill craft beer

price: rs 150-200 (500ml) | style: witbier/lager | ABV: 4.5-5% | rating: 7/10 | research-backed

susegado (the goan word for a laid-back attitude) is a goan craft beer brand that leans into the goan lifestyle aesthetic. their witbier is the standout product, described by reviewers as smooth, light, and perfect for goa’s warm weather. it’s wheat-forward with a subtle spice character that makes it easy to drink through an afternoon.

the brand is relatively new and distribution is mostly limited to goa and some parts of mumbai and bangalore. but if you’re in goa, seeking it out is worth it. goa has one of the most vibrant craft beer scenes in india, with multiple microbreweries and craft brands competing for attention. susegado fits right into that scene: unpretentious, easy-drinking, and distinctly goan.

at rs 150-200, it’s priced similarly to bira, which is fair for the quality. the challenge is the same as every smaller craft brand: finding it outside its home territory.

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best craft IPAs and pale ales in india

this is where craft beer gets interesting (and divisive). IPAs are the backbone of craft beer culture globally, but in india, they’re still an acquired taste. most indian drinkers are used to smooth, non-bitter lagers, and their first IPA can be a shock. if you’re curious, start with a pale ale before jumping to a full IPA.

goa brewing co — most interesting craft beer brand india

price: rs 180-250 (500ml) | style: various | ABV: 4.5-6.5% | rating: 8/10 | research-backed

goa brewing co (GBC) is one of the most critically acclaimed craft breweries in india. their lineup includes a wheat beer, an IPA, a pale ale, and seasonal specials, and the quality across the board is reportedly excellent. the eight finger eddie IPA is their most talked-about beer: a citrusy, hoppy IPA that reviewers describe as one of the best IPAs made in india.

what makes GBC stand out is their approach to brewing. they use quality ingredients, they don’t cut corners, and they make beers that would hold their own in any international craft beer market. this isn’t “good for india” beer. it’s just good beer, period. the tropical IPA has won awards, and even their simpler offerings like the wit and lager show a level of care that mass-market brands don’t bother with.

the downside is availability and price. GBC is primarily available in goa, with some distribution in mumbai, bangalore, and delhi. at rs 180-250, it’s on the pricier end of indian craft beer. but if you’re in goa and interested in craft beer, GBC should be your first stop. visit their brewery in candolim if you can.

independence brewing co — pune’s craft pioneer

price: rs 180-220 (500ml) | style: various | ABV: 5-7% | rating: 7.5/10 | research-backed

independence brewing company (IBC) is based in pune and has been one of the driving forces behind pune’s growing craft beer scene. they make a wide range: pale ales, IPAs, wheat beers, stouts, and seasonal experiments. their taproom in pune (mundhwa) is worth visiting if you’re in the city.

based on reviews, IBC’s pale ale is their most approachable product, with a balanced hop character that doesn’t overwhelm. their IPA is more aggressive and caters to the hop-head crowd. what people appreciate about IBC is their willingness to experiment. they regularly release limited-edition and seasonal beers that keep the lineup fresh.

distribution outside of pune is limited but growing. you can find some IBC beers in mumbai and bangalore. the pricing is standard for indian craft (rs 180-220), and for the quality, it’s fair. if the best beer brands list feels too mainstream for you, IBC is where you go next.

arbor brewing — bangalore’s craft OG

price: rs 180-220 (500ml) | style: various | ABV: 4.5-7% | rating: 7.5/10 | research-backed

arbor brewing company originally started in michigan, USA, and their bangalore operation has been running since 2012, making them one of the earliest craft breweries in india. their taproom on magadi road in bangalore is a landmark in india’s craft beer history.

the beer lineup changes regularly, but their core range includes a pale ale, a wheat beer, and rotating IPAs and seasonal brews. based on reviews and feedback from bangalore friends, arbor’s beers are consistently well-made. they don’t chase trends or gimmicks; they just make solid, quality beer. the pale ale is described as balanced and approachable, while their IPAs lean toward american-style (more citrus and tropical hop character than british IPAs).

availability is mostly bangalore-centric. you can find arbor beers in some bangalore retail outlets, but the taproom is the best way to experience the brand. if you’re visiting bangalore and want to understand why it’s called the craft beer capital of india, arbor brewing is essential.

brewdog india — international craft, local production

price: rs 200-280 (500ml) | style: various | ABV: 4-6.5% | rating: 7/10 | research-backed

brewdog is the scottish craft beer giant that entered india through a partnership for local production. their most famous beer globally is punk IPA, and the india-brewed version is available in select metros. brewdog also makes a hazy jane (new england IPA), an elvis juice (grapefruit IPA), and a lost lager.

based on reviews, the india-brewed versions are good but not quite at the same level as the UK originals. this is common with licensed brewing. the core flavors are there, but the subtle nuances can differ based on local water, ingredients, and brewing conditions. that said, punk IPA in india is still one of the best IPAs you can buy off the shelf in the country.

at rs 200-280, brewdog is the most expensive regular craft beer on this list. the premium is partly for the international brand name and partly because they don’t cut corners as much on ingredients. if you’re already into craft beer and want to try an internationally recognized brand without flying abroad, brewdog india is a decent way to do it. just don’t expect it to be identical to what you’d get at a brewdog bar in london.

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budget and accessible craft beers

these brands sit closer to the mass-market end of craft beer. they’re more widely available, cheaper than the craft breweries above, and serve as a bridge between kingfisher and the full craft experience.

medusa — budget craft with attitude

price: rs 120-160 (500ml) | style: lager/wheat | ABV: 4.5-6.5% | rating: 6.5/10 | research-backed

medusa is a north india-based brand that positions itself as craft beer at near-mainstream prices. the branding is bold (snake-haired medusa on the can), and the pricing is aggressive. at rs 120-160, medusa is the cheapest craft-adjacent beer on this list.

from what i’ve read, medusa’s wheat beer is their best offering. it’s smoother than their lager and has a light, easy-drinking character. the lager is described as a step up from kingfisher but not dramatically different. some reviewers call medusa “craft-lite,” meaning it’s better than commercial beer but not as interesting or complex as proper craft brands. that’s a fair assessment based on what i’ve heard.

distribution is strongest in north india: delhi, UP, rajasthan, and haryana. if you’re in one of those markets and want to step up from kingfisher without jumping to bira’s price, medusa is worth trying. it’s the craft beer equivalent of dipping your toe in the pool rather than diving in.

kati patang — north india’s craft contender

price: rs 140-180 (500ml) | style: lager/ale | ABV: 4.5-5% | rating: 7/10 | research-backed

kati patang is a north india craft brand that’s been gaining traction, especially in delhi, gurgaon, and parts of UP. the name (hindi for “a kite with its string cut”) is great, and the branding follows through with colorful, eye-catching packaging.

based on reviews, kati patang makes clean, well-made beers without the pretension that sometimes accompanies craft labels. their pale ale is the most recommended product: balanced, slightly hoppy, and very drinkable. the lager is also well-regarded as a “cleaner kingfisher” that actually has some character. at rs 140-180, the pricing is competitive with bira and simba, and for north india drinkers who can’t always find bira, kati patang is a solid alternative.

the brand is still growing its distribution, so availability outside of north india metros is limited. but within its territory, kati patang is becoming a reliable name that people actively seek out rather than just settling for.

great state aleworks — maharashtra’s hidden gem

price: rs 180-250 (500ml) | style: various | ABV: 4.5-7% | rating: 7.5/10 | research-backed

great state aleworks is a pune-based brewery that’s been making excellent beer without the marketing splash of bira or the cult following of goa brewing co. from what i’ve heard from pune-based beer drinkers, great state makes some of the most technically well-crafted beers in india.

their lineup includes a witbier, a pale ale, an IPA, and seasonal releases. the witbier is described as excellent: smooth, citrusy, and clean. the IPA is hoppier than most indian craft IPAs and appeals to drinkers who want genuine bitterness rather than a toned-down version. reviews consistently note that great state’s beers taste fresh and well-balanced.

availability is primarily pune and mumbai, with some presence in goa. at rs 180-250, the pricing is standard for craft. if you’re in pune and haven’t tried great state, you’re missing out. they represent the best of india’s craft beer movement: quality-focused, no shortcuts, and genuinely passionate about the beer.

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verdict: best craft beer brands india to buy

the indian craft beer scene is growing fast, but it’s still heavily concentrated in metros. here’s how i’d summarize the landscape:

if you want the safest craft bet: bira 91 white. it’s the most available, the most consistent, and genuinely tastes good. there’s no shame in drinking bira. it earned its place by being the beer that showed millions of indians that beer can actually have flavor.

if you want to explore beyond bira: simba wit and white owl spark are excellent wheat beer alternatives. if you’re in goa, goa brewing co is a must-try. in bangalore, arbor brewing. in pune, independence brewing co or great state aleworks.

if you want to try IPAs: start with a pale ale first (IBC or kati patang make good ones). if you like that, move to goa brewing co’s eight finger eddie or brewdog’s punk IPA. don’t jump straight to a strong IPA if you’ve never had one. the bitterness can be off-putting.

if budget matters: medusa and kati patang offer craft-quality beer at near-mainstream prices. they’re the best entry point if rs 200 per beer feels steep.

the price premium of craft beer over commercial beer is significant (rs 50-100 more per can), but you’re genuinely getting a better product. the ingredients are better, the brewing process is more careful, and the result is beer that has actual flavor profiles rather than the generic lager taste that commercial brands produce. once you start drinking craft, going back to kingfisher feels like going back to instant noodles after eating at a proper restaurant.

for more beer coverage, check my best beer brands in india, best beer under rs 500, and best beer under rs 200 guides.

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best craft beer india: frequently asked questions

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drink responsibly. must be of legal drinking age in your state.