Almost every single time when our beer loving friends sit down to decide which is the best, the discussion eventually turns into a heated altercation. Every beer drinker seems to have his own opinions suiting their own taste buds. Beer in India, was first introduced by the British and the first Indian beer Lion, was produced back in 1820’s in Solan by an Englishman named Edward Dyer. Lion, a highly hopped ale was later switched into a lager, a trend emulated by other breweries making Indian beer market predominantly lager based. Beer inIndia comes in two strengths –Mild (4-5%) and strong (6-8%) mostly lager. Very earnestly, We have tried to make a list of Indian and international beers which according to many are pretty famous in Indian populace and have their own cult followings.
Kingfisher
Is arguably the most famous and admired beer brand in India. Widely available, The King of Good Times is a name synonymous with airline and lifestyle industry. Kingfisher strong caters to what an Indian beer drinker demands, a bottle or two to make the feet dwindle. A super strong variant of the regular, with alcohol content not exceeding 8%, is a perfect example of good marketing for a product. Dark yellow in appearance, one can sniff the phenolic smell, indicating a “good” alcohol level. Sweet in taste, froth disappears immediately after pouring, ruining the culinary skills. Overall, an average drink with a hint of malt and fervent carbonation. It’s the most selling strong category brand along withHayward’s 5000-another interesting brew.
Kingfisher Premium
With its light, smooth texture Kingfisher Premium is quite generous on your taste buds, perfectly suited to the Indian summers. With a smoky malt aroma, it goes down really well with spicy Indian delicacies as if it was designed to compliment Indian food. And the best thing about this beer is that it is never too hard on you- one is always lingering somewhere on the threshold of getting drunk. A top favorite, it’s a refreshing anytime beer to quench your thirst. Try it out with Tandoori chicken, masala salad or peanut masala on a cool summer evening. Bliss!!!
Haywards 5000 
Is not a beer for those having a refined palate. It’s one hell of a stallion from the famous league of “super strong stables” that Indian beer industry has to offer. The iconic brand by Sab- Miller, it’s a symbol of masculinity and has full express train in Mumbai named after it. It has a hazy yellow color, with good froth retention and practically no signs of lacing. Mouth feel is pretty watery and the flavor is something in between a corn syrup and a cough syrup. Still it’s the largest selling beer inIndiain terms of consumption. Strange, but true.
There are two other variants –Hayward’s 2000, relatively lighter and somehow better than 5000. The other oneHayward’s black, deserves a special mention as it’s the first stout beer brewed inIndia. With excellent head retention and thick texture, it is best served at 10 to 12 degree Celsius.
A sweet, malty flavored brew with black-brown color, it is worth a try. Mouthful indeed!!!
Foster’s
Is produced under the license of Sab-Miller in India. Almost every Indian knows Foster’s thanks to some hilarious ye aussie advertisements. Foster’s is ideal for people who enjoy light bitter beer, barbecuing and a laidback lifestyle. Very crisp , clear golden yellow texture with a distinctive aroma of sun dried malt , Foster’s is truly one of the best beers available in India. Look out for the Art of Chilling events organized by Foster’s. All in all, a good beer to hold while “bird watching”.
Royal Challenge
Ladies and gentlemen, here’s your winner. Probably one of the most underrated beers in India; it has everything a crisp refreshing beer has to offer. A mild beer brewed with chosen malts for longer durations, it has “that edge” over other Indian beer – perfect froth retention, sticky lacing and a very smooth taste with rich honey golden color. Definitely a beer connoisseur’s choice and not for the masses. Astoundingly good!!!
Kalyani Black
Is an exceptional brew famous in West Bengal andSouthern India. Highly flavored with spicy hops, this clear golden beer has the right punch to knock you off. Goes really well with Bengali fish curry and rice.
Carlsberg
Entered the Indian market in 2008 and since then it has launched two other beers including Tuborg and Palone. Since its advent, it has completely changed the Indian mindset about their beer choice. The quality of the beer is giving big time jitters to the traditional Indian beer companies. Lightly malt with grainy flavor, a good commercial beer if not great.
Budweiser and Heineken
Budweiser is a very watery, thin beer with flavor of rice. Extremely fizzy, it’s the most famous American beer selling in India. No wonder, its popularity is increasing day by day. As far as Heineken is concerned; it’s still out of the reach of common Indian. Nevertheless, it has its own cult following.
Castle Lager and Tiger
These are lesser known beers inIndiabut it would be highly unfair on my part not to include them in the list. As an ardent beer lover, I found these two beers most enticing for what they have to offer is a light smooth taste that you cherish as long as it remains in your mouth. Castle Lager has bagged the award for “best bottled lager” and Tiger is undoubtedly the best Asian beer with international accolades. These two are heroes behind the scenes.
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Reviewed 9 August 2013 NEW by Mr. Baljeet from Mumbai
