With a rich tapestry of spirits, liqueurs, and traditional brews, India’s affinity for alcohol is as diverse as its people. From the classic whisky to the tropical escape of rum, from the unity of beer to the hidden gems of gin, India’s alcoholic landscape offers a kaleidoscope of flavours and experiences. However, in order to gain a better idea of what India actually loves to drink, the bar rating platform, 30BestBarsIndia, has launched ‘What India Is Drinking 2023’. It’s a survey study that assesses consumer brand preferences across 125 top bars.
So, What Is India Drinking?
Whether it’s sharing a bottle of whisky at a family gathering, raising a toast with friends at a wedding, or enjoying a chilled beer while watching a cricket match, alcohol has an undeniable presence in the social fabric of India.
In the platform’s online reveal, in contrast to the more mainstream choices, gon seemed to be making quite the noise. There has been a notable spotlight on the resurgence of gin. Historically, gin was a less-favoured spirit in India, overshadowed by the dominance of whiskey, rum, and beer. However, the last decade has witnessed a gin revolution, redefining the Indian drinking landscape. This transformation has been driven by a combination of factors, including changing consumer preferences, the craft spirits movement, and innovative local distilleries.
Interestingly, Agave is another spirit that is causing a stir in India’s spirit industry. The report called the spirit is now in the position where gin was five years ago: positioned for the top of the charts. The bright side is eight of the ten are tequila brands, with the remaining two being Indian Agave spirit labels. Local producers like DesmondJi and Pistola have paced Agave’s steady growth.
Does it mean India will continue to not be a Browns market? Well, certainly not! Whisky and rum are some of the most widely consumed alcoholic beverages in India and hold a special place in the hearts of many. The rise of India’s Single Malt sector is an exciting narrative among the ongoing success story of Indian Whisky companies, both at home and on the worldwide scene.
Along with that, India boasts a thriving beer culture, offering a wide range of options from locally brewed lagers to internationally recognised brands. According to the report, as the sector grows, microbreweries are sprouting up in both Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. Currently, the country has some truly cool and inventive brews to enjoy. Furthermore, the consistent infusion of indigenous ingredients and spices has yet to give Indian beers a particular flavour profile that distinguishes them.
Also Read: What Is Märzan Beer, The German Lager Very Popular During Oktoberfest?
What Are The Top Alcohol Brands That India Loves To Drink?
This report by 30BestBarsIndia, however, focuses only on a small slice of this giant liquor market — the drinking habits of Indians who frequent 125 premium bars in the main cities. Take, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Goa.
Here are the top alcohol brands in India that people love to drink, mostly gin, vodka, agave and whisky:
- Jose Cuervo: Top brand for agave
- Grey Goose: Top brand for vodka
- Bombay Sapphire: Top brand for gin
- Bacardi: Top brand for rum
- Glenfiddich: Top brand for International single malt
- Paul John: Top brand for Indian single malt
- Johnnie Walker: Top brand for blended scotch
- Jameson: Top brand for non-Scotch whisky
- Kingfisher: Top brand for Indian beer
- Corona: Top brand for International beer
- Jacob’s Creek: Top brand for International wine
- Sula: Top brand for Indian wine
- Moet & Chandon: Top brand for sparkling wine
- Hennessy: Top brand for hennessy
- Jägermeister: Top brand for liquers
- Schweppes: Top brand for mixers
India’s love affair with alcoholic beverages is on the lookout for craft ingredients and a rich flavour profile. This transformation has only led to the movement of unique spirits in the country that is only growing.
Cover image credits: Canva
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First Published: September 14, 2023 6:18 PM