Beer Lovers! You know there’s nothing more heavenly, than the taste of a refreshing chilled glass of beer with spicy chicken kebabs to give you company. And while you’re had your fair share of craft brews and global brands of bottled beer, you cannot call yourself a true beer lover until you’ve tasted its underrated Indian counterparts. From the beaches of Goa to the gardens of Karnataka, here are 10 lesser-known great tasting Indian beers that must be on your bucket list.
1. Khajuraho
This underrated beer brand with pictures of the mystical Khajuraho monuments on its labels will surely pique your interest. Available in two varieties, Super Strong (8.5-9%) and Lite (4.5%) this pale golden beer has a sweetish flavour. Launched in 1969 by Lilasons Breweries Ltd, Khajuraho Beer claims itself to be India’s first super strong beer. This beer is great for a hot day, when you want nothing more than a refreshing beer with your carnivore snacks.
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2. Haywards 5000
The Haywards brand of liquor was first founded by Britisher Sir Anthony Hayward in 1983. Now, his two grandchildren run a charming heritage bed and breakfast in South Goa. Haywards 5000 was later introduced in 1978. It has an alcohol content of over 7% and it’s known for being a hard-hitting drink. It’s distinct after taste has strong lovers or haters, but you’ve got to try it to know where you fall. And if you want something even stronger, then just try out Haywards 10000. This beer brand is mostly consumed in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chhatisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
3. Knock Out
Knock Out beer might knock you out with its 8% alcohol content and great carbonation. This underrated beer is quite famous in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Telangana. The brand’s purpose lies in “celebrating strong men who display strong character.” But then again, can why must boys have all the fun right? So, women can always jump the bandwagon and try this powerful tasting beer that has 9% market share and super loyal drinkers in South India.
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4. Maka Di
Maka Di means “Give Me” in Konkani. And while you’ve trotted along the beaches of Goa sipping on King’s Beer, maybe it’s time you give Maka Di a shot the next time you’re in the party paradise. This beer brand comes from the Latambarcem Brewers based in Goa. The best part is that they have 5 variants, Maka Di Honey Ale, American Lager, Belgian Tripel, Belgian Wheat-Blanche, and The Bavarian Keller.
5. Eight Finger Eddie
Eight Finger Eddie is the nickname of the American hippie, Yertward Mazamanian who popularized Goa as a beach paradise for hippies in the mid-1960s. So this unique beer brand is a tribute to the generations of people who followed his footsteps and made Goa what it is today. This beer packs a punch. Right from its creamy texture, fruity aroma to its magnetic label, you will get transported to the beaches of Goa, the minute you take a sip.
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6. UB Export
The next time you visit Bangalore, do hunt for UB Export which comes from the same company that produces Kingfisher, United Breweries. Even though UB Export is associated with a big name, over the years it has slipped under the radar. This beer is heavy, mildly sweet and super pocket-friendly. It has two variants, premium and strong. It costs just around ₹55 for a pint, so for all your broke days, you know you can chill with this beer.
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7. Kati Patang
Kati Patang is a beer brand that’s brewed with Himalayan spring water. This darkish ale has a medium caramel flavour with light citrus notes. It’s especially attractive for beer lovers who look forward to flavour rather than froth in their beer. The distinct brand name exuberates freedom and carefree creativity, so it goes well with the taste of the beer that has a medium caramel flavour combined with mild citrus notes. Yes, you can have it all. Cheers!
8. Simba
Gone are the days, when Simba was just the King of The Jungle. Well, now Simba can even lift up your spirits, literally! This underrated beer brand with colourful labels and the iconic lion with sunglasses logo. You can choose from the Wit, Stout, Light and Strong variants. The classic Belgian wheat beer or Wit is one of the most popular Simba variants. Stout also is very popular in India. So, the next time you want to try something upcoming and cool, just order a Simba. Meanwhile, here are 5 unique beer experiences you must try on International Beer Day.
9. Kalyani Black Label
Launched in 1969, in West Bengal, Kalyani Black Label is one of the oldest Indian lagers. Some might even term it as an old man’s drink, but then again, old is gold right? Kalyani Black Label is well known in eastern India and even in Delhi thanks to its mild and strong varieties. This strong beer has a 7.8% of alcohol content but it has surprisingly sweet after taste. If you like beer packed with flavour, then this is your poison.
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10. Godfather
Godfather is truly the godfather of all Indian beer brands. This is the flagship beer brand of Devans Modern Breweries Limited, a brewing company which started operations in Jammu in 1961. With a uniquely long-brewing cycle of 25 days as opposed to the usual 12 to 15 days, this beer has a fresher, rejuvenating taste. Godfather comes in 3 varieties which are Strong (7.5% alcohol content), Lager (5% alcohol content) and Lite (4.5% alcohol content). You might find Godfather beers to have a more bitter taste compared to other lagers but probably that’s the reason why it’s so popular among the youth in North India.
So, these are 10 underrated Indian beers that you must add to your wishlist, and buy it from a liquor store the next time you plan a beer party.