Being such a large and diverse country it is no surprise that India has a diverse beer market. Like many markets around the world many of the most popular brands are some of the familiar brand names including Tuborg, Budwiser, Fosters, Carlsberg and Heineken which are brewed under licence and other arrangements in breweries across the nation.
Kingfisher
Kingfisher is probably the best known of the Indian branded beers outside of the country and is also regarded as the most popular brand within India. Brewed by United Breweries there are two major labels,the Kingfisher Premium, their flagship product known for its light crisp taste and Kingfisher Strong a beer with a stronger alcohol content and distinct taste. Kingfisher Premium is very popular in the UK where it is not only enjoyed by the large Indian population but enjoyed across the country in pubs, restaurants and takeaway.
Haywards 5000
Haywards 5000 is produced by the Global brewing giant AB InVev in India. Haywards 5000 is known for its strong flavor and high alcohol content raking in at around 7% alcohol content. Brewed as a strong lager the beer has been on the market since 1978 and soon became a favorite beer for the Indian market who often enjoy a beer with stronger palette and higher alcohol content. The beer has a rich taste with noticeable maltiness and a slight bitterness.
Royal Challenge: The beer can be found in some markets outside India but it has not infiltrated the world anywhere near that of Kingfisher.
Royal Challenge
Royal Challenge is made by United Breweries, the same company that produces the Kingfisher beer range. This beer is a premium larger that has a 5% alcohol content. The beer has a smooth crisp and well balanced flavour with a mild bitterness that is complemented with its subtle sweetness, making for its easy drinking. The beer is very refreshing and popular during India’s hot summers. The hint of malt and hops help add to its refreshing character. As its name suggests the beer is aimed at the higher end of the market and marketing is targeted towards the young professionals and middle class who are willing to pay a little bit for a more refined quality beer. The beer is often seen advertised during sporting events especially cricket where the brand is often a sponsor.
Knock Out
Knock Out is a strong lager and produced by ABMiller India, which is part of AB InBev the worlds biggest beer company. This beer was launched onto the market in the mid 1980’s and gained its popularity from its 8% alcohol content and its robust full flavor strong taste. The beer has a fairly malty aroma with hints of grain and alcohol common with beers of this strength. Knock Out is especially popular in states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, where there is a high demand for stronger beers and is targeted towards the working class market and those who enjoy a strong and impactful punch in their beer. Like many of the other Indian beers, Knock Out associates itself with sports sponsorships, leveraging the popularity of sports like cricket and football in India to enhance its visibility.
Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt is another strong lager containing approximately 7% to 8% Alcohol. It is manufactured by Mount Shivalik Breweries Ltd one of India’s well known breweries. First launched in 1984 the beer is especially popular in northern and eastern parts of India, including states like Punjab, Haryana, and West Bengal. It is known for its strong character and is widely consumed in these regions. The beer is primarily targeted at consumers who prefer high-alcohol-content beverages and has a strong loyal market. It appeals to young adults and working-class men who enjoy a strong and impactful beer and is a common beer at celebrations, parties and large gatherings.
Kalyani Black Label
Kalyani Black Label is a renowned beer brand in India, particularly popular in Eastern India. Known for its distinctive taste and strong heritage, Kalyani Black Label holds a special place in the Indian beer market. There are two main labels a Regular Lager that has approximately 5% alcohol content and a Strong Lager that has between 7 and 8% alcohol. Brewed by United Breweries also known for Kingfisher this beer is one of the country’s oldest beer brands dating back to the mid 20th Century with its name coming from Kalyani, a town in West Bengal, where it has maintained a strong association with the region. The beers are particularly popular in Eastern India, especially in West Bengal where it has embedded itself into the social fabric of society being very popular at gatherings and family events. Kalayani has a loyal customer base in the region and is a common choice in both urban and rural areas. Both beers have a pleasant aroma with notes of hops and malt with the strong lager having a more malty and robust scent.
