Remember when beer in India was basically Kingfisher or Tuborg? That was it. 

You'd argue which one was better like it actually mattered. You'd flex strong beer like it was a personality trait. And craft beer? That was some Bangalore hipster nonsense you'd ignore.

Fast forward to 2026, and everything changed.

Craft beer isn't a niche anymore. It's everywhere:

• In cans at your local store
  
  
• In bottles at premium shops
  
  
• At taprooms in every major city
  
  
• In your fridge (admit it)

Indian drinkers finally evolved from "kitna strong hai?" to "bro, what's the flavor profile?"

And honestly? It was long overdue.

But here's the problem, with hundreds of craft beers now available, which ones are actually worth your money? Which ones deliver? Which ones are just Instagram hype in a can?

If you've ever wondered:

• Which craft beer won't disappoint?
  
  
• Is craft beer actually better than regular beer?
  
  
• Which Indian craft beers are must-try?

This guide settles it.

What Makes Craft Beer Different?

Before we dive into the list, let's kill one myth, craft beer isn't about being fancy. It's about how it's made.

Craft Beer vs Regular Beer (The Real Difference):

Regular beers are designed to taste the same everywhere, every time. Craft beers are designed to taste interesting.

That's why once people get into craft beer, going back to regular lagers feels like downgrading from smartphone to Nokia 3310.

TOP 5 CRAFT BEER YOU MUST TRY

1. Simba Wit – The Gateway Drug to Craft Beer

If craft beer had a starter pack, Simba Wit would be the first item.

Style

Belgian-style wheat beer (approachable royalty)

Taste Profile

• Citrus (orange peel vibes)
  
  
• Coriander (subtle spice)
  
  
• Soft wheat sweetness (gentle, not aggressive)
  
  
• Light, refreshing (summer champion)

Alcohol Percentage

~5% ABV (session-friendly, won't wreck you)

Why It Made the List

Simba Wit proves craft beer doesn't have to be complicated. It's clean. Refreshing, works as a daily drinker.

It's the friend who gets along with everyone. And sometimes? That's exactly what you need.

2. Bira White – The Mainstream Pick That Still Slaps

Bira is everywhere! How is it craft? Exactly, It's everywhere. And it's still good. That's the flex.

Style

Wheat beer (mass appeal champion)

Taste Profile

• Orange peel (citrus forward)
  
  
• Mild spice (Belgian influence)
  
  
• Soft carbonation (gentle bubbles)
  
  
• Light body (easy drinking)

Bira White helped introduce millions of Indians to non-lager beer. And unlike many popular beers that sell out their quality for scale?

Alcohol Percentage

~4.7% ABV (all-day sessionable)

Why It Made the List

Because consistency matters.

Bira White is easy to find, easy to drink, and remains one of the safest craft-style beers in India.

3. White Rhino IPA – For People Who Want Real Bitterness

This one separates casual beer drinkers from people who actually drink beer.

Style

India Pale Ale (the bitter legend)

Taste Profile

• Strong hops (unapologetic)
  
  
• Citrus bitterness (wake-up call)
  
  
• Pine and floral notes (complex)
  
  
• Dry finish (clean exit)

White Rhino IPA is not trying to be friendly. It's unapologetically hoppy.

Alcohol Percentage

~6% ABV (slightly stronger, perfect for IPA)

Why It Made the List

Because India finally has an IPA that doesn't compromise. This is craft beer done properly.

4. Toit Tintin Toffee Stout – Dessert in a Glass 

From one of India's most respected brewpubs. This beer broke the "stouts are too heavy" stereotype.

Style

Stout (dark beer royalty)

Taste Profile

• Chocolate (rich, decadent)
  
  
• Coffee (roasted notes)
  
  
• Caramel (toffee sweetness)
  
  
• Roasted malt (depth and character)

Toit's Tintin Toffee Stout Rich, smooth. Shockingly, a dark beer.

Alcohol Percentage

~6% ABV (perfect for slow sipping)

Why It Made the List

It shows Indian craft beer isn't just about wheat beers and IPAs. We can drink dark beer. And do it well.

5. Six Fields Blanche 

Often compared with Simba Wit and honestly? The competition is real.

Style

Belgian-style wheat beer (refined elegance)

Taste Profile

• Orange peel (citrus character)
  
  
• Coriander (spice balance)
  
  
• Mild sweetness (gentle approach)
  
  
• Smooth mouthfeel (quality texture)

Six Fields is slightly more refined and subtle than Simba Wit.

Alcohol Percentage

~5% ABV (session-friendly)

Why It Made the List

For drinkers who want wheat beer with finesse, not flash. Six Fields doesn't need to be loud to be good.

Craft Beer Price in India: What to Expect (The Money Talk)

Craft beer isn't cheap, but it's not insane either.

Average Price Range:

Bottles/Cans: ₹150 - ₹300

Brewpub Pints: ₹250 - ₹450

Limited Editions: ₹350+

You're paying for:

• Better ingredients (quality malts, hops)
  
  
• Smaller batches (craft, not factory)
  
  
• Actual flavor (not just alcohol water)
  
  
• Fresh beer (proper storage, rotation)

Is Craft Beer Actually Better Than Regular Beer?

For most people, yes.

Craft beer offers:

• More flavor (actual taste, not just fizz)
  
  
• Better aroma (smells like beer should)
  
  
• Less watery (body and character)
  
  
• Greater variety (options for every mood)

Regular beer still works for:

• Large parties (bulk buying makes sense)
  
  
• Budget drinking (₹100 vs ₹250)
  
  
• Strong beer cravings (ABV focus)

Craft beer wins every single time. It's like comparing instant noodles to actual ramen. Both fill you up. Only one is an experience.

Final Verdict: The Craft Beer Revolution is Real

Indian craft beer has officially grown up.

We're no longer:

• Copying Western styles blindly
  
  
• Pretending hops don't grow here
  
  
• Treating craft as "Bangalore thing"

Indian brewers understand:

• Indian palates (what we actually like)
  
  
• Indian weather (40°C reality)
  
  
• Indian drinking habits (how we consume)

If you try just 5 craft beers in 2026, make it these:

1. Simba Wit (gateway perfection)
   
   
2. Bira White (reliable champion)
   
   
3. White Rhino IPA (bitter king)
   
   
4. Toit Tintin Toffee Stout (dessert legend)
   
   
5. Six Fields Blanche (underrated gem)

They are exactly what craft beer is supposed to do. Your Kingfisher days? They're over. Welcome to the craft beer era.

FAQ: Everything About Craft Beer in India

What is the best craft beer in India?
Depends on preference. Simba Wit for beginners, White Rhino IPA for hop lovers, Toit Tintin for dark beer fans.

What is the alcohol percentage in craft beer?
Usually 4-6% ABV. Similar to regular beer but with better taste.

Is Bira a craft beer?
Started as craft, now mass-produced but maintains quality. 

Why is craft beer popular in India?
Indian drinkers evolved from "strong beer" focus to flavor appreciation.