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10 Best Handcrafted Beers Brands in India to Try in 2026
Preface
From established craft breweries to destination brewpubs, here is a shortlist of the Top 10 Handcrafted Beers made in India that you should drink this year.
Shortlist of 10 Handcrafted Beer Brands in India
- Bira 91 Craft Beer
- 153 Biere Street
- Simba Beer
- White Rhino Brewing Co
- Kati Patang
- MAKA Di
- Bad Monkey Beer
- Arbor Brewing
- Catamaran Brewery
- Bee young Craft Beer
1. Bira 91 Craft Beer
Bira 91 is the leader in the conversation about Craft Beer in India. Bira 91 has got it right as far as achieving a balance between mass appeal and Craft authenticity in their White Wheat Ale, Blonde Lager and IPA. For a large number of Indians, Bira will be the first step into the world of Craft Beer, and it does this very well.
Do for: Beginners who want to try Craft Beer
Must Try: Wheat Ale & IPA
2. 153 Biere Street Brewpub & Handcrafted Beers Brands in India
Bangalore is now home to some of the finest brewpubs in India, with the best example being 153 Biere Street, which offers clean European style beer at its best and continues to lead the way as India’s proud brewpub.
All of the beers they brew, whether a Hefeweizen, IPA, or Stout, are well balanced and are of exceptional quality. In 2026 they are still one of the industry’s leading retailers of quality craft beer, with an emphasis on producing handcrafted beer that is always fresh.
Do for: Authentic brewpub experience
Must Try: Hefeweizen –MangoBeer- IPA – Stout
3.Simba Beer
Simba beer brings an attitude to Indian craft beer. Its Witbier offers refreshing citrus notes, while the Stout impresses with coffee and chocolate undertones. The branding may be bold, but the brewing is solid.
Do for: Flavor-forward drinkers
Must Try: Witbier, Stout
4. White Rhino Brewing Co. – India’s Craft Pioneer
As one of India’s earliest bottled craft beer brands, White Rhino continues to stay relevant. Their IPA and Belgian Wit remain dependable choices for seriouKati Patang – Indian Ingredients, Global Styless beer lovers.
Do for: Classic craft beer fans
Must Try: IPA, Belgian Wit
5. Kati Patang – Indian Ingredients, Global Styles
Kati Patang’s use of Indian spices (like saffron) and flavourings makes for globally-renowned beers that are both unique and simple at the same time.
Do for: Indian-inspired flavoured craft beers
Must Try: Saffron Lager, Wheat Beer
6. Maka Di- Beer from Goa
Goa’s cool and relaxed feel is perfectly captured by the Honey Ale from Maka Di Brewing Co. Made with pure honey, lightly sweet, and smooth drinking characteristics, it is perfect for enjoying on any summer day.
Do for: Light and refreshing beers
Must Try: Honey Ale, Belgian White
7. Bad Monkey Beer – Loud Branding, Solid Brewing
Bad Monkey Beer combines edgy branding with dependable brewing. Its Craft Lager and Wheat Beer are approachable, making them popular among urban craft beer drinkers.
Do for: Modern craft beer fans
Must Try: Craft Lager, Wheat Beer
8. Arbor Brewing Company India
Arbor Brewing combines beer-riding around the globe while incorporating Indian culture into their offerings. The Easy Rider Session Ale is considered one of the best options for lower calorie options when looking for lighter but full-bodied ales.
Do for: Session Style
Must Try: Session Ales
9. Catamaran Brewing, Pondicherry
Pondicherry is now on India’s craft beer scene thanks to Catamaran Brewing! They brew with inspiration from the coastal brewers of Europe and produce crisp, refreshing, well balanced ales that fit perfectly with the city’s seaside weather.
Do for:Fresh, Coastal Brewed Beer
Must Try:Fruit Lagers, Wheat Beers, Seasonal Asia
10. BeeYoung Craft Beer
BeeYoung stands out in the strong beer segment by delivering higher alcohol content without sacrificing smoothness — a rare balance in Indian craft brewing.
Do for: Strong beer lovers
Must Try: Craft Strong Beer
Conclusion: Handcraft Beer Brands in India in 2026
Today the craft beer brands in India are more developed and varied than ever before, with breweries offering a wide variety of authentic beers. Breweries are trying to produce high-quality beers that show great consistency for craft beer drinkers.
FAQs – Craft Beer in India (2026)
- What is handcrafted beer?
Handcrafted beer is brewed in smaller batches using carefully selected ingredients, focusing on flavour, balance, and brewing quality rather than mass production.
- How is craft beer different from regular beer?
Craft beer typically offers more complex flavours, fresher ingredients, and unique styles like IPAs, wheat beers, and stouts, while regular beer focuses on uniform taste and large-scale production.
- Is craft beer popular in India in 2026?
Yes. Craft beer popularity has grown significantly in India by 2026, especially in metro cities and tourist destinations, driven by brewpub culture and premium bottled craft brands.
- Which beer styles are most popular in India?
Wheat beers, IPAs, lagers, stouts, and session ales are among the most popular handcrafted beer styles in India due to their drinkability and food-pairing versatility.
- Are brewpub beers fresher than bottled beers?
Generally, yes. Brewpub beers are often brewed and served on-site, making them fresher with more pronounced aroma and flavour.
- Is handcrafted beer stronger than regular beer?
Not always. Some handcrafted beers are light and session-friendly, while others can be stronger depending on the style and brewing method.
- Which Indian cities are best for craft beer lovers?
Cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Goa, and Pondicherry are known for their vibrant craft beer scenes and quality brewpub experiences.Kerplunk Media delivers insight-driven, SEO-focused storytelling with a knack for breaking down complex topics into easy-to-read narratives, specializing in content that informs, engages, and performs.
