Beer in India: history, traditions and breweries
The legend of India Pale Ale begins with India. Today the country is one of the fastest-growing beer markets in the world.
History
The Vedas, writings over 3,000 years old, already mention “sura”, a beer-like drink made from grain.
In the 18th century the British shipped beer from England to India. So that it would survive the months-long voyage, it was hopped more heavily – and India Pale Ale was born.
In the 19th century Edward Dyer built India’s first brewery in Kasauli in the Himalayas. Its beer, Lion, is considered Asia’s oldest beer brand. Because water became scarce, brewing later moved to nearby Solan.
Since the 1980s Kingfisher from Bangalore has been India’s best-selling beer. In 2009 the first brewpubs opened in Pune and Gurgaon; today Bangalore alone has dozens.
Traditions and drinking culture
The most popular beer is strong lager with 5 to 8% alcohol: it makes up most of the beer sold.
Every state has its own alcohol laws and taxes, and in some, such as Gujarat, alcohol is banned altogether. In cities such as Bangalore, Pune and Gurgaon, on the other hand, an evening at the brewpub is part of the lifestyle.
Fun facts
- The old Dyer brewery in Kasauli now distils whisky: Solan No. 1 was India’s first single malt.
- Lion was an India Pale Ale until the 1960s and then became a lager.
- Bangalore is called the “pub capital of India” and is one of the cities with the most brewpubs.
- Goa has held an Oktoberfest every year since 2011.
Typical beer styles
- Strong lager
- India Pale Ale
- Craft beer of all styles
Beer cities and their stories
Kasauli
Edward Dyer built India’s first brewery in this hill town in the Himalayas. Because water became scarce, brewing later moved to nearby Solan.
Bangalore
United Breweries, the brewer of Kingfisher, is based here. Today Bangalore is the city of brewpubs.
Pune
In 2009 Doolally, one of India’s first brewpubs, opened here.
Goa
An Oktoberfest has been held on the coast every year since 2011.
Breweries and their stories
Mohan Meakin (Dyer)
Edward Dyer founded India’s first brewery here. In 1855 it became Dyer Breweries; today the company is called Mohan Meakin.
Known for: Lion, Golden Eagle
United Breweries (Kingfisher)
India’s largest brewing group. Its Kingfisher brand has been the country’s best-selling beer since the 1980s.
Known for: Kingfisher Premium, Kingfisher Strong
Doolally
One of India’s first brewpubs.
Bira 91
Young brand that became known for a witbier.
Known for: Bira 91 White
Timeline
- over 3,000 years agowhole country
The Vedas mention “sura”, a beer-like drink made from grain.
- 18th c.whole country
Heavily hopped beer from England survives the long sea voyage to India – India Pale Ale is born.
- 19th c.Kasauli
Edward Dyer builds India’s first brewery in Kasauli in the Himalayas. Its beer is called Lion.
- 1980sBangalore
Kingfisher from Bangalore becomes India’s best-selling beer.
- 2009Pune
India’s first brewpubs open in Pune and Gurgaon.
- 2011Goa
An Oktoberfest is celebrated in Goa for the first time.