Indian Craft Beers for Home: My guide to the best bottles

As I have grown my weekend ritual has officially shifted. Gone are the days of loud, sweaty clubs and over-priced cocktails. Now, my idea of a perfect Saturday is a clean desk, a good movie, and a few cold ones from the fridge. But since I’m not 22 anymore, I can’t do the mass-market chemical lagers that give you a massive headache by 11 PM. I’ve spent the last couple of years exploring the Indian craft beer scene specifically the stuff you can actually buy in a bottle or can to drink at home. It’s 2026, and honestly, we’re spoiled for choice now. If you’re standing at the liquor store feeling confused, here is my personal breakdown of what’s worth your money.

1. Bira 91

Bira is the brand that started it all for most of us. Even in 2026, they are the most reliable because you can find them almost anywhere in India.

• My Go-To: Bira White. It’s a classic wheat beer. It’s light, has that citrusy orange peel smell, and isn’t bitter at all. If you’re just starting with craft beer, this is the safest entry point.

• The Second Choice: Bira Gold. This is their strong wheat beer. It’s got a bit more nasha but doesn’t have that harsh metallic taste that cheap strong beers have.

• The Verdict: Bira is like the Maruti of beers. It’s consistent, it’s everywhere, and it gets the job done. But if you want something special.

2. Simba: 

I have a soft spot for Simba. They feel a bit more premium than Bira, and their branding with the lion is just cool.

• My Go-To: Simba Stout. This was a game-changer for me. It’s the first bottled stout in India. It tastes like dark chocolate and cold coffee. I know it sounds weird for a beer, but on a rainy night at home, it’s amazing. It’s thick and creamy.

• The Second Choice: Simba Jungle Wheat. It’s crisp and has notes of banana and clove. It’s very refreshing if you’re sitting on your balcony on a hot afternoon.

• The Verdict: Simba is for when you actually want to taste your beer, not just chug it. Their Stout is a must-try at least once.

3. Goa Brewing Co:

If you see a bottle with a colorful, weird-looking label called Eight Finger Eddie, buy it. This is from Goa Brewing Co, and for a long time, you could only get it in Goa. Now, it’s popping up in major cities like Bangalore and Mumbai.

• The Experience: It’s an Oat Cream IPA. Usually, IPAs (India Pale Ales) are very bitter and hoppy, but this one is incredibly smooth because of the oats. It feels bespoke and expensive because it usually is.

• The Verdict: This is my treat myself beer. If I’ve had a really long week and I want to feel like I’m on a vacation in North Goa while sitting in my apartment, this is the one.

4. Kati Patang: 

I discovered this brand recently. They use Himalayan spring water and brew it in Bhutan.

• My Go-To: Zesty Amber. Most Indian beers are either pale yellow or dark black. This one is a beautiful amber color. It has a bit of a caramel sweetness but finishes with a citrus punch.

• The New Stuff: They recently launched a Freedom Lager in collaboration with Royal Enfield. It’s a corn-based lager very light and sessionable. It’s meant for long conversations.

• The Verdict: If you’re bored of wheat beers and lagers, try their Amber Ale. It’s sophisticated without being too much.

5. Maka Di: 

Another Goa-based brand that is making waves in 2026 is Maka Di. They have some really interesting European-style brews.

• My Go-To: Belgian Tripel. Warning: this one is strong. It’s got about 7-8% alcohol, but it tastes sweet and spicy. You only need one or two of these to feel a solid buzz.

• The Verdict: Great for a house party where you want to impress your friends with something they haven’t tried before. The bottles also look very sci-fi and cool.