The Rise of Craft Beer in India
India has always been known for its love for beer, but as the years have passed, it’s not just Kingfisher and Budweiser that are ruling the roost. Craft Beer has taken over the beer scene in India, and it’s a trend that’s here to stay. People are now looking for new flavours and local brews, and Craft Beer has come to the rescue.
What Is Craft Beer?
Before we delve into the Indian Craft Beer scene, let’s first understand what is meant by Craft Beer. Craft Beer is a type of beer that is brewed in small batches, using traditional brewing methods. The use of high-quality ingredients, including hops, malt, and yeast, gives it a unique taste that sets it apart from commercial beers.
The Indian Craft Beer Scene
The Indian Craft Beer scene has been growing rapidly over the last few years. Microbreweries have popped up all over the country, offering a wide range of flavours to tantalize the taste buds of beer enthusiasts.
One such example is Bira 91, founded by Ankur Jain in 2015. Bira 91 has become a household name when it comes to Craft Beer in India. With its quirky packaging and unique flavours, Bira 91 has managed to capture the attention of millennials all over the country.
Another example of Craft Beer in India is Mumbai-based Gateway Brewing Co. Started in 2011, the brewery has won several awards for its beers, including the German-style White Zen and the spicy Smoked Saison.
Innovation in Indian Craft Beer
One of the best things about Craft Beer is the experimentation with flavours that brewmasters can indulge in. Indian Craft Beer is no different, with breweries trying out all kinds of ingredients to create unique and interesting flavours.
Mumbai-based Ninkasi, for example, has experimented with jaggery, tamarind, and even green mangoes to make their beers unique. And Hermitage Brewery, also based in Mumbai, has come up with brews like the Mango Chilli Wheat and the Dark Roast Wheat Beer, which have garnered a loyal following.
Challenges Faced by the Indian Craft Beer Industry
As with any new industry, the Indian Craft Beer scene is facing several challenges. Firstly, the high taxes on beer in India make it difficult for small-scale breweries to compete with larger breweries. Secondly, the licensing process is complicated and time-consuming, making it difficult for new breweries to enter the market.
Despite these challenges, the Indian Craft Beer industry is growing, and the demand for Craft Beer is only going to increase in the coming years.
The Final Word
With its unique flavours and brewing techniques, Indian Craft Beer is a must-try for all beer enthusiasts out there. While it’s still a young industry, it’s growing rapidly, and we can expect to see many more exciting flavours and innovations in the years to come. So, go out there and try something new, and you might just be surprised at what you find!
