India’s craft beer palate is growing up, and breweries are brewing differently because of it
For the longest time, beer in India was a go-to choice for comfort. You ordered what you knew, it tasted the way you expected, and that was enough. Easy lagers ruled, and surprises weren’t really part of the plan.
That’s changing. Today’s urban drinker is curious, more confident, and far more open to exploring flavour. There’s growing interest in beers that feel fresh, seasonal, and thoughtfully brewed, not generic or predictable. Instead of sticking to the same line-up year-round, drinkers are warming up to craft that offers variety, personality and a little sense of discovery.
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This shift isn’t about chasing novelty or extremes. It’s about flavour-led drinking and a deeper appreciation of how beer fits into everyday social life.
At Independence Brewing Company, we’ve watched this shift up close. Drinkers today are far more willing to explore, while still gravitating towards well-made, sessionable beers they can enjoy easily. Alongside this comfort, there’s growing interest in hop-forward styles and more character-led brews that offer depth without feeling intimidating. What ties it all together is curiosity. People want variety, yes, but they also want to know there’s thought and purpose behind what’s in their glass
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“What we’re seeing is a more confident drinker,” says Anirudh Khanna, Managing Director at Independence Brewing Company. “People are happy to explore new styles as long as the beer feels intentional and well-made. It’s less about chasing trends and more about enjoying flavour and freshness.”
One of the clearest ways this is showing up is through micro-seasonal brewing. Instead of leaning only on permanent, year-round beers, craft breweries are working with shorter R&D cycles and small, limited batches that let them respond quickly to changing tastes. These releases are often driven by a moment, a mood, or a flavour idea, not just long-term volume plans.
Micro-seasonal brewing isn’t about constantly chasing the next new thing. It’s about keeping things interesting without losing sight of quality and consistency. Limited releases like Pumpkin Reaper or Fourfold Folly give breweries the space to play with depth and complexity, while core favourites such as King Jovial, Enzo, FreeFall and Bester continue to do the heavy lifting.
Alongside this, there’s a clear shift towards fuller-bodied, flavour-forward beers. Malt-driven profiles, gentle spice and layered aromas are finding their audience alongside lighter, easy-drinking styles. These are beers meant for slower sipping and longer conversations, the kind you settle into, rather than rush through.
Limited-edition releases play a big role in making this kind of exploration possible. They give breweries the room to try new ideas without overwhelming drinkers or losing sight of who they are. For consumers, these beers feel more deliberate and memorable, something worth seeking out, not just another option on the menu.
At the same time, beer is becoming part of a wider dining and social experience. Craft beer is no longer limited to quick pours or casual settings. It’s being enjoyed with food, shared over long meals, and chosen as much for its character as for its refreshment. This shift isn’t only about bigger or bolder beers, there’s also a growing appreciation for well-made, sessionable styles that are easy to drink and suited to longer social moments.
Together, these preferences point to a more thoughtful phase in India’s craft beer journey, one where flavour, drinkability, timing and relevance matter just as much as accessibility. For breweries willing to listen closely and brew with intent, the craft beer is an exciting space to be in.
- by Anirudh Khanna- Managing Director, Independence Brewing Company
