Bira

Bira 91 is a prominent brand in the Indian beverage market, credited with helping popularize craft-style beers among a wider audience. Launched in 2015, it targeted a gap for flavorful, accessible, and modern beer choices. With its distinctive monkey mascot and focus on taste profiles like Belgian Wit (White) and crisp Lager (Blonde/Light), it has grown rapidly. The brand now boasts multiple breweries in India and offers a diverse portfolio catering to different preferences, from sessionable lagers to stronger brews and seasonal specials. It represents a shift in the Indian beer landscape towards more variety and flavor.

Bira 91 was founded by Ankur Jain, who noticed a lack of flavorful, youth-focused beer brands in the Indian market dominated by traditional lagers. He sought to create beers that were distinct, modern, and appealing to a new generation of Indian consumers exploring global trends. The name "Bira" is colloquial, while "91" represents India's country code, anchoring its identity. Launched initially with beers brewed in Belgium to achieve specific flavor profiles (like the Belgian Wit), the brand gained rapid popularity due to its taste, distinct branding (the reverse monkey logo signifying playfulness and disruption), and smart marketing. Success led to establishing brewing operations within India to scale up production and meet demand. Bira 91's journey reflects the burgeoning demand for craft and craft-style beers in India.

• Aroma: Citrus notes (often orange peel), coriander, slight clove spice, wheat malt sweetness.
• Palate: Light-bodied, smooth, low bitterness, refreshing. Flavors of orange, coriander, and wheat. Hazy appearance.

Serving Temperature: Best served chilled, typically between 4-7°C (39-45°F). Avoid freezing, as it dulls the flavor. Glassware: Bira White: A tulip glass or a specific Witbier glass helps concentrate the aromas. Bira Blonde/Light/Boom: A standard lager glass, pilsner glass, or pint glass works well. Bira Gold: A goblet or tulip glass can enhance the experience. Pouring: Pour gently down the side of the tilted glass until about two-thirds full, then straighten the glass for the final part of the pour to create a good head (foam), which helps release aromas.

• Bira 91 White: Pairs well with lighter foods. Think salads, grilled fish, seafood, light pasta dishes, goat cheese, Thai or Vietnamese cuisine, and mildly spicy Indian dishes like paneer tikka.
• Bira 91 Blonde/Light: Versatile. Good with pizza, burgers, sandwiches, French fries, light appetizers, grilled chicken, and general pub fare.
• Bira 91 Gold: Complements richer dishes like creamy pasta, roast chicken, slightly richer Indian curries (like butter chicken), and pork dishes.
• Bira 91 Boom: Can stand up to more robust flavors. Try with spicy Indian curries, grilled meats, barbecue, and flavorful sausages.

• Flavor Focus: We craft beers packed with flavor, moving beyond generic tastes.
• Variety: From refreshing wheat beers and crisp lagers to stronger options, we offer a diverse range for different palates and occasions.
• Modern Brand: We connect with contemporary tastes through our playful identity and innovative approach.
• Quality Ingredients: We are committed to using quality ingredients to brew consistent and enjoyable beers.
• Indian Roots, Global Appeal: Proudly Indian, crafted for a global audience seeking flavorful beer experiences.

Bira 91 has successfully established itself as a major player in the Indian beer market and is making inroads internationally. It offers a refreshing alternative to mass-market lagers with its focus on flavor and modern branding. While perhaps not strictly "craft" by some purist definitions due to its scale, it delivers accessible, flavorful beers (especially the White and Blonde/Light) that resonate well with contemporary drinkers. It's a go-to choice for those seeking more character in their beer without venturing into highly niche or expensive craft territory. Its diverse range ensures there's likely a Bira 91 variant to suit many tastes.