Royal Challenge Strong
Royal Challenge Premium Lager is a popular Indian beer known for its smooth taste and relatively strong character compared to standard lagers. It offers a malty profile with a clean finish, making it a widely consumed choice in the premium segment.
Brewed and bottled in India, Royal Challenge Premium Lager holds a significant position in the country's beer market. It is often perceived as a "strong" beer, primarily due to its positioning and slightly higher alcohol content compared to light lagers, though its ABV is typically around 5%. The brand emphasizes a smooth drinking experience achieved through its brewing process. It pours a clear, pale golden colour with moderate carbonation and a decent head. The aroma and flavour profile lean towards malt sweetness with hints of grain, balanced by mild hop bitterness, leading to a crisp and satisfying finish. It's marketed as a premium offering, appealing to consumers seeking a fuller-bodied yet easy-drinking lager experience.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Clear, pale to golden yellow with good carbonation and a white head that diminishes moderately quickly.
Aroma: Mild aroma with notes of grain, malt sweetness, and perhaps a hint of corn-like adjuncts. Low hop aroma.
Taste: Smooth and malty upfront, noticeable grain/cereal character, low-to-moderate hop bitterness providing some balance. Generally clean flavour profile.
Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied, smooth texture, moderate carbonation, relatively crisp finish.
Overall: An easy-drinking lager with a noticeable malt backbone, smoother than many beers perceived as "strong".
Recognition
Strong Market Presence: Consistently holding a significant market share in the premium lager category in India.
Food Pairings
Indian Cuisine: Tandoori dishes, chicken tikka, biryani, moderately spiced curries.
Spicy Food: Complements the heat without overpowering.
Grilled Meats: Burgers, sausages, grilled chicken.
Fried Snacks: Pakoras, samosas, French fries.
Serving Suggestions
Temperature: Serve well-chilled, ideally between 4-7°C (39-45°F).
Glassware: Serve in a clean lager glass, pilsner glass, or a simple beer mug.
Pouring: Pour gently down the side of the tilted glass until about two-thirds full, then straighten to create a modest head (about 1-2 fingers).
Interesting Facts
The "Royal Challenge" brand name is also famously associated with a popular Indian whisky from the same parent company lineage (Diageo/UB Group).
It has been a long-standing player in the Indian premium beer segment.
The brand has previously been associated with sports sponsorships, including the IPL (Indian Premier League) through its surrogate branding "Royal Challenge Sports Drink".