Bira
Bira 91 is a modern Indian beer brand known for its flavorful and imaginative craft-inspired beers, targeting a young, urban audience with a playful monkey mascot.
Launched in 2015, Bira 91 quickly became a popular beer brand in India, positioning itself as a craft beer alternative to traditional lagers. Founded by Ankur Jain, the brand initially contract-brewed its beers internationally before establishing breweries in India. Bira 91 aims to bring flavorful, modern beers to the Indian market and beyond, focusing on quality ingredients and creative recipes. Their portfolio includes various styles, from light lagers and wheat beers to stronger options and IPAs, all characterized by distinctive branding featuring a monkey mascot. They emphasize innovation and cater to evolving consumer tastes for more diverse beer experiences.
Tasting Notes
Bira 91 generally focuses on being more flavorful than standard industrial lagers.
Low bitterness, slightly hazy appearance. Notes of citrus (specifically orange peel) and coriander, typical of Belgian Witbier style. Smooth, refreshing, slightly sweet finish.
Crisp, clean lager style. More hop character than a standard lager, offering floral or slightly fruity notes. Balanced bitterness, smooth finish. Refreshing and easy-drinking.
Higher alcohol content provides warmth. Fuller body than the lighter variants. Often described as having bolder malt notes and a slightly fruity or spicy character to balance the strength. Less bitter than an IPA but more robust than a standard lager.
Food Pairings
Bira 91 White: Excellent with lighter foods. Pairs well with salads, seafood, grilled fish, light pasta dishes, goat cheese, and mildly spiced Indian dishes like paneer tikka or light vegetable curries. Its citrus notes complement spicy food too.
Bira 91 Blonde Summer Lager: Versatile. Good with pizza, burgers, sandwiches, fried snacks (like pakoras or samosas), grilled chicken, and light Indian fare.
Bira 91 Light: Pairs with very light dishes, salads, or can be enjoyed on its own.
Bira 91 Strong: Can stand up to richer, heavier foods. Try with grilled meats, barbecue, biryani, richer curries (like butter chicken or rogan josh), and flavorful kebabs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled, typically between 4°C and 7°C (40°F - 45°F). Over-chilling can dull the flavors, especially for the White and IPA.
Glassware: While any glass works, specific styles can enhance the experience:
Bira White: A tulip glass or a specific Witbier glass helps capture the aromas.
Bira Blonde/Light/Strong: A standard pint glass, lager glass, or pilsner glass is suitable.
Interesting Facts
Refers to India's country code (+91), emphasizing its Indian origin and identity.
Mascot: The playful monkey is a key part of its branding, representing the brand's fun, unconventional spirit.
Rapid Growth: Bira 91 experienced exceptionally fast growth in the Indian beer market shortly after its launch.
Target Audience: Primarily aimed at urban millennials and Gen Z looking for flavorful and trendy beverage options.