Haywards 5000 Super Strong Beer
Haywards 5000 is a popular high-alcohol beer brand in India, known for its robust strength, malty flavour profile, and affordability. It's a strong lager designed for those seeking a potent brew.
Launched around 1983, Haywards 5000 quickly became a flagship strong beer in the Indian market. Originally part of Shaw Wallace, and later SABMiller India, the brand is now under the portfolio of Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) India. It targets consumers looking for a strong, value-for-money beer experience. Haywards 5000 is characterized by its significant alcohol content (typically around 8% ABV), full-bodied mouthfeel, and a distinct malty sweetness balanced by moderate bitterness and noticeable alcohol warmth. It's often associated with its tagline "Hausla Buland" (Keep your Courage High) and remains one of the best-selling strong beers in India.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Clear, pale gold to deeper gold colour with moderate carbonation and a white head that may not persist very long.
Aroma: Predominantly malty and grainy, often with notes of sweet corn or rice adjuncts. Hints of hops might be present but are usually subdued. A slight alcoholic whiff is common.
Palate: Full-bodied and smooth initially, dominated by malt sweetness. Flavours of bread, grain, and sometimes a subtle fruitiness can be detected. The high alcohol content provides noticeable warmth. Bitterness is generally moderate, balancing the sweetness.
Food Pairings
The beer's strength and malty character pair well with robust, flavourful, and often spicy foods:
Indian Cuisine: Biryani (Chicken or Mutton), spicy curries (like Vindaloo, Rogan Josh), Tandoori chicken/kebabs, Paneer Tikka, Chana Masala.
Serving Suggestions
Temperature: Best served well-chilled, typically between 4-7°C (40-45°F). Serving it too cold can mute the flavours, while serving it too warm emphasizes the alcohol.
Interesting Facts
Launched around 1983 to cater to the growing demand for strong beer in India.
Its name "5000" is rumoured to relate to the original brewery's postal code or a batch number, though this isn't officially confirmed.
For many years, it was associated with the tagline "Hausla Buland" (Keep your Courage High).
Consistently ranks among the top-selling strong beer brands in India.