British brews, desi cheers

There’s refreshing news for guzzlers in the midst of an unsparing summer. Following the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, the import duty on British beer has been slashed by 75% – down from a steep 150%. Which means, your favourite chilled pint from the UK might soon be easier on the wallet. Coupled with the rise of gastro pubs and microbreweries, Indian drinkers (except those in Karnataka*) have never had it so good.‘Slow sip, long conversations’For many, beer and summer go hand in hand. But its popularity isn’t seasonal. Beer ranks just behind hard liquor as India’s most-consumed alcohol.“Beer suits India’s tropical climate – it’s refreshing, low in alcohol, and lends itself to long chats or loud parties,” says Pankil Shah, co-owner of a Colaba resto-pub. “It’s casual, easy, and more ‘sessionable’ than spirits.” Debayan Datta, manager at a nationwide pub chain, agrees, “Beer fits into every social scene – from house parties to cricket screenings.”The Karnataka conundrum: *In its fourth liquor price hike in under two years, the Karnataka government has increased the additional excise duty (AED) on beer from 195% to 200%, while cheaper Indian Made Liquor (IML) brands are expected to rise by ₹15–₹20 per 180 ml quartCheers to Brit beersPremium UK labels like Boddingtons, Newcastle Brown Ale, Fuller’s, Carling, and Cobra may become more accessible. “These are maltier, low on hop bitterness and are great for those new to craft beer,” Shah adds. “We’re seeing growing interest in styles like IPAs (Indian Pale Ales) and stouts (like Guinness).”But there needs to be more awareness, felt Gurpreet Singh, owner of an alcohol brand in Bengaluru. “Consumers buy beers like Corona and Hoegaarden because of Hollywood, Budweiser does well because of its global name. For UK beers to do well, they have to be better known,” Singh said.Spoilt for choiceHomegrown microbreweries remain a strong draw, especially for younger drinkers. “Craft beer’s low preservatives and competitive pricing keep it popular,” says Sk Samim, GM of a resto-pub chain in the East and Northeast.Between premium imported brands and a blooming homegrown industry of microbreweries, we may be now spoilt for choice as a beer-loving nation. The cut in import duty on UK beers will certainly widen the spectrum of choices for Indian consumers. This is also an opportunity for Indian craft and mainstream beers to get greater visibility in the UK, where there’s increasing curiosity about world beers Urban audiences are increasingly curious. Beer festivals and microbreweries have nurtured that curiosity – Debayan Datta, pub-chain managerWhat’s TrendingCrisp lagers: great for hot weatherWheat beers:smooth with a fruity touchFlavoured brews:mango, chili, coffeeCraft ales:bold, experimental sipsUK beers just got cheaper by 75 %Inputs by: Ruman Ganguly and Devika V Menon