Kingfisher is India's favourite Indian beer; Bacardi, its favourite rum, and Jägermeister, its favourite liqueur
30BestBarsIndia has released the first edition of a survey report, 'What India is Drinking 2023' that ranks the alcohol and non-alcohol brand preferences of Indians across 125 top bars spread over a dozen major metros in the country
Alcohol consumption in India is projected to reach 5.91 billion litres in 2023 and is expected to increase to 6.21 billion litres in 2024, as per Statista. Image: Shutterstock
Indians have been sipping and crafting alcohol beverages for years. Even the art of crafting alcohol on an industrial scale in India boasts a pedigree of over two centuries. In 1805, the British established India’s very first modern distillery in Kanpur, churning out rum for their troops. By the early 20th century, there were 14 distilleries across the nation, and by the time India attained independence, this number increased to a staggering 40. Over the past two decades, the production, imports, and consumption of alcohol in India have skyrocketed. Today, this spirited industry is estimated to be worth $50 billion annually. According to a Statista report, alcohol consumption in India is projected to reach 5.91 billion litres in 2023 and is expected to increase to 6.21 billion litres in 2024.
30BestBarsIndia, a platform that ranks bars, has released a report that identifies the top 10 consumer brand choices across nearly two dozen different categories, including Vodka, Single Malt, Gin, Wine, Beer, Rum, Aperitifs, Mixers, and more. This comprehensive report is based on a survey conducted among 125 leading bars in the country and involved bar owners, head bartenders and bar and beverage managers of bars that have been in operation for at least six months.
In addition to revealing the top-rated brands, the report also explores the most popular cocktails for various types of spirits which highlights how Indian bartenders are continually innovating to create memorable drinking experiences. The report also provides specific insights at the city level, offering information about alcohol consumption patterns in major metropolitan areas such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, and the state of Goa.
Radhakrishnan Nair, co-founder of 30BestBarsIndia, commented in the press release, “The bar industry has experienced significant growth in major cities across the country in recent years. This growth has been mirrored by an expansion in consumer choices, both in terms of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage categories, as well as the number of brands within each category. The aim of this survey is to gain insights into how consumers are responding to these changes.”
The brands that secured the top rankings in the survey include Bombay Sapphire in the Gin category, Woodburns in Premium Indian Whisky, Johnnie Walker in Blended Scotch/Malt, Jameson in International Whisky, Paul John in Indian Single Malts, Glenfiddich in International Single Malts, Grey Goose in Vodka, Bacardi in Rum, Jose Cuervo in Agave, Greater Than in Indian Craft/Native Spirits, Hennessy in Cognac & Brandy, Campari in Amaro/Aperitif, Jägermeister in Liqueurs, Kingfisher in Indian Beer, Corona in International Beer, Sula in Indian Still Wine, Jacob’s Creek in International Still Wine, Moet & Chandon in Sparkling Wine, Schweppes in Mixers, and Himalayan in Water.
Here are the top brands across various alcohol categories:
Premium Indian Whisky
Woodburns
Royal Challenge
Blender’s Pride
Signature
Royal Ranthambore
Antiquity Blue
Oaksmith
Royal Stag
Roulette
1848
Blended Scotch
Johnnie Walker
Chivas Regal
Monkey Shoulder
Ballantine’s
Dewars
Teacher’s
Black & White
100 Pipers
Black Dog
J&B Rare
Indian Single Malts
Paul John
Amrut
Indri
Rampur
Godawan
Kamet
GianChand
International Single Malts
Glenfiddich
The Glenlivet
Talisker
Glenmorangie
Laphroaig
The Singleton
Yamazaki
● Bowmore ● The Balvenie
Lagavulin
Macallan
International Whisky (Non-Scotch)
Jameson
Jack Daniels
Jim Beam
Hibiki
Toki
Yamazaki
Maker’s Mark
Wild Turkey
Buffalo Trace
● Woodford Reserve ● Teeling
Indian Craft Spirits
Greater Than
Stranger & Sons
Hapusa
Old Monk
Paul John
Jaisalmer
Short Story
Amrut
Indri
Pistola
Indian Beer
Kingfisher
Bira
People’s Lager
British Empire
Sterren
Toit
Simba
Great State Aleworks
Caldera
Susegado
International Beer
Corona
Hoegaarden
Budweiser
Peroni
Heineken
Erdinger
Amstel
Guinness
Chang
Coopers
Indian Wine
Sula
Fratelli
Grover Zampa
Big Banyan
York
● Reveilo ● Vallonne ● Virgin Hills
Four Seasons
KRSMA
International Wine
Jacob’s Creek
Two Oceans
Le Grand
Campo Viejo
Baron Philippe de Rothschild
Black Tower
● Cosecha ● Hardys
● Sensi ●Trapiche ● Yellow Tail
AG 47
● Antares ● Brancott Estate ● Bush Ballard ● Golden Sparrow ● Luz Maria ● Saint Clair ● Vina Temprana
Liqueurs
Jägermeister
Bailey’s
Kahlua
Cointreau
Sambuca
Orange Duck
● Grand Marnier ● Quaffine
● Cafe Vivir ● Amarula ● Limoncello ● St Elder ● Zambuca ● X Rated