Top 8 Wheat Beer Brands In India In 2023 - 2024

Wheat beers have gained favor in India's craft beer scene due to their fruity profiles and typically low International Bittering Units (IBU). These beers utilize a higher proportion of wheat than barley, resulting in haziness and a richer mouthfeel attributed to the elevated protein content in wheat. While wheat doesn't contribute significant flavor, yeast plays a crucial role in shaping the final taste. In India, two prevalent wheat beer styles are Hefeweizen and Belgian Wit.

Belgian Witbier:

Witbier in Belgium comprises a minimum of 50% unmalted wheat, distinguishing it from the German style. Belgian Wit incorporates coriander and orange peel for flavoring, with Hoegaarden, known for adding an orange slice to the glass, playing a global role in reviving this style.

- Kingfisher: As a recent addition to India's bottled non-lager segment, Kingfisher, a market leader, ventures into the craft wave with its Witbier.

- Simba: Simba's Witbier includes classic coriander and orange peel, accompanied by the refreshing addition of lemongrass.

- Mad King Dufa: Conceived in Delhi but brewed in Belgium, Mad King Dufa offers a unique touch, and the brewery also features a lager called Kolga.

- White Owl Spark: Originating as a Mumbai microbrewery, White Owl has expanded into bottled offerings, including its Witbier.

- Bira White: A pioneering force in India's bottled craft beer scene, Bira White continues to be a prominent choice.

- White Rhino: India's inaugural craft brewery in the bottled domain, White Rhino adds Himalayan coriander to its Witbier.

- Mahou Maestra Wheat: Although owned by the Spanish Mahou, this Indian-brewed beer incorporates Himalayan coriander and Seville orange peel.

- Willy's Witbier: A recent addition to the bottled Witbier segment, Willy's by Briggs Brewery in Bengaluru has been launched in the local market.

Hefeweizen:

This German cloudy wheat beer, known for banana and clove aromas from the yeast, may be enhanced with malted or unmalted wheat. In Germany, Weihenstephan, claiming to be the world's oldest brewery, showcases the Hefeweizen style with unfiltered beers.

- Thirsty Simona: An Indian brand brewed under the expertise of their brewmaster in Bosnia.

American Wheat Beer:

This style, a U.S. adaptation of Bavarian Hefeweizen without the spice, offers summer-friendly, thirst-quenching characteristics with a balanced malt and hop profile.

- Arbor Easy Rider: Crafted for tropical weather, Arbor Easy Rider is an easy-drinking beer with a well-balanced mix of hops and malt.