For a lot of us, beer is more than just a drink — it’s a rite of passage. The first bottle shared at a college fest, the casual pint at a bar where the music’s too loud to talk, or the trusty six-pack stashed in the fridge for Netflix marathons. And while India’s beer story has long been dominated by big-label lagers, a new wave of craft brewers has been quietly rewriting the narrative. Leading the charge? Simba, the homegrown craft beer brand that has always been about doing things a little differently.
This August, Simba made its mark known by clinching not one but two wins at the World Beer Awards 2025 in Norwich, UK. Competing against hundreds of international heavyweights, Simba’s Wit and Stout were recognised in the Taste category, judged via blind tastings by an expert panel of brewers, writers, and industry specialists who evaluated beers solely on taste, without any brand bias.
If you’ve ever cracked open a bottle of Simba Wit, you’ll know why it’s award-worthy. A Belgian-style wheat beer, it balances lightness with a citrusy zing, orange peel, coriander, lemongrass all making cameos. It’s crisp, refreshing, and honestly feels like summer in a glass. Winning silver just confirmed what fans here already knew: this one’s a crowd-favourite, perfect for brunches, sundowners, or basically any occasion where you want your drink to go down easy.
Then there’s the Simba Stout, which snagged bronze. It’s the darker, moodier sibling, think rich espresso notes, a touch of cocoa, and a smooth, creamy finish. Stouts can be intimidating, but Simba’s take feels both bold and approachable. It’s the kind of pint that makes a statement at the table, not too heavy, not too niche, but definitely memorable.
Awards aside, Simba’s recognition signals a turning point for India’s craft beer culture. Founded by Ishwaraj Singh Bhatia, the brand was built on the idea that Indian drinkers deserved more than just watered-down lagers. From small-batch brewing to creative flavour profiles, Simba has consistently championed individuality in a space that often felt, well, monotonous. “We are incredibly proud to see Simba shine on such a global stage. From the beginning, our vision has been to put Indian craft beer on the world map, and these awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion, innovation, and dedication to quality,” says Bhatia.
For years, the global craft beer scene has thrived while India has played catch-up. But this win proves that we’re not just catching up anymore, we’re competing on equal footing. It’s a big deal for Indian brewers who’ve been pushing the envelope and for drinkers who are finally spoilt for choice.
Simba’s roar at the World Beer Awards isn’t just about one brand; it’s about putting India firmly on the global beer map. As more Indian breweries experiment and innovate, the world is starting to notice. And that means your Friday night pint could soon carry not just flavour but also a little bit of national pride.
So, next time you raise a glass of Simba Wit or sip slowly on that stout, remember, you’re not just drinking a beer. You’re tasting a milestone, a marker of how far India’s craft scene has come. And that’s something worth clinking glasses for.
