Simba Beer Wins Silver and Bronze at World Beer Awards 2025: India’s Craft Pride

A Big Win for Indian Craft Beer

The World Beer Awards 2025 celebrated Simba Beer with two medals, marking not just a victory for a Raipur-based brewery but also pride for India's craft beer culture. Simba Wit received Silver in the Belgian-style Witbier category and Simba Stout was awarded Bronze in the Stout & Porter category. 

For a home-grown brand in India that has launched in the last decade and is now competing with some of the best breweries around the world, this definitely signifies where we are with craft beer in India.

What Are the World Beer Awards?

The World Beer Awards were launched in 2007 and are one the most prestigious competitions in the world of brewing. Held each year in the UK, the awards recognize the best beers each year in the world, based on their style, taste and design.

• Categories: From lagers and IPAs to stouts and sours.
  
  
• Judging Panel: International experts, brewers, and sensory analysts.
  
  
• Process: Blind tastings with strict judging standards.
  
  
• Significance: Winning here is like an actor bringing home an Oscar—global recognition and proof of brewing excellence.
  

For Indian breweries, these awards matter even more. They validate the quality of local brewing on a stage long dominated by Europe, the US, and Japan.

Simba’s Winning Beers

Silver Medal: Simba Wit (Belgian-style Witbier)

Tasting Profile:

• Refreshing and light with citrusy orange peel notes.
  
  
• A gentle touch of coriander adds spice and balance.
  
  
• Wheat-forward, slightly herbal finish.
  
  
• Crisp and easy-drinking—perfect for warm Indian evenings.
  
  

Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 4–5%
Price (330ml bottle): INR 140 in Gurgaon (varies across states).

Why It Won: Simba Wit is unique because it modifies a traditional Belgian recipe for an Indian audience. It is not dominating; it's nuanced and flavorful. The judges liked the clean, balanced presentation.

Bronze Medal: Simba Stout

Tasting Profile:

• Rich, dark, and smooth with a creamy head.
  
  
• Bold roasted malt character.
  
  
• Flavors of coffee and chocolate layered throughout.
  
  
• Full-bodied without being heavy, offering both depth and drinkability.
  
  

Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 4–5%
Price (330ml bottle): INR 130 in Gurgaon (varies by region).

Why It Won: Numerous stouts can either be overly bitter or too sweet, whereas Simba Stout struck a balance of smooth, flavorful, and approachable to those new to the world of dark beer, and that likely appealed to the judges.

Simba’s Journey: From Raipur to the World

Simba Beer was established in 2016 by Prabhtej Singh Bhatia and Ishwaraj Singh Bhatia as a part of Sona Beverages Pvt. Ltd., with the objective of making a change in the way India drank beer.

At the time, several lagers were dominating the beer market, and craft beers were virtually nonexistent, as they could only be found in a brewpub in urban areas. They wanted to make high-quality bottled craft beers available in India, which did not have to be expensive and would be accessible in areas beyond metro cities.

They implemented the brewhouse in their Chhattisgarh brewery, which was fully equipped with modern technology and considerable international brewing experience. The distribution was then gradually widened to each state in India. Nowadays, Simba is available in multiple states and is often found in premium restaurants, pubs, and retail shops.

Also Read: Costliest Beer in the World: Top 10 Most Expensive Bottles Ever Sold

Simba’s Portfolio at a Glance

Here’s a quick snapshot of Simba’s beer range:

This variety allows Simba to cater to different palates—from light, refreshing drinkers to bold, stout lovers.

Why Simba’s Win Matters for India

Simba’s medals aren’t just about one brand. They’re about changing global perceptions of Indian beer.

Key Takeaways for India’s Craft Beer Industry

• International Credibility: Indian beers are positioned alongside the established breweries of Belgium, Germany, and the United States.
  
  
• Consumer Confidence:  With having won awards, Indian drinkers are now more willing to taste local craft labels.
  
  
• Growth of the Industry: Success stories like Simba affect more entrepreneurs to come into the craft beer market.
  
  
• Future Growth as an Export:  With this credibility, Indian craft beer will likely see an increase in export opportunities.

This is proof that Indian brewing is maturing—moving beyond mass-market lagers toward diverse, high-quality styles.

Challenges Simba Still Face

Despite the awards, Simba and other Indian craft brands face hurdles:

• Price Variations: Due to state taxes, a Simba Wit can cost INR 70 in Goa but INR 190 in Karnataka.
  
  
• Distribution: Many smaller cities still lack easy access to craft beers.
  
  
• Consumer Education: A large chunk of Indian drinkers still prefer strong lagers. Convincing them to try craft styles takes effort.
  
  
• Regulatory Environment: Alcohol laws differ across states, complicating expansion.
  

Yet, Simba’s recognition proves the effort is worth it.

The Future of Simba Beer

Simba’s trajectory looks promising:

• Increased geographic reach within India: Expanding into more states and additional retail locations.
  
  
• New Styles: Experimenting with IPAs, sours, or seasonal limited releases may attract enthusiasts.
  
  
• International Markets: Awards like these may create opportunities to export beer to Asia, Europe, and North America.
  
  
• Community Engagement: Partnerships with restaurants, beer festivals, and events will enhance brand loyalty.
  
  

What Beer Lovers Can Learn from Simba’s Success

If you’re a craft beer enthusiast, Simba’s story offers lessons:

• Quality Wins: Consistency and flavor balance matter more than gimmicks.
  
  
• Know Your Market: Simba tailored Witbier and Stout to Indian palates—light, approachable, yet flavorful.
  
  
• Storytelling Works: Consumers connect better when a brand proudly shares its Indian roots.
  
  

For casual drinkers, this is a chance to explore something beyond the usual lager. Next time you’re out, grab a Simba Wit or Stout—you’ll taste the difference.

Final Thoughts

Simba Beer has won Silver and Bronze in the World Beer Awards 2025. These medals are milestones in Indian craft brewing history. A brand that began from the capital of Chhattisgarh, has now earned a place on the global beer stage. 

By prioritizing quality, innovation, and accessibility, Simba is changing the way India drinks beer and now the world is taking note.

Also Read: Godfather Super 8 Beer: India’s Strong Lager Shines at Asia Beer Challenge 2025