Mahua: A Deep Dive Into India's Traditional Drink
2026-01-29
India’s beer scene has changed a lot in the last decade. What used to be a simple choice between mass-market lagers and ultra-strong beers has quietly evolved into something more interesting.
If you are a beer lover in North India, you have likely spotted a vibrant yellow and blue can/bottle with a quirky bee mascot buzzing around liquor store shelves. That, my friends, is BeeYoung.
When strong beer in India meant harsh, bitter, and chemically-tasting yellow fizzy water that you only drank to get high.
BeeYoung has changed the game by introducing a concept that seemed impossible a few years ago: A Strong Beer (7.2% ABV) that actually tastes like Craft Beer.
In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we are going to break down everything you need to know about BeeYoung from its latest price list in Delhi, UP, and Gurgaon, to its alcohol percentage, tasting notes, and why it is currently the top budget choice for house parties.
Before we dive into the deep review, here is the cheat sheet for the busy drinker:
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Beer Style |
Crafted Strong Lager |
|
Alcohol Percentage (ABV) |
7.2% (Strong) |
|
Brewery |
Kimaya Himalayan Beverages |
|
Origin |
Patiala / Roorkee (Himalayan Water Source) |
|
Key Ingredients |
Two-Row Barley, Columbus & Styrian Golding Hops, Sortex Rice |
|
Price (Approx) |
₹110 - ₹130 (500ml Can) |
|
Taste Profile |
Crisp, Citrusy, Malty, Clean Finish |
|
Best Paired With |
Tandoori Chicken, Masala Peanuts, Spicy Curries |
Pricing in India varies wildly because of state taxes. BeeYoung is positioned as a premium budget beer, meaning it’s slightly more expensive than your standard Tuborg/Kingfisher Strong but significantly cheaper than Bira 91 or imported brands.
Here is the estimated 2026 Price List for BeeYoung Beer across major available territories:
Delhi is the home turf for BeeYoung, and you will find the best availability here.
Since the brewery uses Himalayan water and has a strong presence here, prices are competitive.
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The most searched query for any Indian beer is, "Kitna nasha hai?”
BeeYoung markets itself as India's first crafted strong beer.
Is 7.2% high. Yes, for context:
BeeYoung hits a sweet spot. It is not as aggressively strong as the 8% knock-out beers that often taste like industrial spirit.
It sits comfortably at 7.2%, which is strong enough to give you a solid buzz after just one 650ml bottle, but light enough to allow you to enjoy the flavor without wincing.
So, why is everyone in North India obsessed with this yellow can? It comes down to the craft's promise.
Most strong beers in India use cheap adjuncts and enzymes to spike the alcohol content cheaply. BeeYoung takes a different route.
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We have to talk about the can. The matte-finish yellow can with the blue bee is arguably one of the best-designed beer cans in India. It looks premium.
Holding a BeeYoung can at a party says, "I know my beer," whereas holding a standard strong beer bottle might say, "I just want to get drunk."
Is BeeYoung really better than the legends of the Indian market? Let’s compare.
|
Feature |
BeeYoung |
Kingfisher Ultra Max |
Bira 91 Boom |
Tuborg Strong |
|
Strength |
7.2% |
7.2% |
~7% |
~8% |
|
Taste |
Citrusy & Malty |
Smooth & Grainy |
Sweet & Malty |
Sweet & Fruity |
|
Price |
₹110 (500ml) |
₹140 (500ml) |
₹100 (500ml) |
₹95 (500ml) |
|
Vibe |
Modern Craft |
Premium Commercial |
Fun/Party |
Mass Market |
|
Hangover? |
Low (Clean Ingredients) |
Low |
Medium |
High |
BeeYoung functions as a Strong Lager, which possesses citrus flavors that effectively reduces the taste of fatty and spicy dishes. This dish serves as the most suitable match for desi Indian dining.
The chicken's charred exterior matches with the malt flavors, while the beer acts as a palate cleanser that removes the spicy taste.
The citrusy hops of the Masala Peanuts snack combine perfectly with the flavors of salty and spicy snacks.
Amritsari Kulcha's carbonation function assists in eliminating the heavy flavor brought by butter and maida.
The combination of Chilli Chicken and Manchurian with crisp beer creates a perfect match, as the beer helps neutralize the salty flavor of soy sauce.
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BeeYoung has successfully solved the biggest problem in the Indian beer market. The gap between cheap & strong and expensive & tasty.
It offers the kick that the Indian market demands (7.2%) but delivers it with the sophistication of a European lager. For ₹110 a can, it is currently the best value-for-money beer in North India.
Who is it for?
So, next time you are at the Theka, look for the yellow can. Crack it open, pour it into a glass, and experience the buzz of the Himalayas.
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