History of Beer

About beer

An agricultural beverage with ancient roots

Beer is an agricultural beverage with alcoholic content ranging from 5 to 8%. It is a fermented product of barley malt and other cereals, following a complex brewing process that involves a high degree of sophistication and hygiene standards similar to the dairy industry. Beer is significantly lower in alcohol content than wine (12%) or hard liquor (40%+).

Global history

Beer through the ages

1

5th millennium BC

Beer is one of the oldest beverages humans have produced, predating even writing itself. Evidence of brewing has been found in the written history of Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.

2

Pre-colonial India

Beer was not unknown in India before the arrival of Europeans. Indigenous fermented grain beverages had existed long before commercial brewing was established.

3

1716

Pale ale and Burton ale begin being imported to India from England. The Bow Brewery’s beers became popular among East India Company traders due to their quality and the brewery’s liberal 18-month credit line. Ships transported Hodgson’s October Beer to India, which was highly regarded by consumers.

4

1830

Edward Dyer travels to India and establishes India’s first brewery in Kasauli, producing the beer brand Lion — which is still available today.

5

1835

The Kasauli brewery is shifted to Solan near Shimla. In 1885 it is incorporated as Dyer Breweries. More breweries are built across India, Burma and Sri Lanka.

6

1882

There are 12 breweries operating in India, including one in Rangoon. H.G. Meakin acquires the Solan brewery — the company becomes Dyer-Meakin and Company, later listed on the London Stock Exchange.

7

1937

Burma is separated from India; the company loses its Burmese assets and is restructured and renamed Dyer Meakin Breweries.

8

1949

N.N. Mohan acquires all assets of Dyer Meakin Breweries and adds further units to expand the network.

9

1967 – present

The company is renamed Mohan Meakin Breweries. Today all Indian beers are either lagers (5% alcohol) or strong lagers (8% alcohol). India Pale Ale, once famous for the Indian market, is no longer produced domestically.

Historical note

The origin of India Pale Ale

India Pale Ale (IPA) — now one of the world's most popular craft beer styles — was originally developed specifically for export to India. The style was brewed to withstand the long sea voyage from England to India; higher hop content acted as a preservative during the months-long journey. Though IPA originated for the Indian market, no brewer in India produces it today. The global craft beer revival has brought IPA worldwide — but it remains an import in its country of inspiration.