Simba bags Silver and Bronze at the World Beer Awards 2025

The craft beer revolution that's been brewing across India for years just got its biggest validation. When Simba Beer walked away with Silver and Bronze medals at the World Beer Awards 2025, it was proof that Indian brewers have arrived on the global scene.

For years, Indian breweries have been perfecting their recipes, experimenting with flavours, and building loyal followings, but international recognition remained elusive. That changed when Simba went head-to-head with established breweries from beer powerhouses such as Belgium, Germany, and the UK… and came out a winner. It won in the category of ‘India Country Winners - Taste’ with the following brews:

• Simba Wit (Wheat Beer: Belgian Style Witbier)
• Simba Stout (Stout & Porter: Stout – including Dry & Irish)

For the unacquainted, the World Beer Awards is the brewed beer version of the Oscars, where expert panels conduct blind tastings and discern purely on merit. When Simba's Belgian Style Witbier earned Silver and their Stout took Bronze, it sent a message that Indian craft beer has officially graduated from local curiosity to global contender.


"We are incredibly proud to see Simba shine on such a global stage," said Ishwaraj Singh Bhatia, Co-founder and COO of Simba Beer. "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."

What makes this achievement significant is the timing. India's craft beer market has exploded over the past decade, with microbreweries and taprooms becoming fixtures in major cities. But recognition has largely stayed domestic. Simba's international wins could signal the beginning of a new chapter where Indian breweries aren't just satisfying local palates, but competing for global shelf space.

The awards also highlight something deeper about India's evolving beverage culture. A generation ago, beer options in India were limited to a handful of mass market lagers. Today, the likes of Simba are crafting everything from hoppy IPAs to stouts, incorporating local ingredients and techniques that create distinctly Indian expressions of global styles.

Simba's success story mirrors the broader transformation of Indian consumer tastes. The brand has positioned itself as a cultural movement that champions creativity and supports underground music scenes and local artists. This approach resonates with young Indians who want their beverage choices to reflect their values and lifestyle.

The World Beer Awards recognition comes at a crucial time for India's alcohol industry. As regulatory frameworks evolve and distribution networks expand, Indian craft breweries are eyeing opportunities beyond domestic markets. Importantly, in an industry dominated by multinational corporations and centuries-old European breweries, a relatively young Indian company also proved that it could compete on quality and innovation.

As India’s craft beer scene matures, expect more homegrown breweries to follow Simba's lead onto the international stage. The question isn't whether Indian craft beer can compete globally anymore; it's how many more awards Indian brewers could bring home. For the uninitiated, Saltborn is a visionary collective crafting premium experiences with authenticity, innovation, and artisanal dedication. From award-winning brands like Simba Beer and ZigZag Vodka to future ventures, Saltborn blends tradition with modernity while staying true to its ethos of craftsmanship, creativity, and excellence.

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