India's beer culture has changed fast. Drinkers now want to know what is in the glass, where it was brewed and why it tastes the way it does. That curiosity has put a new generation of Indian breweries in the spotlight. Kati Patang, brewing since 2018, shows what separates the best of them from the rest.
What Makes a Brewery One of the Best in India?
There is no official list of the best Indian breweries, so it helps to look at signals that hold up over time:
- Original recipes. A strong brewery offers flavours you cannot find elsewhere, not a copy of a familiar style.
- Ingredients with a story. India has spices, grains and botanicals that most of the brewing world rarely works with.
- Independent recognition. Medals from blind-tasted international competitions carry more weight than marketing claims.
- A clear identity. The best brands know what they stand for and who they brew for.
Kati Patang meets each of these.
The Story Behind Kati Patang
Kati Patang (pronounced kuh-ti puh-tuh-ng) is Hindi for a cut kite, one that has broken free of its string. The brand sees that kite not as lost, but as having found its most authentic self.
The name mirrors the founders' own leap. In early 2018, Shantanu, a former management consultant, and Lata, an advertising and research professional, left their careers to build a beer brand. That spirit of letting go still shapes the company, summed up in its idea of "freedom without filters".
International Awards: New York Gold and London Bronze
In February 2025, Kati Patang's Saffron Lager won gold at the New York International Beer Competition (NYIBC), and the competition named Kati Patang its India Brewery of the Year.
The format is what makes this win count. NYIBC is judged only by trade professionals, including cicerones, sommeliers, bar owners, retail buyers, distributors and importers, and every entry is blind tasted. That year's contest drew more than 700 entries from over 15 countries across 30 categories. Judges scored what was in the glass, not the name on the label.
In April 2026, the same beer won bronze at the London Beer Competition 2026. Judges praised its technical quality, its spiced beer profile and the way the saffron is woven into the brew. The London contest scores beers on quality, value for money and packaging, so the medal also reflects how well the beer works on a shelf.
Kati Patang has also been recognised at the Berlin International Beer Competition, giving it recognition from three international contests.
Saffron Lager: The Award-Winning Indian Beer
Saffron Lager is a light-bodied golden beer brewed with authentic Kashmiri saffron. It drinks clean and crisp, with a subtle aroma and a lingering finish.
Most Indians know kesar from kheer, biryani and festive sweets, but rarely from a pint glass. Kati Patang uses that familiarity well. The lager base keeps the beer easy to drink, while the saffron gives it a character that feels distinctly Indian and still appeals to an international palate.
The Kati Patang Range at a Glance
The portfolio follows one idea: classic beer styles with bold Indian twists.
| Beer | Style | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Saffron Lager | Golden lager with Kashmiri saffron | Unhurried, easy evenings |
| Freedom Lager | Lager | Celebrating moments of freedom |
| Zesty Amber | Amber-gold beer | Those who enjoy contrasting flavours |
| Snappy Wheat | Wheat beer | Light moods and long days |
| Bareilly Bold and Bareilly Extra Bold | Strong beers | Drinkers who prefer a stronger pour |
The Bareilly range is the stronger side of the portfolio, inspired by small-town India: bold, strong and unapologetic.
How Kati Patang Is Shaping India's Craft Beer Scene
Putting Indian ingredients first
Instead of chasing global trends, Kati Patang builds beers around flavours Indians already know. Its brews speak to the Indian palate while staying approachable for drinkers anywhere.
Proving Indian craft beer can compete globally
Gold in New York, bronze in London and a Brewery of the Year title show that an Indian brewery can win on quality alone. Wins like this lift the credibility of the whole category and encourage local brewers to push creative limits.
Building a culture around the beer
Through its Trial Room, Kati Patang creates a stage for unexpected discovery, genre twists and raw talent. Its collectibles, from beer chess to tumblers, turn the brand into something people live with, not just drink.
Brewing with responsibility
Kati Patang has pledged to help restore natural springs in Himachal Pradesh, starting in Nirmand, Kullu. These springs support rural communities, wildlife and forests, and many are drying up because of rising temperatures and unchecked development.
Where to Find Kati Patang Beer
Kati Patang is available through retail stores. To find the one nearest you, use the WhatsApp chat on the Kati Patang website. Please drink responsibly and only where you are of legal drinking age.
Final Word
The best Indian breweries give drinkers a reason to care where their beer comes from. With gold in New York, bronze in London and a range rooted in Indian flavours, Kati Patang has earned its place in that conversation. Explore the full range on the Our Brews page.
