Bira Gold Beer – officially Bira 91 Gold Wheat Strong Beer – is a premium Indian craft beer introduced by B9 Beverages in 2015. Celebrated for its smooth and richly layered flavor, it’s a standout in the strong beer category. This article covers its alcohol content, taste notes, pricing across India, and how it stacks up within the Bira lineup.
A Brief History of Bira (Bira 91)
- Founding and Roots: B9 Beverages Pvt. Ltd., the parent company behind Bira, was founded by Ankur Jain, who returned to India after establishing a healthcare tech business in the U.S. Around 2008, he began importing craft beers from Europe and the U.S. – before launching Bira 91 itself in 2015.
- Initial Production: The brand’s first batches were contract-brewed in Belgium using ingredients from France, Belgium, the Himalayas, and Bavaria, and then imported to India.
- Local Expansion and Portfolio Growth: By early 2015, production started in India, beginning in Indore and later expanding to Mysore and Nagpur. The initial offerings were Bira 91 White and Blonde; later, in 2017, Bira added Light, Strong, and their IPA (known as Bira Boom) to its lineup.
Alcohol Percentage (ABV)
- The official Bira site lists ABV as less than 8%.
- The World Beer Awards 2024 records it at 7.5%, highlighting its “well-balanced body, hidden alcohol, and smooth finish”.
Verdict: The most reliable and consistent figure is 7.5% ABV, with the official source allowing a slight margin below 8%.
Taste & Flavor Profile
- Style & Ingredients: A rich Weizenbock-style wheat ale, brewed with Indian golden wheat and European caramel malts. It’s top-fermented, unfiltered, with a creamy foam and smooth finish.
- Sensory Notes: Award judges described aromas of vanilla and oak, followed by flavors of banana, peach, apricot, vanilla, and subtle woodiness, finishing with phenolic nuances.
Price Range Across India
Based on recent data across states:
- In Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, and Kerala:
- INR 210 for 650 ml
- INR 175–INR 210 for 500 ml
- Mumbai (online retailers):
- Around INR 210 for a 650 ml bottle, with ABV stated as ~7%.
- Living Liquidz lists INR 260 for a 650 ml can.
Summary Table:
Prices fluctuate based on state taxes and local duties.
How It Compares In The Bira Portfolio
According to Wikipedia, Bira's variants and ABV ranges are:
- Bira 91 Strong: ~7% ABV
- Bira 91 White & Blonde: ~4.9% ABV
Thus, Bira Gold sits at the upper end of the ABV spectrum – higher than light variants and in line with “Strong” beers.
Other “Gold” Beer Variants (Global Brands)
Here are a few notable gold-themed beer variants from other brands:
- Tuborg Gold (India) – A malt beer with 5.5% ABV, part of the Tuborg lineup in India.
- VB Gold (Australia) – A mid-strength lager introduced in 2007, now at 3.0% ABV.
- Old Golden Hen (England) – A light golden ale released in 2011 with a golden hue and ~4.1% ABV.
Final Thoughts
Bira Gold Beer (Gold Wheat Strong) offers a rich, unfiltered wheat beer experience with an elevated ABV (~7.5%). It earns its premium standing through a nuanced flavor profile featuring fruit, malt, and smooth viscosity. Price-wise, expect to pay between INR 175 and INR 260 depending on location and packaging.
