Taj Mahal Premium Lager is one of India’s older brewing names, launched by Mohan Meakin in Kolkata and now part of the InBrew Beverages portfolio (the same group behind Thunderbolt and licensed Miller and Carling in India). It built its reputation on being the more refined, deep golden alternative to the mainstream Kingfisher and Haywards crowd, and it’s aged into that role well.
Taj Mahal Premium Lager at a glance
| Style | Premium lager |
| ABV | 5% |
| Brewery | InBrew Beverages, Kolkata, India |
| Character | Deep golden colour, pleasant malt sweetness, medium body |
| Best served | Cold, in a pilsner or straight lager glass |
The full review
Taj Mahal pours a noticeably deeper gold than Kingfisher, with a rounder, maltier profile and less of the sharp citrus bite. It reads as a step up in body without becoming heavy, which is probably why it built a following as the beer people ordered when they wanted something a little more substantial than the everyday lager. The name and label, built around India’s most recognizable landmark, has also made it one of the more exportable Indian beer brands, and it’s genuinely easy to track down at import-friendly liquor stores in the US.
What to eat with it
The extra malt body handles richer Indian dishes well: rogan josh, a heavier lamb curry, or grilled kebabs. It also works with tandoori paneer if you want a vegetarian pairing that can stand up to the beer’s sweetness.
The right glass
A pilsner glass or straight lager glass, served cold. The deeper colour is part of the appeal, so a clear glass rather than a dimpled mug lets it show.
Taj Mahal Premium Lager FAQs
Is Taj Mahal beer actually from India?
Yes. It’s brewed in Kolkata and has been since 1959, making it one of the older premium lager brands still in production in India.
How strong is Taj Mahal beer?
It’s 5% ABV, putting it slightly above Kingfisher Premium’s 4.8% but well below the 6.5-8% strong lager category that dominates Indian beer volumes.
The verdict
If Kingfisher is the beer everyone in India drinks and Taj Mahal is the one people trade up to, that tells you most of what you need to know. A fuller, maltier lager with real history behind it, and one of the easier Indian beers to actually buy outside India.
