Shaking Up the Indian Beer Status Quo: DESI Beer Project Reviewed

Writer’s note: Even though these products were gifted to me, all the thoughts and opinions shared here are completely my own. My reviews are based on my personal experience with the products, aiming to give you an honest and unbiased perspective.

What I Tried

I was fortunate enough to receive two beers from DESI Beer Project, the team behind Curry Smugglers snacks:

• Rice Lager: A lager with a rice-based twist on traditional brewing.

• Mango Mirchi Lager 0.5%: A low-alcohol lager combining tropical mango with the distinctive kick of chilli.

Two very different approaches to beer, but both with a distinctly Indian-inspired identity.

How to Use It

Both beers are best enjoyed chilled, whether you're pairing them with your favourite Indian dishes, sharing them with friends, or simply relaxing at the end of a long day.

The Mango Mirchi Lager also offers an interesting alternative for anyone looking to cut back on alcohol without automatically reaching for another standard lager.

My Experience & Results

I'll admit, the Mango Mirchi Lager immediately caught my attention. Mango and chilli in a beer? That's certainly not something you come across every day.

I love the idea of taking flavours more commonly associated with Indian food and giving them a completely different setting. It's playful, unexpected and a welcome change from the usual lager line-up.

Taste-wise, the Mango Mirchi Lager actually reminded me a little of Desperados, with that slightly fruity, refreshing twist on a traditional beer. The mango flavour was lovely, and I really enjoyed the initial taste. However, the chilli definitely made its presence known afterwards!

Now, I'll be the first to admit that I'm not exactly a spicy girl. I'm much more of a mild curry kind of person, so the lingering chilli kick was a little too much for my taste buds. It wasn't that I disliked the beer itself. Quite the opposite, actually! I thought the flavour was really enjoyable, but that fiery finish was just a bit more than I personally bargained for.

That said, if you love a bit of heat, I can absolutely see the appeal. The combination of sweet mango and spicy chilli is certainly memorable, and it's a fun alternative to your standard lager. Just don't say I didn't warn you about the kick!

The Rice Lager, meanwhile, was pretty much perfect for how I like my lager. Light, crisp and refreshing, without anything too overpowering, it was exactly the kind of beer I could happily sit and enjoy on a warm afternoon. While the Mango Mirchi was all about bold flavours and a fiery finish, the Rice Lager was much more my speed. It was smooth, easy to drink and had just the right balance of flavour without being too heavy or bitter. Sometimes, you don't need anything fancy or experimental. You just want a really good lager, and for me, this one absolutely delivered.

If I had to pick a favourite of the two, the Rice Lager would win hands down. The Mango Mirchi was definitely the more unusual experience, but the Rice Lager is the one I'd happily reach for again and again.

About the Brand

DESI Beer Project is an Indian-inspired beer brand from the team behind Curry Smugglers snacks. Its approach challenges the familiar expectations surrounding Indian beer, drawing attention to ingredients, flavours and brewing influences that deserve a place in the conversation.

Rather than simply recreating conventional lagers with Indian-inspired branding, DESI Beer Project aims to celebrate a broader Indian food and drink identity through its products.

Product Highlights

• Indian-inspired brewing: A distinctive approach that draws on ingredients and flavours associated with Indian cuisine.

• Two different flavour experiences: From the more traditional appeal of Rice Lager to the adventurous mango-and-chilli combination.

• Low-alcohol option: The Mango Mirchi Lager contains 0.5% ABV, offering an alternative to full-strength beer.

• Something a little different: An interesting choice for beer drinkers who fancy venturing beyond their usual favourites.

• Food-friendly concept: Particularly appealing for people who enjoy experimenting with beer and food pairings.

Price & Where to Buy

Prices start from £3.99, with products available directly from DESI Beer Project. I also noticed that if you sign up to their mailing list, you’ll get a cheeky 15% off your first order.

They’re also available on the Curry Smugglers website, so if you’re putting in an order for snacks, you can add them to the same shopping basket!

Final Thoughts

DESI Beer Project brings something refreshingly different to the beer conversation, combining Indian-inspired ingredients with a willingness to experiment.

Whether you're drawn to the simplicity of the Rice Lager or intrigued by the tropical, spicy possibilities of Mango Mirchi, there's plenty here to pique your curiosity.

For adventurous beer lovers, fans of Indian-inspired flavours or anyone tired of reaching for the same old lager, DESI Beer Project is certainly a brand worth exploring.

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Hana Ames is a professional content writer with hundreds of pieces of content under her belt. She is a cat and dog mama, a feminist, and a musical theatre fan, who enjoys cooking, playing board games and drinking cocktails. She has been writing professionally since 2018 and has a degree in English. Her website is www.hrawriting.com and she is always interested in discussing exciting new projects to see how she can help your business grow. Catch her on Twitter @hrawriting, Instagram @hrawriting and Facebook: www.facebook.com/hrawriting