Alright, folks, it’s that time of the year again—IPL fever is officially here, and your friends have suddenly turned into fantasy cricket analysts.
While some are back on the “Ee Sala Cup Namdu” hopium for the 14th consecutive year, others are busy polishing their whistles for copious “Thala for a reason!” reels. But do you know what the real MVP is for every match night? A pint of a good craft beer in India.
At Effingut, Pune’s most loved craft beer place, we know a thing or two about bringing flavours and personalities to life, much like your favourite IPL teams fight for glory. From classics like CSK’s methodical brilliance to RCB’s eternal “this might be our year” optimism, we’ve imagined your beloved IPL teams as our iconic craft beers.
IPL Teams Reimagined as Effingut’s Top 10 Craft Beer in India
Whether you’re in Koregaon Park enjoying craft beer in Pune or sipping on an IPA near Gateway of India with craft beer in Mumbai, we’ve got you covered.
While at it, we’re also throwing in some no-fuss, lip-smacking snack pairing because what’s a perfect T20 marathon without munchies?
1. Chennai Super Kings – Hefeweizen
CSK is all about class, calmness, and consistency. They don’t shout for attention—they win, win, and then win some more. That’s precisely what our Hefeweizen brew brings to the table. This Bavarian wheat beer is smooth, sessionable, and effortlessly cool with banana and clove notes. It’s the kind of brew that pairs perfectly with Dhoni finishing matches in his signature “I got this” style. When you’re sipping this frothy beauty, you know CSK’s yellow brigade is ready to bring the sunshine.
Snack Pairing: Karari Roti. It’s crisp, classy, and won’t distract you during a tense last over.
2. Mumbai Indians – Fresh AF IPA
Mumbai Indians are the team everyone loves to hate—mostly because they’re just that good. Like Effingut’s Fresh AF IPA, they burst onto the scene with bold tropical notes and refuse to be ignored. This brew is citrusy and punchy, leaving you wanting more – kinda like Rohit’s elegant cover drives or Hardik Pandya’s blistering knocks. Even when they’re down, MI has that fresh bounce-back energy, much like the lingering hoppy bitterness that sticks around long after the sip. If you’re catching the game near the Gateway, nothing pairs better with MI’s power plays than craft beer in Mumbai!
Snack Pairing: Beer Bratwurst. Juicy, flavourful, and simmered in IPA because, we all know, MI doesn’t do anything halfway.
3. Royal Challenges Bengaluru – Robust Porter
Dear RCB fans, you deserve a medal for loyalty. Like our Robust Porter, this team is rich and bold and comes with its fair share of highs and lows. Dark roasted coffee notes with a hint of smokiness make this brew perfect for Royal Challengers’ rollercoaster performances.
One sip, and you’ll find yourself reminiscing about Kohli’s masterclass or Liam Livingstone’s six-hitting carnivals. Sure, it’s a bit bittersweet when they miss the cup, but there’s always next year, and the Porter’s always ready.
Snack Pairing: Jalapeño Cheese Poppers. Spicy, gooey, and just the right snack for the highs (and heartbreaks) of an RCB game.
4. Rajasthan Royals – Mango Cider
The Royals have that “expect the unexpected” vibe. On a good day, they’re sweet as Alphonso mangoes; on another, they pack a tangy punch. That’s exactly what our Mango Cider brings to the table: light, playful, and invigorating.
Whether Jaiswal’s elegant knocks or Shimron Hetmyer’s tense chases, RR knows how to entertain the audience. Watching the Royals pull off a heist in the final overs is like that first sip of cider on a scorching summer day: unexpectedly refreshing.
Snack Pairing: Crispy Corn Schezwan. Sweet, spicy, and surprisingly addictive – much like the Royals’ underdog charm.
5. Kolkata Knight Riders – Dunkelweizen
Knight Riders bring the drama, flair, and the occasional chaos we love to watch. The Dunkelweizen, with its creamy body and notes of roasted malt, banana, and clove, feels just right home for them.
Today, it’s the all-mighty Rinku Baba coming in clutch with five sixes in a row; Tomorrow, it’s Andre Russell clearing Eden Gardens with his power-hitting. They know how to keep their fans on the edge. Like the purple brigade, this beer is unapologetically bold and intense, an icon among the best craft beers in India.
Snack Pairing: Shish Taouk with Mini Pita. Smoky grilled chicken that’s easy to devour during KKR’s inevitable, nail-biting comeback.
6. Sunrisers Hyderabad – Dry Stout
The Sunrisers don’t mess around. They show up, deliver fiery spells, and keep things simple. Like the Dry Stout, this team is smooth, unpretentious, and serious about the job. Is Pat Cummings leading the pace attack? Is Shami stepping in to finish the work? That’s the stout doing its thing: bittersweet roasted flavours with a creamy edge.
SRH fans know there’s no fluff, only grit and results. Much like Sunrisers’ plays, this stout represents India’s no-nonsense craft beer excellence.
Snack Pairing: Oriental BBQ Wings. Straightforward, smoky, and no-fuss. It’s like SRH’s lethal bowling line-up.
7. Gujarat Titans – Sorachi Ace Saison
GT is IPL’s wunderkind: cool, collected, and ready to surprise. Much like Effingut’s Sorachi Ace Saison, they’re impossible to ignore. Shubman Gill’s graceful leadership and unstoppable batting make the Titans a team that sets the gold standard for “new kid on the block” energy. Add in Rashid Khan spinning his web, and this Japanese-hopped brew with its citrusy and herbal notes mirrors their “gotcha” playstyle.
Snack Pairing: Thecha Paneer Tikka. Fiery yet smooth, this Maharashtrian-inspired delicacy is as all-rounder as GT’s gameplay.
8. Lucknow Super Giants – Easy Smoked Lager
Loud or flashy isn’t LSG’s style. They’re more of a cool operator. That’s why the Easy Smoked Lager is their perfect match. It’s smooth yet impactful with subtle smokiness and a light finish, almost like Marsh hammering big hits in crunch situations or Ravi Bishnoi quietly choking runs with his deceptive spin. The Super Giants go about their business efficiently, proving that sometimes less is more.
Snack Pairing: Crispy Corn Salt & Pepper. No unnecessary flair, just flavour—like LSG’s calm approach to harrowing chases.
9. Delhi Capitals – White Rhino’s Effin Good IPA
Delhi Capitals are like that one extrovert Delhiite friend who shows up with all the energy: loud, aggressive, and fun to watch. Think of Faf du Plessis anchoring the innings and Harry Brook smashing boundaries with his trademark finesse.
Our Effiin Good IPA, with its mango and tropical hop notes, embodies their fearless cricket and relentless aggression. When Starc sends down thunderbolts or Axar Patel bowls a game-changing spell, it’s as refreshing as a sip of this perfectly balanced IPA.
Snack Pairing: Chicken Popcorn. Bite-sized bursts of fun, just like DC’s high-octane performances.
10. Punjab Kings – Lemon Ginger Mead
PBKS is IPL’s wild card—sometimes sweet, sometimes fiery, and unpredictable on their best days. The Lemon Ginger Mead is their match: honey-sweet, ginger-spicy, and lemon-tangy. Be it Iyer paving a classy innings or Arshdeep Singh nailing those toe-crushing yorkers, the Kings know how to surprise you when you least expect it.
Snack Pairing: Loaded Nachos with Creamy Chicken & Herbs. A messy burst of flavour because Punjab Kings wouldn’t have it any other way.
Pick Effingut Brews for Effin’Good T20 Nights!
IPL nights deserve nothing but the best, and with our diverse pick of craft beers, you’ve got the ultimate matchday experience. Whichever team you support, we at Effingut have a pint ready to match your energy.
Can’t make it to our brewpubs during the big match? Don’t worry; you’re just a few taps away from Effingut’s craft beer in India, and we’ll bring the freshest brews right to your door.