Kasauli Brewery

Published on February 13, 2025

Kasauli Brewery, nestled in the picturesque town of Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh, is one of the oldest operational breweries in India, established in the 1820s by Edward Abraham Dyer. Known for producing Asia's first beer brand, "Lion Beer," and India's first single malt whisky, "Solan No. 1," the brewery has a rich history intertwined with the British colonial era. The brewery initially produced Lion Beer as an India Pale Ale (IPA), but the beer style was changed to lager in the 1960s. Due to water scarcity, the production of Lion Beer was moved to Solan Brewery, 25 km away, while the Kasauli distillery continued producing Solan No. 1 whisky using some of the original equipment, including the copper pot still. Kasauli Brewery is now owned by Mohan Meakin, which also produces other popular liquor brands like Old Monk rum and various whiskies. The brewery offers guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the facilities and learn about the traditional brewing methods still in use today. The serene environment of Kasauli, combined with the brewery's historical significance, makes it a popular destination for tourists and beer enthusiasts alike.