First Beer in India: Jallianwala Bagh is known as a dark chapter in the history of India, when General Dyer opened fire on innocent people. But do you know that the name of Asia’s first beer is also associated with this General Dyer. This story is not just about a beer, but about a man who left a deep mark on the Indian freedom struggle. Let us know the interesting story of the first beer of Asia and India.
Asia’s first beer
Asia’s first beer is named “Lion”, and it has a unique history, being linked to British India and the villain General Dyer of Jalliwala Bagh. It was founded in 1855 by Edward Abraham Dyer, father of Colonel Reginald Edward Harry Dyer. Edward Dyer built Asia’s first beer brewery named Dyer Breweries in Kasauli in the Himalayas. Lion Beer became the beer of choice for British officers and soldiers seeking relief from the heat.
Who bought the beer brewery?
Soon the brewery was shifted from Kasauli to Solan. Where fresh water from rivers was available in abundance. Later General Dyer also established breweries in other parts of India such as Shimla, Muri (Pakistan), Mandalay and Quetta. After this H.G. Another British entrepreneur named Meakin purchased the breweries of Shimla and Solan in 1887 and expanded to other parts of India.
Why Mohan Meakin isn’t just a beer company
One of today’s leading Indian companies, Mohan Meakin was founded by Edward Dyer and H.G. Did it. Meakin’s joint efforts. After independence Narendra Nath Mohan took over the company and renamed it “Mohan Meekan Breweries”. Gradually, apart from beer, this company also started producing other products like breakfast cereals, juices and mineral water. In 1982 its name was changed to Mohan Meekan Limited so that it was not seen as just a beer manufacturer.
Old Monk Rum
Monk Meakin’s most famous product is “Old Monk Rum”, which is a black rich rum and has retained its popularity for many decades. Lion Beer was once called the first beer of Asia. Even today it is available in North India and its popularity is slowly increasing again.
