If today I wanted to travel to across India, only to explore the plethora of microbreweries in the country, it is plausible. The metropolises of Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune and Kolkata are seeing a rise in numerous brew pubs.
My first brush with a craft brewery in India was in Pune. Established in 2010, TJs Brew Works had lured me with its creations. My favourite, I still remember, was the Devil’s Dark. No sooner I mentioned about my visit to a friend, she enthusiastically searched for Delhi to Pune flights.
Though now Delhi and NCR have quite a few craft breweries to their credit too. With dark wood decor, Striker Pub and Brewery in Gurgaon figures on the top of my charts in the area. However, I must admit, Bangalore is my go-to destination for microbreweries.
Read: Brewbot, Mumbai
Excelling in brews, decor, experience and food, every brewery attempts to be different from the other in Bangalore. Visiting one of these pubs is always on my things-to-do in Bangalore list. And I’m always out of time! Toit has to be my favourite in the city. With each floor comprising a great nightlife experience, their stout brew, the Dark Knight, was my favourite. I’d go back only to visit this microbrewery!
In 2015, Mumbai welcomed Pune’s Doolally. I visited Doolally Taproom in Bandra earlier this year and was amused by the space it occupied. It had shrunk from Pune’s palatial feel—to fit Mumbai’s idea of space! Though the vibe remains the same. Teeming with beer lovers and buzzing with jovial conversations, it is easy to make Doolally a habit.
Country Roads Microbrewery and Restaurant in Kolkata is perhaps the first of its kind here. I visited the brew pub a few weeks ago and was happy to see the space. I tried two of their three home brews. The Scottish Ale definitely had a distinct taste. However, I wish the brew pub was a little atmospheric—something that gave it a ‘brewery’ vibe. I must admit that I am rather happy to see such places open up in the city.
With so many cities making their own beer, India’s microbreweries have been encouraging travellers and residents. Not only can I map these out for an exclusive travel across cities, but also chance upon them when I’m visiting a city. Besides, beer is always a great way to bond with people.
Read: Top 5 Cocktails Bars in Kolkata
Have you been to any of the microbreweries in India?
Note: This post has been sponsored by Cleartrip.
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Amrita Das
I have been a travel and culture independent journalist. My bylines have appeared in many publications worldwide including National Geographic Traveller India, Lonely Planet Magazine India, The Indian Express and World Travel Magazine. A fellow of Media Ambassadors India-Germany 2019 program by Robert Bosch Stiftung and Centre for Media Competence, University of Tübingen. Currently, I am the photo editor for RoundGlass Sustain, a wildlife and conservation e-publication. I live in India.
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Doolaly is inspired from Devali, that’s where I come from ????????
Really? I didn’t know actually.
Hehe! I like the part on how they figure on your travel map ;)
Obviously, where there is a beer, there is me :D
Chale! ;)
Chalo!
Interesting idea that makes you want to travel! :)
Everything makes me want to travel. Some, like beer, are more motivating. ;)