The Top 10 Microbreweries in India

Take your pick of beers
Take your pick of beers | © Courtesy of The White Owl

India has a thriving and vibrant microbrew scene, with several breweries springing up across the country. From traditional ales and stouts to innovative and unusual brews, the microbreweries in this South Asian country will have something that suits your taste and preference. Here’s our recommendations for the top ones in India.

Windmills Craftworks

The Windmills Craftworks is as much known for its ales, as its jazz studio and food menu, which reflects both heavy and light fare. It serves up an array of seasonal ales, like American Amber Ale, Coconut Brown Ale and a Bohemian Pale Ale, in addition to the standards, such as an IPA, stout, blonde ale and a helles. There is also a library and a jazz theatre where live performances are held regularly to keep you entertained. Visitors may sit inside, complete with laidback vibe and warm lighting, or may opt for the al fresco seating, which is perfect for people-watching.

Windmills Craftworks,No. 331, 5B Road, EPIP Zone, Whitefield, Next To L&T Infotech, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. +91 088802 33322

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It’s time to be #ale and arty! Windmills Craftworks presents a troika of international #ales for your #drinking pleasure. There’s the golden hued & hoppy American #Pale Ale with Vienna #malt for color, an #English yeast and American Centennial and Amarillo #hops. There’s the flavourful and robust India Pale Ale with Munich malts and three types of hops. And the copper colored English Pale Ale using premium Maris Otter and Crystal malts and Golding hops. So drop by at try them all…⠀ ⠀ #craftbeer #beer #beerporn #instabeer #beergeek #beertography #craftbeer #beerstagram #beernerd #drinklocal #beerlover #beersnob #beerme #beertime #craftbrew #beers #craftbeerlife #brew #brewing #brewer #drinkcraft #microbrewery #windmillscraftworks

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Degree Brauhaus

7 Degree Brauhaus is a beloved, authentic Bavarian microbrewery and kitchen that serves freshly brewed German beers along with Indian, continental and German food delicacies. The interior, complete with high ceilings, chestnut trees, wooden furniture, rustic flooring, hanging lamps and an in-house microbrewery plant and machinery, is a stunning space in which to relish the brewery’s delicious creations. You’ll find everything from light and mild flavours to bold brews.

7 Degree Brauhaus, Shop No.310, 311,South Point Mall, Third Floor, 122011, Golf Course Road, Parsvnath Exotica, Sector 53, Gurugram, Haryana, India. +91 0124 667 2000

The White Owl

Bistro, Indian

The White Owl
Courtesy of The White Owl
The White Owl cranks out top-quality brews made with new-age and traditional brewing methods that give brew enthusiasts a memorable first impression. Its mood lighting and exposed brick setting make a comfortable spot to relax with friends and chug a beer or two. The first-timers can try Irish Red Ale or Belgian Wit, while the seasoned drinkers can go for Torpedo (American pale ale), Shadow (English porter) or Outlander (Munich lager), or check out the bistro’s array of seasonal brews.

Toit Brewpub

Pub, Restaurant, Pub Grub

Toit is one of the most famous microbreweries in Bangalore, which is distinguished by brown wooden interiors, brick-lined walls and stylish ambience. At Toit, beer aficionados can indulge in naturally-crafted beers and wood-fired oven delicious pub grub. Using creative brewing techniques and styles, Toit offers a wide array of beers, ranging from Double IPA and pale ales, to lagers and porters. Some highlights include Independence Brew (smoked rye ale), Belgian Riot (Belgian style ale), Breaking Matt (Indian pale ale), CzechMate (Czech style lager), the Dark Knight (specialty brew), Tintin Toit (light brew) and A Winter’s Ale (Scottish ale). There are several specialties ales also on offer. Whether you’re a brew novice or a brew pro, you’ll find a pint to toast at Toit! Interested in a brewery tour? You can book through their website.

Doolally Taproom

Bar

Opened in 2009 in Pune, Doolally Taproom is the first microbrewery in India, and in 2015, it branched out to Mumbai. From the on-site brick-walled bar to the artisanal brews, Doolally offers a wonderful experience. Go for apple cider, Hefeweizen (German wheat beer) or oatmeal stout (British classic stout). Also, there is a wide range of food items, perfect for beer munchies. To enhance the experience, there are board games, books, as well as music, spanning everything from latest chart-toppers to rock and classic pop.

Doolally Taproom, Shop No. 5 & 6, Geleki, ONGC colony, Bandra Reclamation, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. +91 074001 71684

Doolally, The Corinthians Club, NIBM Road, Mohammed Wadi, Pune, Maharashtra, India. +91 020 2695 2226

Arbor Brewing Company

Arbor Brewing Company – or ABC as it is known among locals – is India’s first American craft brewery in India. Originally started by Matt and Rene Greff in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1995, and further expanded to India in 2012, which is owned by Bangalore native Gaurav Sikka. At ABC, beer enthusiasts can sample different ales, from spiced and smoked to bitter and dark; listen to 90s music, and indulge in beer-pairing grub. Be sure to sample one of the IPAs, the brewpub’s best sellers. Some other must-try beers include the Belgian-style Phat Abbot, Honey Lavender Ale, Irish Stout Dark and No Parking Pilsner (German beer) – these are especially for the most experienced of drinkers.

Arbor Brewing Company, 8 Magrath Road, Allied Grande Plaza 3rd Floor, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. +91 080501 44477

The Barking Deer

Bar, Pub, Pub Grub

The Barking Deer is the first microbrewery of Mumbai, known for its authentic craft beers that are brewed on-site. The barking Deer provides beer connoisseurs with six different beers on tap to choose from, including IPAs and Belgian-style witbier. Favourites include Bombay Blonde Ale, Flying Pig Belgium Wit, and Chocolate Stout. Be sure to accompany your brew with one of the delicious bar bites that includes local and international options.

The Biere Club

The Biere Club was the first microbrewery in South India. It offers an assortment of traditional beers, including lagers, wheat, stouts and ales, all are made fresh and in small batches. You can try one of the mainstays like coffee-flavoured stout, or pick from its rotating seasonal brews – the mango beer made here is absolutely to die for. The brewery kitchen dishes out some delicious Mediterranean and beer-centered eats, too.

The Biere Club, 20, Vittal Mallya Road, 2nd Stage, D’ Souza Layout, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. +91 080 4212 4383

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#ThbeBiereClub #craftbeer #biere #saturdaynight

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Independence Brewing Company

Independence Brewing Company is craft brewing at its finest. As their motto goes – ‘Independence from boring beers’, Independence Brewing Company makes innovative, distinctive and delicious hand-crafted brews, so beer lovers can rest assured that this place is doing it right. On the menu, you’ll find a long list of classic cocktails, aperitifs, shooters, wines and craft beers, providing a plethora of selections for any palate. However, the highlight of the menu is the beers. There is an on-site brewery, and two levels of outdoor seating, where beer connoisseurs can indulge in delicious brews while lounging on a patio and listening to live music. Go for the Belgian wit, Hefeweizen, Four Grain Saison or Kolsch style ale, all award-winning beers.

Independence Brewing Company, 79/1, Zero One Complex, Pingale Vasti Near Passport Seva Kendra, Mundhwa, Pune, Maharashtra, India. +91 020 6644 8308

Gateway Brewing Co.

Gateway Brewing Co. was established by three friends who were united by their passion and love for beer. Specializing in classic-style brews made with natural ingredients sourced locally, the Gateway Brewing Co. is an institution. It creates an assortment of beers that appeal to all preferences and palate. You can swill their classic creations at either their own brewpub, or in bars and restaurants across Mumbai.

Gateway Brewing Company, 10th floor, Unit 11, Raheja Centre, Free Press Journal Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. +91 022 2202 5496

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#NewBeerAlert #LegalAlien #EnglishIPA India Pale Ale, as we all know, originated in England and was the beer that was sent to India in the 1820s. It was higher in alcohol and was judiciously hopped to prevent spoilage. The result: a rich strong beer with lovely hop aroma and flavour! Over time, craft breweries across the world have made this beer and so have we. But as American hops and American boldness took over the IPAs, they became overly hoppy and extremely bitter. They also became bigger and more alcoholic than ever before! This American IPA is not a bad thing but, would the Legal Aliens from England brew such an extreme beer hopped to the hilt with American hops? We think not! Keeping with the traditional IPAs, we have made this one to be flavourful and at the same time, bitter & aromatic with a subtle balance! We have used Indian & Belgian malts and hopped this beer with German & American hops to bring about the subtlety that befits the English IPAs -Just as Legal Aliens would have done in the years gone by! #GBCLegalAlien #GBC #GatewayBrewingCompany #GBCCraftBeer #Beer #ExploreGateway #DrinkLocal #FreshFromTheBrewery #OnTheTap #CraftBeerMumbai #BeerArt #Brewery #IPA #England

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