Ale Rules
Despite the cold weather, craft beer culture is all the rage in the region, age no bar
IHOPS N GRAINS (Sector 9) and The Great Bear (Sector 26), Chandigarh
IT MAY HAVE arrived late in the region but craft beer— brewed fresh in microbreweries—has definitely found a permanent address in bars and restaurants across Punjab. Here's a look at what's big and brewing in the region. If the early bird gets the worm, Amritanshu, founding partner, Hops N Grains and The Great Bear, definitely caught them all. “When we built Hops N Grains, it was the fifth microbrewery in the country,” says Amritanshu, who established the region’s first microbrewery almost a decade ago. Having observed the evolution of beer enthusiasts in the region as well as that of the industry itself, he recently decided to open his second outlet, The Great Bear, in Chandigarh.
Don't even think of ignoring the USP splendid Black Rice beer served here. A dark ale style one (beer) boasting of a thick body and robust flavour, with a gentle citrusy taste and an aromatic hint of hops, it mates exceptionally well with the chicken wings and the well-grilled drumsticks served here.
SECTOR 7 SOCIAL Chandigarh
One of the biggest names to open its doors in the city recently was Impresario Hospitality’s Social. Manish Goyal, partner, believes it was a good decision for the brand to venture into craft beer, despite
16 Social outlets running without a microbrewery. He sees a lot of potential in craft beer.
USP
The 'Fruit Ale' served here, with its pineapple and watermelon aromas is for those who want to stay away from everything bitter in life—beer included.
FARZI Sector 26, Chandigarh
Davinder Sehgal, franchise partner, Farzi, is an industrialist-turnedrestaurateur who saw an opportunity in craft beer and microbreweries. “People here are fond of beer but are yet to find their taste,” he says.
USP
The 'Masala Saison' served here promises absolute bliss. With a strong hint of pepper and grainy malt flavours, this one finishes with a long leaving spicy aftertaste. And yeah, pepper is king in this beer.
THE BEER STREET Patiala and Ludhiana
The Beer Street is for everyone of leagal drinking age to enjoy a true microbrewery experience. Talking about the importance of understanding tastes and preferences of consumers, GK Joshi, owner, The Beer Sreet, says, “Extensive audience interaction and analysis helped us determine what flavours might work here. We offer a repertoire of drinks, which attracts guests to our outlets,” he says.
USP
The Patiala Dark Knight', a dark and strong craft beer remains everpopular here. The Hopes are imported from Czech Republic while the roasted malt is from Germany.
PEDDLERS Jalandhar
Boasting a decade old heritage in the industry, Peddlers finally opened its first ever microbrewery in Jalandhar recently. "We had tried to find our footing in Chandigarh by partnering with a microbrewery there. Albeit a little short-lived, it was a good experience and we learnt a lot,” says Vipul Dua, who singlehandedly built the brand. Accepting the difference in consumer preferences in the two cities, he says, “In Jalandhar, people are discovering craft beer and liking what they taste. Here, consuming liquor out the house is all about going out with friends and family in a group to have a good time," he says.
USP
Here, Blone Ale takes the cake. This light yellow spirit will bowl you over with its initial soft malty smoothness sans any harsh bitterness. With low to medium hop aroma, it's simply perfect for a long evening with friends.