With Bangalore’s mercury soaring and no relief in the near forecast, the need for fermented thirst quenchers is high. Instead of the mundane lagers readily available across the city, treat yourselves to hand crafted beers that are refreshingly different.
5 Thirst Quenching Craft Beers Perfect For The Summer
Betel Juice - Arbor Brewing Company India
The city’s first collaboration brew, made with local beer enthusiasts, celebrates Bangalore’s diverse culture and is uniquely Indian with unusual ingredients. Betel Juice is a pale ale infused with fresh lemongrass and betel leaf that is delicately balanced without being overpowering. A refreshing light to medium bodied ale that starts out with aromas and the flavour of lemongrass and citrus that slowly transitions to a lingering dry betel leaf finish.
Where: Arbor Brewing Company, 8, 3rd Floor, Allied Grande Plaza, diagonally opposite Garuda Mall, Magrath Road
Price: INR 1,200 for two
Contact: +91 8050144477
Timings: Sunday-Thursday from noon – 11.30pm, Friday and Saturday from noon – 1am
Find them on Facebook here.
Check out their website here.
Cucumber Saison - Brewsky
Cucumbers are wonderful in salads and in cocktails but equally great in beers, if done right. Saisons are traditional farmhouse ales originating from Belgium that were meant to be light, fruity and spicy summer ales. The Cucumber Saison at Brewksy is absolutely refreshing with cucumber notes dominating the aroma and a nice light sweetness with a very mild bitter finish.
Where: Brewsky, 4th and 5th Floor,Goenka Chambers, 19th Main Road, Jeewan Griha Colony, 2nd Phase, J P Nagar
Price: INR 1,500 for two
Contact: +91 8880075000
Timings: 11.30am – 11.30pm
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Zitro-Lemon Orange Radler - District 6
Originally from Bavaria, the Radler is typically a 50:50 mix of lemonade and a light Helles or Pils lager. District 6’s version is a nice citrusy Lemon Orange that is light bodied, low on alcohol, tart, slighty malty with low bitterness and simply refreshing. If you’re a fan of sour candy, you’re in for a treat with this brew.
Where: District 6, G-03, G-04, G-05 26/1, Gateway Campus, Dr Rajkumar Road, Malleswaram, Rajajinagar
Price: INR 1,800 for two
Contact: 080 61766666
Timings: Noon – 11.30pm
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Summer Ale - Windmills Craftworks
Pictured on the right, this hoppy ale is loaded with citrus and passion fruit notes from the single hop used. The process of dry hopping, where hops are added while the beer is conditioned, gives you this wonderful burst of fruity aroma. This light to medium bodied ale tastes slightly malty, sweet and fruity with a nice medium bitter finish.
If you are new to the world of hops and find this beer too bitter, opt for the wonderfully made German-style Hefeweizen {pictured on the left}. Medium bodied with hints of banana and clove on the nose, this slightly sweet ale is easy drinking.
Where: Windmills Craftworks, 331, 5B Road, EPIP Zone, Next to L&T infotech, Whitefield
Price: INR 2,500 for two
Contact: +91 8880233322
Timings: Sunday-Thursday, noon – 11.30pm and Friday-Saturday, noon – 1am
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Wheat IPA - 3 Monkeys Brewpub
If you’re looking for a sessionable IPA (India Pale Ale) with the body of a wheat beer, this is it. The aroma – hops in your face thanks to dry hopping with a few different types of hops. With fruity, resinous like aromas, this medium bodied ale has a a touch of sweetness ending with some bitterness from the hops and is thus very mild and easy to drink. This is a great way for non IPA Drinkers to get a feel for what IPAs are like.
Where: 3 Monkeys Brewpub, Gopalan Signature Mall, 4th Floor, Old Madras Road, CV Raman Nagar
Price: INR 2,000 for two
Contact: 080 66909999
Timings: Sunday-Thursday, noon – 11.30pm and Friday-Saturday, noon – 1am
Follow them on Facebook here.