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15 cool craft beers you should try right now – GQ India
It’s all about the art of craft
If you’re somebody who takes your brews seriously, you’re likely a veteran at your city’s primo breweries and have run the gamut of the unique crafts they have on tap as well. Though it seems like raucous nights pounding pints at pubs might not be the norm again for a while, there’s no reason you can’t still have a quality craft at home in the meantime. We’ve put together a curation of bottled (or canned) crafts that will let you get your beer on in the manner you’ve grown accustomed to: just take-away style.
1. BeeYoung
A crisp craft with a bit of a kick, this guy is a great introduction to the craft beer segment for its fresh, citrusy undertones. The bitterness from the Columbus and Styrian Golding hops make for an interesting aftertaste, as well.
100/-
2. Stout | Simba
The Delhi-based brewery does an equally popular Wit, Light and Strong, but were partial to the Stout for its bold, roasted flavours. If you like the thought of a brew rife with rich espresso, toffee and dark chocolate, youll love it.
155/-
3. Bangalore Bliss | Arbor Brewing Co
These cool, illustrated cans of Hefeweizen may only be available in Bangalore right now, but were hoping this (plus their IPA Beach Shack and American Wheat Easy Rider) are on shelves across the country soon so everyone can get in on them.
170
4. Kòlga | Mad King
While Dúfa (their rendition of a classic Belgian Witbier) is also worth a try, were recommending the Kòlga for its soft-but-spicy hops and long malty finish. A tropical beer fit for a tropical climate.
170 (approx)
5. Simona by Thirsty Beers
Theres a heady, clove-and-banana vibe happening with this wheat beer, which, coupled with its light, spicy aftertaste gives a great extra kick. Avoid Simona if you like your crafts light, keep her close if you dont.
175 (approx)
6. Hopper Witbier | Hopper
This ones a straight-up summer fresh kind of brew, courtesy its curacao orange peels and spicy coriander seeds. Its actually perfect for anyone thats more cocktails than brewskis because the citrus notes are an easy lead-in.
185 (approx)
7. Artisanal Apple Cider | Siqera
Okay, fine, we snuck in a cider. It might not technically be beer, but it’s definitely a fresh take on catering to that craving. The pulpy artisanal brew bodes well if youre after something fresh, with a bit of pepper kick.
200 (approx)
8. Crafted Basmati Pilsner | Yavira
A hoppy lager born to pair with a rich butter chicken or a plate of tikkas because of how well it plays off Indian flavours. Made with an interesting mix of grain from master barley to local basmati rice, this is one of the smoother pilsners on the market.
130/-
9. Diablo | White Owl
While theres a lot of variants we love by these craft-makers, this one, in particular, is great for a day of drinking with an early start (because its always noon somewhere). It owes that to its coffee notes, low bitterness and lightness, and can lead you to stronger stuff later (or not).
130
10. Buho Strong | Buho
A beer with a bit of extra punch, this combines the light body of a pilsner with the layers of a tripel. Youll get a hit of walnut and roasted malt when you take a swig of this. Best saved for a hard days night.
195/-
11. Breakfast Cereal Stout | Goa Brewing Company
While the best-known beer from this craft brewery from Goa is possibly the Eight Finger Eddie (which is a brilliant IPA with a cool origin story to match), were just as much fans of this comforting stout. The cornflakes and rice puffs at the base instantly bring back the nostalgia of tucking into a bowl of cereal as a child (but in beer form).
200/-
12. Snappy Wheat | Kati Patang
Something about the inherent spiciness of this crisp, wheat beer makes it go brilliantly with Indian bar food (think masala papad, seekh kebabs). Youll find hints of turmeric, pepper and ginger which give it that throat-soothing vibe of the kaada in a sophisticated, alcohol-laced avatar, of course.
220/-
13. Lager | White Rhino
This Malanpur-based craft brewery started turning out its fun, graphic bottles of beer in 2016, and their ardent fan base has only grown exponentially since. Try the Lager if youre looking for a crisp pilsner malt that you can sip several of through a lazy Sunday.
195/-
14. Punk IPA | Brewdog
The OG beer to put the Scottish brewery on the world beer-lovers map, it’s safe to say this IPA has garnered cult status. While this beer is definitely more on the bitter side of the spectrum, youll notice small pops of grapefruit and lychee if you give it a good ol wine-tasting swirl before you let it go down.
350/-
15. Bira 91 White | Bira 91
The ideal beer for a non-beer drinker to ease their way into the hard-and-craft world of quality brews. The low bitterness of this beer, combined with its refreshing citrus-y notes and low ABV make it a great entryway drink, which also works if youre looking for something you can throw back a few of without worrying.
140/-
*Prices may vary according to volume and location
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