ICB Indian Craft Brewery Opens in Bengaluru, Celebrates Heritage In order to offer a distinctively Indian food and beverage experience that distinguishes it from other microbreweries in India, the microbrewery has taken inspiration from India’s long-standing brewing traditions, local ingredients, and diverse culinary flavors.
Deep research into India’s richness, cultural heritage, and gastronomic diversity informs ICB’s offerings. Master brewer Antonio Rodriguez-Giralt, a well-known figure in the world of beer, creates the microbrewery’s brews, and it has established a specialized research and development (R&D) department in Belgium to promote beer innovations. Ramanujan, a line of high-end, non-alcoholic beers honoring India’s renowned math prodigy, will be one of its hallmark brews.
Through a connection to our nation’s roots and our rich cultural and culinary legacy, ICB-Indian Craft Brewery is a ground-breaking initiative that aims to revolutionize the craft beer experience in India. We have mastered the art of creating distinctive flavors and experiences that are both global and deeply rooted in India’s rich history thanks to our meticulous craftsmanship and a team of seasoned brew masters, including a master brewer from Costa Rica, and culinary experts, including a former master chef at ITC Hotels’ flagship restaurant. These are truly a class apart from what any other microbrewery in India offers, says Gopi Chand Cherukuri, cofounder of ICB-Indian Craft Brewery.
The brewery’s exquisitely planned zones, or immersive places, encourage guests to discover COAST—Culture, Opinion, Art, Sustainability, and Taste. Every zone provides a specially designed brewing experience that honors ICB’s Indian heritage while arousing strong feelings of longing and inclusion. The second zone is scheduled to open in January 2025, while the first zone opens today.
The opening of the brewery establishes a new standard for Bengaluru’s renowned beer and dining culture because ICB will also function as a distinctive cultural hub for indulging in and enjoying uncommon Indian cuisine. Beginning next month, ICB will also feature carefully planned pop-up events with famous chefs—including former Maharajas from all throughout the nation—and their royal heirloom recipes.
An Experience inspired by India’s Cultural Heritage
ICB-Indian Craft Brewery aims to reinvent the Indian craft beer scene by fusing contemporary innovation with India’s rich cultural past. The goal of reestablishing India’s historical connections to beer making, which go back to 1500 BC, served as the inspiration for ICB’s artisan beers. Beer was an important part of the subcontinent’s culinary history, according to excavations and Vedic writings, but more recent stories have frequently eclipsed this legacy.
The Vari—the water bearer—an emblem derived from the Indus Valley Civilization, is central to the ICB experience. In addition to serving as the brand’s badge, the Vari symbol unifies ICB’s products by appearing on walls, dinnerware, and beer glasses. It highlights mindfulness and our enduring respect for water and other valuable resources.
The exquisite interiors, which have towering arches and are embellished with life-size replicas of ancient Indian antiques, such as the well-known Dancing Girl sculpture from IVC, combine with the beer and food to produce a genuinely one-of-a-kind experience that is unmatched by any other microbrewery in India.
Focus on Innovation
Under the direction of master brewer Antonio, the nine beers that are on tap at ICB-Indian Craft Brewery are the epitome of creativity and painstaking craftsmanship. With a research facility in Belgium, ICB leverages the knowledge of its head brewer Mahesh and master brewer Antonio in addition to institutional R&D. For its beers, ICB has also carefully chosen natural or wild (non-farmed) ingredients. For instance, the honey used in ICB’s flagship innovation beer, Nandi Nectar, is sustainably derived from Chennai’s forests. Additionally, the brewery has purchased wild honey from different parts of India.
A daring move towards reinventing the non-alcoholic craft beer experience in India is ICB’s flagship non-alcoholic beer, Ramanujan. Ramanujan, named after the greatest mathematician in history, provides the complete complexity and depth of the craft beer experience for everyone, including teetotalers and beer fans or aficionados who wish to enjoy drinking without losing sobriety.
The menu’s emphasis on creativity is evident. Even though some of the dishes may sound familiar, each one is made with unique flavors and uncommon local ingredients to entice the palate. The entire menu is the product of extensive research into the culinary customs and preferences of different parts of India, and it goes well with the beers and other beverages that are served at ICB.
Sustainability at Core
As part of its commitment to sustainability, ICB has teamed up with Saving Grains, a Bangalore-based organization that focuses on sustainability. After the brewing process, the leftover grains will be utilized as raw materials to make wholesome snacks like crackers and granola.
