ICB Flags Off Operations In Bengaluru
The newest microbrewery, Indian Craft Brewery, is an ode to and a bold celebration of India’s history and heritage
Bengaluru’s newest microbrewery Indian Craft Brewery (ICB) has opened its doors today. A 1,500-seater spread over two acres of space, it is located in the business district of Manyata Tech Park Nagavara. It has drawn inspiration from India’s ancient brewing traditions, indigenous ingredients, and rich culinary flavours to create an Indian food and beverage experience that sets it apart from any other microbrewery in India.
ICB’s offerings are steeped in deep research into the culinary diversity, cultural legacy and richness of India. The microbrewery has set up a dedicated research and development (R&D) centre in Belgium for driving beer innovations, while its beers are crafted by master brewer Antonio Rodriguez-Giralt, a celebrated name in the global brewing circles. One of its signature brews will be a range of premium non-alcoholic beers named Ramanujan, a homage to India’s legendary Math genius.
“ICB-Indian Craft Brewery is a groundbreaking endeavour to reinvent the craft beer experience in India by connecting with our country’s roots and our rich cultural and culinary heritage. With our dedicated craftsmanship and a team of seasoned brewmasters, including a master brewer from Costa Rica, and culinary experts, including a former master chef at ITC Hotels’ flagship restaurant, we've perfected the art of creating unique flavours and experiences that are global and yet deeply rooted in India’s rich history and are truly a class apart from what any other microbrewery in India offers,” says Gopi Chand Cherukuri, Co-founder, Indian Craft Brewery (ICB).
The brewery’s grandeur lies in its thoughtfully designed experiential spaces, known as zones, which invite patrons to explore COAST—Culture, Opinion, Art, Sustainability, and Taste. Each zone offers a uniquely curated brewery experience that celebrates ICB’s Indic roots while evoking a deep sense of both longing and belonging. While the first zone opens today, the second zone is set to launch in January 2025.
The brewery’s launch sets a new benchmark in Bengaluru’s iconic beer and dining culture as ICB will also serve as a unique cultural hotspot to imbibe and savour rare Indian culinary experiences. Starting next month, ICB will also host thoughtfully curated pop-up experiences led by renowned chefs, including erstwhile Maharajas from around the country, and featuring their royal heirloom recipes.
An experience inspired by India’s cultural heritage
ICB seeks to blend India’s rich cultural history with modern innovation to reimagine the Indian craft beer landscape. The craft beers at ICB have been inspired by the desire to reconnect with India’s historical ties to beer brewing, a legacy that dates back to 1500 BC. Excavations and Vedic texts reveal that beer played a significant role in the subcontinent's culinary traditions, but this heritage has often been overshadowed by more contemporary narratives.
At the heart of the ICB experience is the Vari—the water bearer—an emblem inspired by the Indus Valley civilisation. The Vari symbol is more than just the brand emblem, it is a unifying theme across ICB’s offerings, on beer glasses, crockery, and on the walls, emphasising mindfulness and our traditional reverence for water and precious resources.
The stunning interiors featuring high arches and dotted with larger-than-life replica artifacts from ancient India, including the famous Dancing Girl sculpture from IVC, complement the beer and culinary experience to create a truly unique experience that is unlike any other microbrewery in India.
Focus on innovation
All nine beers available on tap at ICB embody innovation and meticulous craftsmanship, led by master brewer Giralt. With a research centre in Belgium, ICB combines institutional R&D with the expertise of Giralt, and head brewer Mahesh.
ICB has also painstakingly sourced natural or wild (non-farmed) ingredients for its beers. For example, the honey for Nandi Nectar, ICB’s premier innovation beer, has been sustainably sourced from the forests of Chennai. The brewery has also sourced wild honey from other regions around India.
Ramanujan, ICB’s signature non-alcoholic beer, is a bold step towards reimagining the non-alcoholic craft beer experience in India. Named after the greatest mathematician to have ever lived, Ramanujan offers the full complexity and depth of craft beer experience for everyone - from beer lovers or connoisseurs who want to enjoy drinking without losing sobriety, to teetotallers.
The focus on innovation shines through in the food menu. While the names of some dishes may look familiar, each dish is crafted with rare indigenous ingredients and special spices to delight the taste buds. The entire food menu is a result of deep research into the culinary tastes and cultures of various regions of India and perfectly complements the beers and other drinks available at ICB.
Sustainability at core
ICB is also committed to sustainability and has partnered with Saving Grains, a Bangalore-based sustainability-focused organisation. The spent grains after the brewing process will be used as raw ingredients for crafting nutritious snacks like granola and crackers.
