The mid-afternoon sun mercilessly pummelled the tarmac when we set out on a Wednesday in early March. Three weather-beaten gora on a voluntary expedition with inconsequential objectives. We had rolled into Bangalore, or Bengaluru, the previous evening and were still reeling from an intense long weekend in Goa. The lengthy drive to the Silicon Valley of India – over the Western Ghats and across the southern reaches of the Deccan Plateau – and our first night in town had also taken their toll.
Nevertheless, equipped with the tenacity of seasoned troopers, we had assembled in the lobby of a hotel in Bellandur at 2 pm and subsequently made our way to Sarjapur Road. Our aim: Grab a single beer at a total of four brewpubs within the space of two hours – a so-called splash and dash – before our meeting with some local brewers.
Sarjapur Road
Located in the southeastern quarter of Bangalore’s vast metropolitan area, the road to Sarjapura – a small town close to the state border with Tamil Nadu – was lined with sleepy rural communities up until a decade ago. Since then, the area has rapidly transformed into one of the city’s more upscale neighbourhoods. Due to its proximity to large tech parks such as ITPB (International Tech Park Bangalore) and RMZ Ecoworld, Sarjapur Road has become a prime location for IT companies and startups.
The road itself is a three-lane (in both directions) thoroughfare that provides a vital link between pivotal centres of trade and commerce such as Electronic City, Koramangala, and Whitefield. Constantly buzzing with activity, the main road and its byways are synonymous with ceaseless traffic, corporate offices, booming real estate, and – most importantly – brewpubs. We’re talking at least half a dozen along a stretch of less than 1 km.
Moreover, the upmarket character of the area means that it is fairly walkable in comparison to other parts of Bangalore. Taking all the aforementioned into consideration, it seemed like an ideal backdrop for a splash and dash.
First Stop: Byg Brewski Brewing Company
Although the meeting point was barely 2 km removed from the first stop, Bangalore traffic saw to it that almost half an hour passed before our Uber pulled up at the Byg Brewski brewpub off Sarjapur Road. One of three Byg Brewski venues across the city, it resembles a large brick warehouse – or sweatshop – from the outside. However, as is so often the case, first impressions can be deceiving.
Upon entering, we suddenly found ourselves in a sleek and airy locale built around a sizeable koi pond. Opting to embrace the garden-like atmosphere, we claimed one of the adequately shaded outdoor tables. The venue also encompasses two indoor sections, one of them three storeys high.
When the time came to order, I went for the Dark Lager. While it tasted more like a stout than the traditional Schwarzbier I had the pleasure of sampling in Dresden and Bautzen this time last year, I was far from disappointed with my choice. The Byg Brewski interpretation packs notes of coffee, chocolate, caramel, and dried fruits. It goes down smoothly and into a rich finish. All in all, a promising start to our tour de force.
For me personally, that is – one of the other troopers abstained from the hair of the dog-approach and ordered himself a soda water.
Second Stop: Aurum Brew Works
Our second stop was originally supposed to be Tiger Tiger Brewhouse. A mere five-minute walk from Byg Brewski, we found a construction site on arrival. Since the venue is still listed as operational online, we can only assume that major renovation works are being conducted. Be that as it may, due to the lack of splash we could do nothing but make a lightning dash.
And so we arrived at Aurum Brew Works ahead of time. Located a further 100 metres along Sarjapur Road, this brewpub occupies the top two stories of a low-rise commercial lot. We naturally gravitated towards the rooftop terrace and, keeping half an eye on the Champions Trophy cricket being broadcasted, whipped through another round. A full round, this time – the ten-minute walk had left our faltering comrade sufficiently dehydrated to overcome his initial reservations.
Somewhat parched myself, I ordered the Dos Amigos Lager. Light, crisp, and highly effervescent, it would prove to be one of the more sessionable brews of the day. A hint of graininess and an ever so slight malty sweetness provided a subtle layer of depth and flavour. Once more, I was satisfied with my choice.
From what I can remember, my compatriots were equally contented.
Third Stop: Big Pitcher
Our next destination was a mere 250 metres down the way. Sheltered from direct exposure to the hustle and bustle of the main road by an apartment block and another low-rise commercial lot, Big Pitcher Sarjapur Road is easy to miss. Once you’ve laid eyes on it, however, it will be imprinted in your mind forever.
An imposing three-storey structure made up of a red steel framework, the venue is one of three Big Pitcher outlets nationwide. The lack of walls and windows allows for natural air circulation, and the abundance of overhanging potted plants convey the ambiance of a vertical garden.
The interior is a maze of intermediate landings of varying sizes, some large enough to accommodate multiple tables, others perfect for more intimate occasions. As we were led up a series of staircases and across numerous steel surfaces, I found myself questioning whether we would be able to find our way out when it was time to dash.
All three of us ordered the Czech That Pilsner, an exceedingly malty lager with an excessively bready character. I was later informed that this sweetened variant is especially popular with beer drinkers in Gurgaon, where one of the other Big Pitcher outlets is located. While I fully recognise the need for brewers to appease local palates, I did not appreciate this unashamed adulteration of one of my favourite beer styles.
My companions were in full agreement. After a couple of wary sips, we decided to bite the bullet and down our mugs. When push came to shove, we had no trouble finding the exit at all.
Fourth Stop: The Golden Circle Brewery
Our meeting with a handful of local brewers took place at The Golden Circle, the most recent brewpub to be added to the Sarjapur strip. In order to reach it, we had to cross the six lanes of the main road. This frightening yet enthralling experience turned out to be the final jolt required to make our systems fully functional again.
In the company of friends, both old and new, the day truly got started. The Golden Circle brewmasters were kind enough to let us sample their full range of beers. In no particular order, we had a taste of the Poha Pilsner, a NEIPA, an American West Coast IPA, a Weizenbock, a Vanilla Porter, the Cucumber Saison Pale Ale, and the Watermelon Summer Wave Wheat Ale.
We were also treated to a tour of the tastefully adorned venue and its brewing facilities which was concluded on the fourth-storey rooftop terrace. With the sun low on the horizon, one of our hosts began sharing tales from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Not for the first time since arriving in India, I was nothing short of enchanted by its history, culture, and people.
After descending back down to the first level and sampling a few more in-house styles, we made our way next door for the grand finale.
Final Stop: The Bier Library
To wrap up our excursion of Sarjapur Road, we had been invited to attend the official launch of The Swaen in India. The Dutch malt producer and its local distributor had reserved a section of The Bier Library for the occasion. Located less than 100 metres up the road from The Golden Circle, it is – without a shadow of a doubt – the most majestic brewpub I have ever visited.
One of two Bier Library venues in Bangalore, the Sarjapur Road branch is a classy 1,500-seater built around a large open-air garden. The garden’s main feature is a massive pond that could just as easily pass for a small lake. Reaching the bar section that had been allocated to event involved crossing a bridge. When we arrived around sundown the place was practically empty; by the time we left, some three hours later, it was completely packed.
The event itself was attended by no less than 93 craft beer brewers from all corners of India. Their commitment to the cause is galvanising. While the craft beer revolution may have lost its momentum in other parts of the world, there is obviously still much ground to gain in the world’s most populous nation.
I cannot deny that I was already buzzing when I stepped entered The Bier Library so my intake of its signature beers was limited to three. I believe I tried the IPA, Double IPA, and Hefeweizen.
The ride back to Bellandur took even longer than the outbound drive. Despite it being a routine Wednesday in March, Bangalore facilitated an abundance of splash. Unfortunately, time constraints required us to make a final dash the following morning. Barring those limitations, we would probably still be sat somewhere along Sarjapur Road.
