A recap of the seventh edition of Deep Dive Beer Fest, one of India's most diverse and exciting craft beer festivals.
All photos by Harshvardhan Kute Patil of Great State Aleworks.
On January 23rd, 2026, the Indian craft beer community convened in Pune for a three-day celebration of the culture it champions. Initiated by Great State Aleworks, the seventh edition of Deep Dive Beer Fest brought together a dynamic collective of brewers, industry professionals, F&B influencers, craft beer aficionados, and curious drinkers, amongst others. Having had the pleasure of being actively involved in the organisation of this unique event, the Beer Asia team was also present. Needless to say, a first-hand recount of this stirring experience is in order.
Diving In
Since its inception in 2022, the festival has matured into one of the subcontinent’s most versatile craft beer events. Apart from showcasing over 50 brews concocted by more than 25 microbreweries, Deep Dive 7.0 featured a series of educational talks, panel discussions, and WSET workshops. Beer and food pairings were also incorporated into the programming. The undisputed headline of the weekend, however, was the launch of globally acclaimed Vietnamese craft brewery Heart of Darkness on Indian soil.
This diversification in the scope of activities on offer was accompanied by a change of setting. Enter Malaka Spice, a widely acclaimed Southeast Asian restaurant best known for its eclectic menu, bustling atmosphere, and farm-to-table philosophy. While an assortment of brews flowed freely in the venue’s charming outside courtyard, attendees were able to sit in on the various sessions taking place in the main dining area. Access to all sessions was included in the entrance fee, with the exception of the WSET workshops.
Friday, January 23rd
The proceedings kicked off around 3 PM with an introduction to WSET and its beer course structure. Led by Aditya Khot and the Tulleeho team, participants received a crash course on identifying the choices brewers make during the production process and how the ability to taste with intent can help F&B outlets make better menu decisions.
As the courtyard started filling up, visitors had the prerogative of attending the soft launch of Goa’s Susegado beer in Maharashtra. Aditya Challa, founder of Susegado, described his personal journey as a brewer and provided insights into his approach to the craft. Those present were also treated to tasters of all three of the brewery’s featured beers: a Kölsch, Wit, and an Amber Ale.
In the last session of the day, titled “Beer and the Art of Storytelling”, the Beer Asia team – yours truly included – took center stage. After sharing a few anecdotes about our odyssey into the wonderful world of craft beer, the focus shifted to discussing alternative ways of carving a niche within the industry outside the scope of production. The feedback from the crowd was nothing short of encouraging. One gentleman even approached me to say that we had provided some much-needed reassurance regarding his own foray into the craft beer space as a filmmaker. I have no doubt he will revel in his decision in the long run.
With the day’s programming completed, the games began – both literally and figuratively. As part of Beer Asia’s involvement in Deep Dive 7.0 we had created an app-based pub quiz. Spanning all three days of the festival, attendees were able to scan a QR code that allowed them to answer a handful of questions at set times. First prize? An all-inclusive trip to the Heart of Darkness brewery and taproom in Saigon!
Saturday, January 24th
The second day of Deep Dive 7.0 commenced at midday with a beer and food pairing. Curated by Beer Asia, some of Malaka Spice’s most popular starters were matched with featured beers capable of elevating each dish. This allowed restaurant guests to discover how the right beer can balance or enhance flavours, transforming every bite into a multi-sensory delight.
At 3 PM Aditya Khot gave another workshop, this one titled “Training Your Palate”. Using WSET’s systematic approach, participants were able to explore hop-driven, malt-driven, and yeast-driven styles of beer. Furthermore, they were taught to discern common off-flavours in order to help recognise quality and balance.
Shortly after 5 PM, and slightly behind schedule, a panel discussion on the “State of Beer in Maharashtra” got underway. Moderated by Beer Asia founder and managing director Oliver Woods, the session explored the state’s evolving craft beer landscape. The panel itself included Nakul Bhonsle (founder of Great State Aleworks), Manu Misra (CEO of Oi Brewing Co.), Saurabh Patwardhan (co-founder of Kimaya Brewing Co.), and Oliver Schauf, India’s leading brewing consultant. What followed was an engaging exchange on how the sector has developed over the past 15 years and the forces shaping its future.
To conclude the day’s programming, I shared the findings of a year’s worth of research in a presentation titled “Above the Froth: The Untapped Potential of Beer Tourism”. Once again, the interest and enthusiasm displayed by those in attendance was truly motivational.
While I was rounding up my session, a frenzy of sorts had gripped the crowd out in the courtyard. And for good reason too! The tapping of a wooden keg is always a joyful occasion, especially when it is filled with Heart of Darkness’ Dream Sensations Hazy IPA. With that, another joyous evening was initiated.
Sunday, January 25th
The final day of Deep Dive 7.0 started with another, albeit different, selection of beer and food pairings. Concurrently, the last of the trio of WSET workshops was held in the courtyard. Titled “Beer in Motion”, the session explored how packaging – and the roles of oxygen and CO₂ in particular – can impact beer quality. On top of that, participants learned how to identify and communicate these effects.
Immediately thereafter festivalgoers were given the opportunity to take part in a tasting session guided by José Flores, lead innovation brewer at Bira91. Designed to build tasting confidence while encouraging thoughtful comparison and discussion, the session covered four distinct beer styles. Having been struck by the proverbial man with the hammer during my first beer of the day, I opted to sit this one out.
Around 4 PM Neil Wood and Ash Roper – head brewer and head of sales at Heart of Darkness respectively – provided an in-depth account of what makes one of Southeast Asia’s most recognisable craft breweries tick. From brewing philosophy to branding and marketing strategies, no stone was left unturned. Once again, attendees were given a glimpse of how much thought and effort is poured into making good beer.
The ultimate knowledge sharing session of the weekend consisted of three rapid panel discussions about the evolution of Pune’s craft beer community. Moderated by Sanil Mahajan, the driving force behind Pune Beer Mandal, three generations of local F&B proprietors, brewers, and drinkers reflected on how craft beer has acted as a catalyst in building connections and shaping a shared identity. The fact that Pune Beer Mandal can easily mobilise 500+ of its members to attend events is a testament to this. With the community firmly established, all that remains is the creation of a beer style to call its own.
Back to the Surface
Several weeks have passed since the Beer Asia team’s splendidly intense visit to Pune. Although it is always nice to come home at the end of a trip, the aftermath of an event like Deep Dive 7.0 is never easy. Beyond the body’s pleas for a detox, one is left with a feeling of unfulfilled business. So many conversations cut short prematurely, so many budding connections put on hold indefinitely. Tougher still, so many friends – old and new – that will have to missed until the next meeting. Whenever that may be.
Thankfully, amongst the craft beer faithful, there exists a shared identity with magnetic capacities. From the perspective of an outsider who was welcomed into the Pune craft beer community with open arms, this identity clearly transcends location. For the duration of a long weekend, a city I had never set foot in before felt like home. And, as the saying goes, what I love most about home is who I share it with.
