Bengaluru's vibrant craft beer scene welcomed a new entrant on December 14, 2024, with the launch of the Indian Craft Brewery (ICB). Situated in the bustling business district of Manyata Tech Park, Nagavara, this expansive, two-acre microbrewery offers patrons a unique fusion of India's rich cultural heritage and innovative brewing techniques.
ICB distinguishes itself by drawing inspiration from ancient Indian brewing traditions and indigenous ingredients. The brewery has established a dedicated research and development center in Belgium, led by master brewer Antonio Rodriguez-Giralt, to craft beers that resonate with India's diverse culinary flavors. One of its signature offerings is a range of premium non-alcoholic beers named Ramanujan, which pays homage to the legendary mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan.
The microbrewery's design is segmented into experiential zones, collectively termed COAST—Culture, Opinion, Art, Sustainability, and Taste. These zones provide patrons with immersive experiences that celebrate India's cultural roots. The initial zone opened in December 2024, and subsequent zones launched in January 2025.
In line with its commitment to sustainability, ICB has partnered with Bengaluru-based organization Saving Grains to repurpose spent grains from the brewing process into nutritious snacks like granola and crackers. Additionally, the brewery plans to host curated pop-up events featuring renowned chefs and erstwhile Maharajas, showcasing royal heirloom recipes and enriching Bengaluru's culinary landscape.
ICB's harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and sustainability sets a new benchmark in Bengaluru's craft beer industry, offering a distinctive experience that appeals to beer aficionados and cultural enthusiasts. At a recent interaction with Mr. Gopichand Cherukeri, Founder, ICB, he explained the company's roots and the future it holds in Namma Bengaluru’s heart.
What inspired you to integrate indigenous ingredients into ICB's brewing process?
At ICB, we believe beer should tell a story—one that reflects the land it comes from. India has a rich history of fermentation, yet most of the craft beer market is flooded with international styles. We saw an opportunity to brew something truly original by tapping into indigenous ingredients. We did our deep research on Indus Valley civilization. Whether its grains from the Deccan Plateau, wild honey from tribal forests, or native spices, every ICB beer carries the essence of our land. Our goal isn’t just to make great beer—it’s to give people a taste of India’s forgotten brewing traditions, with a modern twist.
Can you elaborate on the challenges faced while sourcing wild honey for Nandi Nectar?
When we decided to brew Nandi Nectar, we knew we couldn’t use just any commercially available honey. Most of what you find in the market is loaded with sugar syrups and lacks the real depth of natural honey. We wanted purity—honey untouched by mass production, harvested using traditional methods.
That search led us deep into South Indian forests, where we met indigenous communities who have been harvesting wild honey for generations. The challenge? They don’t sell their honey commercially. Earning their trust took time. We sat with them, explained our vision, and assured them we wouldn’t exploit their craft. Eventually, they agreed to work with us, and that’s what makes Nandi Nectar special—it’s not just a beer; it’s a product of tradition, patience, and authenticity.
How has the collaboration of ICB with Belgian R&D teams influenced your beer profiles?
Belgium is to beer what Napa Valley is to wine. Our partnership with Belgian R&D teams has given us access to world-class brewing knowledge, allowing us to refine techniques, experiment with wild fermentation, and test new yeast strains.
But what makes this collaboration unique is the East-meets-West approach. We aren’t just adopting Belgian techniques—we’re adapting them to Indian ingredients. It’s about balance. While Belgium brings centuries of brewing expertise, India offers an unmatched diversity of flavors. Together, we’re creating beers that are globally competitive yet unmistakably Indian.
ICB has set an ambitious revenue target of INR 90-100 crore for the next financial year. What key strategies are in place to achieve this goal?
Our strategy is focused on three key areas:
- Experiential Marketing – We don’t just sell beer; we sell experiences. From immersive beer pairing dinners to India’s first-ever private jet giveaway for Valentine’s Day (ICBLoveJet), we’re ensuring ICB becomes synonymous with innovation and excitement.
- Brand Partnerships & Distribution – Collaborating with like-minded brands and expanding our distribution across premium restaurants, hotels, and retail stores will be crucial to scaling our footprint.
- Product Innovation – We are continuously pushing boundaries with new brews like performance beers, zero-alcohol craft options, and limited-edition collaborations. This ensures there’s always something fresh for our audience.
The capital-intensive nature of craft brewing means funding decisions can shape the trajectory of a brand. What financing strategies—whether private equity, reinvestment, or alternative funding—have played a crucial role in ICB’s expansion, and how do you foresee future capital allocation?
ICB was built with grit, passion, and a strong belief in what we’re creating. We’ve bootstrapped our way here, investing into building a world’ brewing facility, research partnerships, and brand development. Looking ahead, we’re exploring strategic funding options that align with our vision. We are not just trying to raise capital—finding the right partners who believe in scaling an Indian craft beer brand globally. Future capital will be allocated towards:
- Expanding brewing capacity to meet growing demand
- Enhancing our retail & taproom presence in key cities
- Investing in brand awareness & customer engagement
The craft beer space in India is at a tipping point, and we’re gearing up to be at the forefront of this revolution.
With its fusion of heritage brewing, cutting-edge innovation, and ambitious expansion plans, ICB is not just a brewery—it’s a movement reshaping India’s craft beer landscape. By staying true to indigenous ingredients while embracing global expertise, ICB is poised to redefine how India experiences beer. As it continues to push boundaries with experiential marketing and unique brews, ICB stands as a beacon for India’s evolving craft beer culture, bringing the best of tradition and modernity to the pint glass.
