A Visit to Hops n Grains: A Sip of Craft Brewing Excellence
Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Hops n Grains - The Microbrewery in Sector 9, Panchkula, a name synonymous with the art of craft brewing in India. This experience wasn't just about sampling beers; it was about immersing myself in a story that began in 2010 when Hops n Grains became the fifth microbrewery in India and has since grown to be the second oldest operational microbrewery in the country.
The Journey Begins
Walking into Hops n Grains, I was instantly struck by the design and ambiance of the place. Spread over three floors and crafted by the talented designers Nikhil and Suvrita, the brewery exudes a contemporary yet classic charm. The red bricks and vintage-style lamp shades give it a warm, vibrant feel—perfect for enjoying a leisurely evening with friends or family.
The Legacy of Excellence
Under the expert guidance of master brewer Dr. S Cariappa, founders Amritanshu Agarwal and Priyanka Gupta have created a legacy that not only introduced craft beer to the region but elevated it. Despite challenges like the highway liquor ban and the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to temporary closures, their passion and dedication saw them through. This resilience allowed them to expand, opening The Great Bear in Chandigarh and another Hops n Grains in Mohali.
A Pioneer in Craft Brewing
Hops n Grains has been a trailblazer in the Tricity area's beer-drinking culture for over a decade. The founders' vision wasn't just to introduce craft beer but to create a fusion of excellent brews and exceptional culinary offerings. This pioneering spirit is evident in every sip and bite, with a strong influence from European brewing traditions.
The Award-Winning Experience
Over the past 14 years, Hops n Grains has garnered several prestigious accolades, including the Times Food Awards for Best Trendsetter Microbrewery in North India and the Best Brewmaster North title at the Brewer's World Awards. These awards are a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality and innovation in craft brewing.
The Beer Lineup
During my visit, I had the chance to sample a variety of their beers. Their wheat, dark, and green apple brews are immensely popular and available at all three of their outlets. However, the highlight of my tasting session was the Mango and Guava Beers. The Mango Beer, in particular, was a delightful concoction, the perfect blend of juicy mangoes and crisp beer, offering a refreshing twist that's perfect for summer.
More Than Just a Brewery
Hops n Grains is more than just a place to enjoy great beer; it's a place where every sip tells a story of barley, hops, and the meticulous art of craft brewing. It's where tradition meets innovation, and every visit becomes a memorable experience.
Conclusion
My visit to Hops n Grains was a journey through the rich tapestry of craft brewing excellence. From the beautifully designed interiors to the award-winning beers, every aspect of this microbrewery reflects a deep passion for the craft. If you're ever in the Tricity area, Hops n Grains is a must-visit destination that promises an unforgettable experience.
In a world where the craft beer culture is rapidly evolving, Hops n Grains stands as a beacon of tradition, quality, and innovation. Cheers to many more years of...
Read moreI recently visited Hops n Grains Brewery in Panchkula and had an enjoyable experience that left me impressed with their craft beers and vibrant atmosphere.
Ambiance: The brewery has a modern and lively ambiance that’s perfect for both casual outings and special occasions. The interior is well-designed with comfortable seating and a spacious layout. The decor features rustic elements combined with contemporary touches, giving it a welcoming and trendy feel. The place is well-lit and the large windows allow plenty of natural light to stream in during the day.
Service: The service at Hops n Grains is commendable. The staff is courteous, knowledgeable, and attentive. They are well-versed in the menu and offer helpful suggestions, especially if you are new to craft beers. Our server was prompt and ensured that our glasses were never empty and our table was always clean.
Food: The menu at Hops n Grains offers a wide range of appetizers, main courses, and desserts that pair well with their beers. We started with the Chicken Wings and Nachos, both of which were delicious and had generous portions. The chicken wings were perfectly cooked, juicy, and coated in a tangy sauce, while the nachos were crispy and loaded with toppings.
For the main course, we ordered the Grilled Fish and Vegetarian Pizza. The grilled fish was well-seasoned and served with a side of fresh vegetables and fries. The vegetarian pizza had a thin crust and was topped with a variety of fresh ingredients, making it a delightful choice for pizza lovers.
Beverages: The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly the craft beers. Hops n Grains offers a variety of beers brewed in-house, each with its unique flavor profile. We opted for a beer tasting flight to sample different varieties, including their Pilsner, Hefeweizen, Dunkel, and IPA. Each beer had distinct characteristics and was brewed to perfection. The Pilsner was light and refreshing, the Hefeweizen had a nice fruity aroma, the Dunkel was rich and malty, and the IPA had a robust hoppy flavor. It was evident that a lot of care and expertise went into brewing each batch.
Value for Money: Hops n Grains offers great value for money, considering the quality of their craft beers and the food. The prices are reasonable, and the portion sizes are satisfying. It’s a fantastic place to unwind with friends or family without burning a hole in your pocket.
Conclusion: Hops n Grains Brewery in Panchkula is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts and anyone looking to enjoy a fun and relaxed dining experience. The ambiance is lively, the service is excellent, and the food and beverages are top-notch. Whether you’re there for a casual drink, a meal, or to celebrate a special occasion, Hops n Grains Brewery provides an experience that’s sure to leave you satisfied. I look forward to returning and trying more of their delicious offerings.
Enjoy your time at Hops n...
Read moreNothing comes close to the perfection of this freshly brewed, sparkling, frothy beer on a hot summer day. The four varieties of lager beer, premium, light, wheat and dark perfectly compliment the microbrewery's Italian and Indian cuisine. The washed-down walls and wooden chairs here are a perfect fit to the rustic ambience of a microbrewery even if the House and rock music is not all that country!
This is the only microbrewery in the Tricity, where a great deal of trouble has been gone through to put together a superior product. The barley for the beer is imported from Australia, the hops are German and the yeast is French. Besides that, nothing else is added to the beer that is manufactured in front of your eyes, except water. No preservatives, no chemicals, no additives and no temperature changes to affect the quality. Good eats too.
Recommendation : HnG Dunkel {Dark} is the one beer that everyone should give a try.
The best time to go there is between 12pm and 7:30pm as they have their happy hours segment and provides great discounts &...
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