Independence Brewing Company.

Independence Brewing Company {IBC} is the latest addition to the list of microbreweries in Pune. They haven't started serving their own beers yet {that may happen sometime in March}, but they have managed to source freshly brewed beers from the Mumbai based Gateway Brewing Company apart from stocking a jaw-dropping line-up of some of the finest craft beers and top of the line spirits and is one of the few places where you can get Cachaca, a Brazilian sugarcane spirit.

The indoor seating area of IBC, over-looking the brewery, is massive and the tables are well spaced out. But it was the al fresco area which I thought was totally awesome. Wooden tables and chairs, diffused lightning and a very relaxed feel to the place and when complemented with Pune's awesome winter, is an unbeatable match. 

We were introduced to 3 beers from Gateway - the German inspired White Zen or Hefeweizen, Like that Only which is an easy-drinking refreshing ale to beat the summer heat and my favourite, the India Pale Ale {IPA}, targetted at mature palates who are accustomed to the bitter-sweet finish of ales. The IPA is probably the best fresh brew available in Pune at this moment and actually made me nostalgic about my several trips to Cock & Bull, a brilliant brewery often visited during my stay in Auckland, New Zealand. 

{For detailed tasting notes and aromas of the beers, click here}

Encouraged by our adulation for dark beers, one of the co-founders of IBC, Shaliendra Bist, introduced us to a couple of bottled beers - Bishop's Finger and Shepherd's 1698 both of which were highly appreciated. 

Coming to the food, we tried the Gunpowder baby potatoes, Panko crumbed mushrooms, Scotch eggs, Murgh Kalimiri, Tacos three ways {Fish, Pork and Chicken} and Pork bulgogi. 

Gunpowder is a South-Indian dry chili-garlic powder and when sprinkled on potatoes it makes for an interesting accompaniment with some chilled beer. I love most things mushroom and the Panko crumbed mushrooms stuffed with herbed vegetables and cheese were great. The kalimiri kebabs were soft, moist morsels of chicken grilled to perfection. The Scotch eggs with their slightly runny yolks, layer of chicken pate and crackling crust was the dish of the day for me. 

But I thought that both the bulgogi and tacos could've done with a stronger flavour profile. The bulgogi no doubt looked enticing with all the colours and chunks of sesame seeds dusted meat but deceived when it came to taste. Even after granting the fact that long conversations resulted in the tacos being consumed way after they were served and by then the soft tortillas had gone dry and chewy, the dish didn't go beyond 'good'; pity, because great tacos and chilled beer is a combination to die for. 

Also, great quality beers means a fatter bill and a couple of pints with food could set you back by around a 1000/- bucks at least. 

Couple of these above mentioned points aside, IBC is still a smashing place to chill over some great beers within a stunning ambiance. Give it a shot and see how you like it.

{P.S: Pune Foodiez were invited by IBC to check-out the microbrewery. Food and beer samplers were complimentary.}