Brewing NEIPA in India: A Homebrewer's Commercial Brewery Adventure

Homebrewer Hobbs in India with commercial brewers

This article originally appeared in the September/October 2024 issue of Zymurgy Magazine

By Tim Hobbs

Amid the sweaty pandemonium sits an oasis of brewed delights, an air-conditioned respite—Effingut Brewpub, located in the Saket area of New Delhi. This is one of several locations of a small but fantastic chain of brewpubs here in India, with other brewpubs in Pune, Mumbai, and Kolkata. The brewery boasts awards across Asia, and it’s no surprise. It’s one of Asia’s finest craft breweries, and one of the best I have visited worldwide. Effingut’s beers rival those I have experienced in the U.S., and their Ferman-style and Belgian-style brews are spot on and true to style. Their chef has exceptional skills as well, producing fine international and fusion flavors, and the staff is extremely friendly, attentive, and sweet.

The name Effingut is a play on English and German words. “Gut” is German for “good,” and “effin,” well, you can probably figure that part out.

With a 1,000-liter (8.5-bbl) brewhouse and 10 1,000-liter conical fermenters, Effingut Delhi’s brew system is 100% made in India by Taurus Engineering, complete with a PLC (programmable logic controller). It rivals top-tier craft brewhouses from other countries.

I’ve spent much time at the brewpub enjoying various beers, food, and hookah. On one occasion, they released a fantastic kolsch. Crisp, clean, and tasty, I’m sure it would even impress the brewers in Koln. I wrote a letter complimenting the owner and brewer on their kolsch and all their brews, which gave rise to a friendship. Shortly after, I was invited to brew with the brewing team and was asked to help make one of my own recipes on their system for commercial release. I considered it an honor just to be asked, so of course I graciously and excitedly accepted.

Access the full article in the September/October 2024 Zymurgy Magazine.

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