Catamaran Brewing Company, Puducherry’s first microbrewery has grand plans. The brewery, which started in September 2021, has now hit the road with its beer bus. The bus will depart from Chennai and bring guests to the Union Territory, show them around the French town and Art & Craft Village before hosting them at the Catamaran Brewing Company. Here, they will be given a tour of the brewery, a demo of how a beer is made and stored, the ingredients used, and how it differs from bottled beer. They can also sample all eight varieties of craft beer made here (Apple Cider, Dark Lager, India Pale Ale, Belgian Witbier, Oatmeal Stout, Strawberry Cider, Hefeweizen, Seeragsamba Rice Beer). “We are launching a mango cider later this week,” says Rangaraju Narayanaswamy, director of Catamaran Brewing Company.
Catamaran Brewing Company offers eight types of craft beer. They’re Now Launching Mango Cider
“Many people don’t know what a microbrewery really is and therefore never step into one. We want people to understand and experience craft beer.” After the tour, patrons can enjoy a three-course meal that includes French and Creole dishes such as steak and chiayos, Milagu Karvapillai Kozhi, Mango Fish Curry and desserts like Crepe Suzette, Mango Panna Cotta and Mango Cheesecake, Unlimited Biryani and of course Unlimited Craft Beer. But Rangaraju insists that his craft beers are meant to be savored and not consumed. So, if one ends up intoxicated, they have to find an alternate mode of transport to get them back to Chennai. “We promote responsible drinking, and want to be mindful that we are also welcoming to families as the brewery is open to all age groups,” he says.
The white air-conditioned Volvo bus can seat 40 passengers. As of now, they are taking only group bookings (minimum 10) including corporates, people in the same apartment or group of friends. “Inquiries are also being made for birthday and bachelorette parties,” says Rangaraju. The bus does not run on a regular basis and requires advance booking. The duration of the journey is 12 hours, with the pick-up at a pre-determined location at 9 am.
Rangarajan tells us that unfortunately due to the Puducherry government’s excise duty policy, beer cannot be sampled on the bus. But the bus tour will keep people entertained with pop quizzes about beer, karaoke sessions and a steady stream of snacks and soft drinks.
The Beer Bus Experience costs ₹3,000 for adults, ₹2,000 for children 12-18 years old, and ₹15,00 for children under 12. For details and registration, call: 6385596777.