Delhi awaits DDA nod to raise a toast to brewpubs

Microbreweries are small breweries,typically in pubs that sell self-brewed beer and cater to niche tastes.

Earlier,the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had approved the plan after the Delhi government wrote to the environment panel last November. The CPCB’s approval was required as breweries fall under the category of highly polluting industries.

As microbreweries operate at a very small level,the CPCB did not raise objections,officials said.

With an eye on revenue,the government is now planning to request the DDA to amend its masterplan to include microbreweries,a senior Excise department official said. “We will write to DDA to amend the Masterplan since microbreweries now have environmental clearance as well.”

The licence for microbrewery will be issued under L-55 and a holder will be charged Rs 2.5 lakh per annum. According to the official,the Excise department is working on rules and regulations — like minimum space required and volume of beer allowed in a pub,among others.

The government began to consider permission for setting up microbreweries in the Capital after the Delhi International Airport Limited approached it,seeking permission to set up a brewpub at the airport.

From Germany to Delhi

* The concept of ‘brewpubs’ originated in Germany and gained popularity across the world in the last four decades. The term ‘microbrewery’ was first coined in the 1970s in UK.

* Micro brewpubs serve fresh and non-pasteurised beer,which usually does not contain preservatives. The beer is brewed to specific taste in terms of flavour,bitterness,viscosity and other variables.

What’s in the mug?

* The malt,usually barley,is crushed and removed to a vessel with hot water,where it is mashed for around two hours

* It is then transferred to a large tank to boil with hops — the female cone of the hop plant — and other ingredients

* The entire matter ferments for one to three weeks,after which fresh beer is filtered and is ready to be served