Fort City Brew Pub, crowned India’s Best Microbrewery of 2024, has become a pilgrimage spot for beer lovers and craft connoisseurs alike. Nestled in the bustling lanes of Delhi’s Horses Market in Chhattarpur, this gem isn’t just another brewery—it’s a blend of innovation, indigenous ingredients, strong storytelling, and community spirit. With a chill founder, robust beer experimentation, and a vibe that brings Delhi’s cosmopolitan soul to life, Fort City is more than a place—it’s an experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned stout lover or just getting into the craft scene, here’s everything you need to know about Fort City Brew Pub and why it deserves all the hype.
The Vibe: More Than Just Beers on Tap
The ambiance is instantly inviting—think vintage chandeliers, curated wall art, and a layout that encourages lingering. The design exudes a relaxed elegance, with enough charm to keep both beer aficionados and first-timers coming back.
Karen Butcher is often spotted interacting with patrons, reinforcing that Fort City isn’t a stiff, industrial beer factory—it’s a space to vibe, explore new brews, and build a connection over a cold pint.
Flagship Beers & Creative Brews
One of Fort City’s biggest draws is its ever-evolving tap list, usually featuring 8–9 beers. Each brew is developed with a meticulous eye for detail—from custom water profiles for each batch to nitro-infused creamy textures for a Guinness-like experience.
Some standouts include:
- Poha Cream Cream Pie: A playful name with serious flavor. Made using millets, this beer ties back to India’s push for indigenous grains, especially during the government-declared Year of Millets. It’s low-gluten, creamy (thanks to nitro), and has a dessert-like mouthfeel—ideal for those new to craft beer.
- SpongeBob: A summer special, this fruity beer is packed with tropical aromas and flavors. It’s a hit with drinkers looking for something light, fun, and refreshingly tangy.
- Darkened Stout: A rich, chocolatey, coffee-forward stout that stands tall in Delhi’s beer scene. Even non-stout drinkers are converted by its smooth and creamy flavor profile.
- Orange Popsicle Wheat Beer: An American-style wheat beer brewed with Nagpur orange pulp. This one hits nostalgia levels while still being a modern craft pour.
Local Collaborations & Innovation at Heart
Fort City isn’t just brewing in isolation—they’re building the Indian craft ecosystem. Collaborations with Indian spirit brands like Himalaya Spirits (makers of Kumaon Gin and coffee liqueur) and Indri (for barley series) show how seriously they take flavor experimentation and local integration.
Their Bale Series of beers is a great example of how Indian brewers are now working in tandem rather than in silos to push the boundaries of taste and sustainability.
A Look Inside: Brewing with Purpose
The brewing process at Fort City is transparent and accessible, with staff happy to walk you through the steps from milling grains to heating water and adding hops based on the recipe.
They even customize water profiles for different beer styles, a level of attention often reserved for top-tier breweries globally.
Even ingredients like Horlicks, a malt-based health drink staple in Indian homes, are referenced in beer conversation here, reflecting a deep love for malt and its possibilities.
Food That Complements the Buzz
While the focus is firmly on the beer, the food menu isn’t an afterthought. The team is working on curating a menu that supports your drinking journey—whether it’s “Before Drinking” or “After Drinking,” as joked about in the video.
Expect pan-Indian flavors, bar nibbles with character, and dishes that don’t just fill the stomach, but elevate the pint in your hand.
Cocktails, Too? Oh Yes.
Don’t drink beer? Fort City’s cocktail list is no slouch either. Highlights include:
- New Delhi Cocktail – a signature option with a sharp local twist.
- Marroli – likely an homage to Indian flavors, blending botanicals with precision.
- Coffee Martini-Inspired Drinks – for those who want their coffee and booze in one neat, sophisticated glass.
Is It Worth the Price? Absolutely.
With beers priced around ₹600 for five tasters, this isn’t your cheapest night out—but it’s an investment in quality. When you’re sipping a one-of-a-kind millet cream beer or a perfectly balanced stout, the value is clear.
As the host says, “Good things don’t come cheap.”
Summing Up
Fort City Brew Pub isn’t just Delhi’s pride—it’s India’s benchmark for what modern microbreweries can achieve. With local ingredients, bold brewing styles, and a team that genuinely loves their craft, this space is elevating Indian beer culture.
If you’re ever in Delhi, skip the bars and head straight to Fort City. You might walk in for a quick drink, but chances are, you’ll leave with a favorite beer, a food pairing tip, and maybe even a new friend in the founder.
Cheers to that.
