Madwater Brewery brings Belgian-style craft beer and bold design to Dadar

Dadar has a large park sea views and great residential character Yet the neighbourhood was missing something mdash a brewery Madwater Brewery at Ruby Tower is pouring to fill that void Founded by Raj Rai and Abhijit Rao Madwater Breweryrsquos proposition is interesting in Maharashtra Beer production and onpremise service in the state operates within a regulated excise frameworkThe statersquos excise department lists separate licences for a microbrewery beer production in restaurants and for serving beer on the premises of a restaurant Madwaterrsquos founders say the brewery and taproom can operate together within the applicable permissions This makes Madwater Mumbairsquos first such facility where the beer is made steps away from the tap it is being served out ofThe interiors of the taproom and brewery in Dadar is inspired by Mumbairsquos Art Deco and Belgiumrsquos Brutalist architectureThe 10000 sq ft brewery and taproom fuses Art Deco with Brutalism where the interiors are arguably as much a draw as the beer Developed along with The Busride Design Studio it takes its cues from Mumbairsquos Art Deco and Belgiumrsquos Brutalist architecture After all they are serving Belgian style craft beer in Mumbai The result is a design what the team is calling Deco BrutalismThe 32foot ceilings structural steel and cantilevered terrace will intrigue patrons Rubble recovered from the property has been mixed with concrete in a terrazzolike process while construction waste sourced from across Mumbai has been incorporated into the interiors Downstairs the brewery functions as a beer hall and amphitheatre with a rugged setting that will accommodate music and performances Every pillar has edges that jut out giving room to rest your glass while standingUpstairs offers a warmer vibe with natural soft lightAt the heart is the Fermentarium headed by Sven Kerstens who brings his expertise from Antwerp in Belgium The breweryrsquos range spans approximately 15 beers These include No Nonsense Pils a crisp lager Dark Ritual a cocoaaccented stout and Smoke Break an ale made with beechwoodsmoked maltTheir signature is Low Cal a low ABV beer that the founders are positioning as a lighter alternative without compromising on the experience of drinking beer The idea is to retain body carbonation and flavour while lowering alcohol content and calories For drinkers looking for an option that wonrsquot leave you bloated it offers a different entry point into craft beer Executive chef Gurudatt Sawantrsquos menu moves between fried chicken kebabs burgers yakitori New Yorkstyle pizzas and moreFor Dadar Madwater feels like a shift in the neighbourhoodrsquos dining and drinking landscape For the city it offers a great midway stop for a beer after work or Sunday lunch between the South and the NorthAT Madwater Brewery The Ruby Tower Senapati Bapat Marg Dadar WestLOG ON TO madwaterbrewerymumbaiPints we loved Dark Ritual Rs 630 for 450 ml Stout fans rejoice Madwaterrsquos nitro stout is well worth ordering opening with aromas of coffee and dark chocolate that promise depth A creamy head lends the beer a smooth sip while its easydrinking character ensures it doesnrsquot feel too heavy Low Cal Rs 400 for 330 ml For those who enjoy a beer but could do without the postpint bloat Low Cal makes a compelling case Itrsquos a crisp clean pour and also a good entry point for those who arenrsquot particularly big fans of beer Refreshing enough for a hot Mumbai afternoon it goes down easily Think of it as a lighter way to enjoy a beer without making a meal of itBitter End Low Cal Forbidden Fruit Nononsense Pils Forbidden Fruit Rs 430 for 330 ml Mango beers have found fans across the country but you get a familiar favourite twist Using the Alphonso brings a refreshing lift to the ale without turning it into an overly sweet mangoflavoured drink The underlying character of the ale still shines throughBites we loved Rajma Royale Rs 600 Vegetarians get their galouti as a rajma version here Each galouti is topped with a dollop of beetroot chutney adding freshness to an otherwise warm and dense bite Itrsquos a dependable nofuss option that delivers exactly what you would expect Mad Fried Chicken Rs 560A pint and fried chicken are a pairing that rarely needs convincing This version gets the basics right with a lighttomedium batter that delivers crunch Itrsquos rubbed with a spice blend thatrsquos spicy with hints of lemongrass and curry leaf The peanut chutney on the side is South Indianinspired but brightened with basil and lemon Picante Pepperoni Rs 750 This New Yorkstyle pizza starts with a 48hourhydrated dough Why do chefs choose to do this It lends the base a subtle tang Pork pepperoni crowns the dough and Calabrian chilli adds measured hotness to the pie