Indian craft beer label Bira 91 has teamed up with New Belgium Brewing, one of the leading names in the US craft beer scene, to create a unique new offering: Chutney Sour. Brewed with tamarind and inspired by Belgian-style Dubbel ales, the beer is a cross-cultural creation that merges traditional brewing techniques with vibrant, bold flavours.

This collaborative brew represents a meeting of minds between Bira 91, owned by B9 Beverages, and New Belgium Brewing, the Colorado-based company known for products like Fat Tire Ale, Voodoo Ranger IPA, and La Folie Sour Brown Ale. The result is a distinctive sour ale designed to reflect both the culinary heritage of India and the innovation-driven spirit of the American craft beer market.

Chutney Sour released in taprooms across two continents

Chutney Sour was officially launched in both brands’ home markets on the same day. In India, beer lovers in Bengaluru and Delhi-NCR were among the first to try the new brew at Bira 91’s taprooms. Across the globe, New Belgium’s Fort Collins taproom in Colorado also poured the beer for curious patrons. The timing was no accident—the release coincided with Holi, the colourful Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring, making it a fitting occasion for a vibrant new beer.

The beer itself is based on the Dubbel style, a traditional Belgian ale associated with abbey or Trappist brewing. By incorporating tamarind, a tart fruit widely used in Indian chutneys and curries, the collaborators crafted a sour beer that is both rooted in European brewing traditions and unmistakably Indian in flavour.

Founders highlight shared passion for innovation

Ankur Jain, founder and CEO of Bira 91, praised the collaboration and the significance of working with a respected innovator in the global beer scene. “Colorado is at the centre of beer innovation in the world, and New Belgium is the most well-respected beer company in the United States,” Jain said. He described the partnership as a “crazy, but in hindsight, such an obvious idea,” pointing to the natural connection between the Belgian ale style and the tangy sharpness of tamarind.

From the US side, New Belgium Brewing’s CEO Shaun Belongie emphasised the creative potential of cross-border brewing. “India is known for its exciting culinary flavours,” he noted, adding that this collaboration gave New Belgium the opportunity to explore new flavour profiles and continue its commitment to pushing the boundaries of craft beer. “Collaborations like this allow us to play with new and unexpected flavour combinations and invest in our best-in-class beer innovation,” Belongie said.

A sour beer that celebrates global flavour

Chutney Sour is more than just a creative release—it’s a reflection of how global craft beer culture continues to evolve through partnerships that break traditional boundaries. The use of tamarind introduces an ingredient rarely found in Western brewing, while the Dubbel base provides a familiar yet complex structure for the sour ale.

As Bira 91 continues to gain recognition outside of India and New Belgium looks to incorporate more global influences, Chutney Sour is a clear sign of what’s possible when brewers from different backgrounds bring their traditions and tastes to the same table. For beer lovers in both markets, it offers an exciting new way to experience international collaboration—one sip at a time.