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Boilermaker

Goa

• The Best Bar in India 2026, sponsored by Rémy Martin

Easy-going bold Goan flavours

What happens when beer meets whisky? You get a boilermaker. Inspired by the simple, fuss-free whisky-and-beer shot, this neighbourhood bar celebrates the region's spirit through craft and community. The story began when Nakul Bhonsle, a craft beer entrepreneur, met Pankaj Balachandran, a renowned mixologist who co-founded Bar Tesouro, ranked No.4 in Asia's 50 Best Bars in 2022. Since the pandemic, Goa's F&B scene has exploded, but many complained that it was losing its soul. Boilermaker, founded in late 2024, embodies the "susegad" mindset – a Konkani word describing a laid-back, unpretentious and friendly temperament.

Hanging at the reimagined dive bar where the decor includes grunge elements like aluminium pendant lights and a corrugated steel bar front feels like being at a house party, albeit one with exceptional food and drinks. The menu features craft beers from Bhonsle's Great State Aleworks, including IPAs, lagers, draught ales, and Goa's first Scotch ale brewed with smoked malt. Innovative cocktails shaken by Balachandran's bar consultancy Countertop include complex and clean sips like Why Did The Onion Blush? (gin, lychee, red onion, green chilli, yoghurt) and Apple Of My Eye, a whiskey highball made with red apples and Bajra soda.

The food menu reimagines Goan bar bites such as the Lal Bhaji Melt with amaranth leaves, caramelised onions, cheddar, mozzarella and a beer mustard-mayo, and Pickled Cucumbers in Balchão (spicy, vinegary sauce), crafted to complement the drinks. Everything about Boilermaker is carefully considered, but the feeling you get is one of a remarkably relaxed place that's made to hang out with your gang. It's a refreshing change as well as a reminder of that local flavour that defines Goa.

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