Small Things In Big Countries | Alternate Endings & Queue Beer Collaboration

September 13, 2024 | Ruvani de Silva 1

In a city of over 8 million people, in the top ten most diverse cities in the world, and with close to 50 craft breweries, it might come as a surprise to learn that there are just two Asian-Indian-owned craft beer bars in New York City. Carmine Street Beers in Greenwich Village, and Brooklyn’s Queue Beer are both owned by the Monteiro family. Dad Brian opened Carmine Street back in 2013, with sons Shane and Dean later joining the business. Inspired by hours spent working at Carmine Street between college classes, Shane launched Queue in hip Park Slope in 2023, with 24 taps, 80+ cans and seating for 46 guests. Committed to showcasing the best of local, national and international craft beer, the Monterios are also keen to highlight their Indian heritage and the endless possibilities Indian flavors offer to the craft beer market, to which end Queue operations manager Shane Monteiro has collaborated with Alternate Ending Beer Co. across the water in New Jersey to launch Small Things In Big Countries — a beer to celebrate Indian culture and cuisine.

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Rupee Beer | Mango Wheat Ale

August 29, 2023 | Ruvani de Silva

When brothers Van and Sumit Sharma found themselves back in their adopted hometown of Portland, Maine, helping out at their parents’ Indian restaurant during the pandemic, as they had growing up, the two began to ponder the question of what makes a really good beer to pair with Indian and other spicy food.

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Lifelong Friends Open Indian-Inspired Brewery in Chicago

November 26, 2020 | Kindsey Bernhard

When longtime friends Ray Schrand (Gator) and Bhavik Modi decided to open yet another brewery in Chicago—a city with close to 80 breweries—they knew their brewery needed to set itself apart. Thankfully, they didn’t have to do a lot of thinking.

Azadi Brewing Company opened its doors November 14 inside Pilot Project Brewing in Chicago’s Logan Square. That day also happened to be Diwali, India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year. Azadi opened with two beers on tap: Kavi, a Cardamom Golden Ale; and Gir, a Kesar Mango IPA.
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