Curry, Beer and a Little Bit of Desi Spirit: Meet Curry Smugglers – If you’ve read my previous pieces about Curry Smugglers, you’ll already know that I’m a fan of their brilliantly packaged Desi snacks. So, when I heard they were adding something new to the range, I was rather intrigued.
Beer
And as someone who loves beer, this was definitely one new addition I was happy to investigate.
The Curry Smugglers Desi Beer Project brings together two of my favourite things, good beer and good food, with two very different lagers: Rice Lager and Mango Mirchi Lager.
And, true to Curry Smugglers form, the cans look anything but ordinary.
Mango Mirchi – the one that caught my eye
I’ll admit, Mango Mirchi was the one I was most curious about.
Mango and chilli in a beer isn’t something you come across every day and this one is alcohol-free. You get the fruity mango character followed by a gentle chilli warmth, making it a really interesting drink with plenty of personality.
And I think this is important: it doesn’t feel like an alcohol-free beer that has been created as an afterthought. The flavour combination is the reason you’d want to try it.
This is the one I’d be reaching for alongside the Curry Smugglers snacks we’ve already enjoyed. The combination of crunchy, savoury and spicy snacks with a cold Mango Mirchi makes a lot of sense.
It would also be great with a spicy curry, tandoori dishes, barbecue food or anything with a little chilli kick.
And then there is the packaging.
I love the fact that Curry Smugglers haven’t suddenly become sensible and restrained now they’ve moved into beer. The cans are colourful, fun and completely in keeping with the personality of the brand.
They look like something I’d want to pick up from the fridge – which, let’s be honest, is half the battle.
Rice Lager
The Rice Lager takes a completely different approach.
Light, refreshing and easy drinking, this is the one I’d choose when I want a classic beer alongside my food rather than something that competes with it.
It’s a natural match for the Curry Smugglers snacks, but I’d also happily serve it with lighter curries, grilled fish, chicken or a table full of sharing dishes.
So, you have two very different options: the refreshing Rice Lager and the fruity, chilli-led alcohol-free Mango Mirchi.
Both have their place and I rather like the fact that Curry Smugglers hasn’t played it safe.
Beer and snacks – a pretty good combination
Having already tried Curry Smugglers’ snacks, I think this new beer range makes perfect sense.
The whole point of the snacks is that they are made for sharing, and these beers feel exactly the same.
Get a few of the snacks out, chill both beers and let everyone decide which combination they prefer.
Personally, I’d be tempted to make a bit of an evening of it. Start with the Rice Lager alongside the lighter flavours, then move on to the Mango Mirchi when things get a little spicier.
No complicated tasting notes required.
Just good food, good beer and a table full of people helping themselves.
For me, it’s a very welcome addition to a brand I’ve already enjoyed and one that proves that snacks and beer can be a pretty brilliant combination.
Poppy Watt