Discovering innovative culinary trends across the Bay Area often leads enthusiasts into unexpected hidden corners. A prime example is 28 States Brewing, an unconventional basement operation crafting distinct South Asian-inspired beers.
Operating entirely wholesale from an unmarked Lower Nob Hill location, this stealth brewery redefines local craft flavors. Visitors exploring regional food and drink scenes can easily pair these unique beverages with trips to vibrant local hubs like San Francisco or nearby Marin communities.
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The Roots of South Asian Craft Brewing
Inspiration from Childhood Kitchens
Nitesh Kamboj and Jordan Siskin channel distinct cultural backgrounds into every small-batch creation. Drawing inspiration from childhood kitchen lessons with his mother, Kamboj carefully incorporates delicate ingredients like toasted coriander seeds and Spanish saffron.
This dedication to nuance results in a creative lineup that stands out against traditional heavy brews. Their flagship offerings celebrate the rich fruits and spices of South Asia without overwhelming the palate.
Signature Spiced Brews and Lagers
Rejecting brawnier, high-octane IPAs where flaws can be masked, the brewery focuses predominantly on approachable, lower-alcohol lagers and pilsners. Their distinctive lineup features creations like the cardamom-fueled Mango Elaichi Sour and the molasses-heavy Tandoori Stout.
Another standout option is Desi Gaijin, a crisp rice lager accented with refreshing lemongrass notes. Meanwhile, their top seller remains Koko Singh, a versatile 5.5% ABV Vienna lager brewed using Ecuadorian cocoa nibs and vanilla beans.
Market Growth and Cultural Infusion
Wholesale Expansion and Local Pairings
Following a successful 2025 collaboration with Barebottle Brewing that secured retail distribution at Whole Foods, production scaled rapidly. Sales have grown dramatically over a four-month period, pushing annual output to roughly 270 barrels without the aid of a dedicated taproom.
These specialized beverages are distributed to various regional bars and South Asian restaurants. Notable culinary pairings include matching the spiced profiles with spicy tandoori masala pizza at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana.
A Unique Flavor Revolution
The stealth operation has quickly gained traction among both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. This momentum signals a unique cultural infusion into the broader regional craft beer scene.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or seeking out new dining adventures, keeping an eye on these boundary-pushing creators is essential. Exploring innovative local flavors continues to offer endless excitement for curious food and beverage fans.
Here is the source article for this story: SF’s craft beer renaissance has reached India
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