Small Gods X Satya
In the dark days of British colonial rule in India, the British East India Company proliferated the drinking of tea throughout the subcontinent. This symbol of Englishness came with significant classist cultural etiquette around how it should be drunk and served, enforced by inspectors from the Indian Tea Association. In the early 20th century the Chaiwallas rebelled again the strictures of their oppressors and made the drink their own with the addition of rich spices. Despite the East India Company’s attempt to quash this sedition, Masala Chai, a richly spiced milky tea, spread throughout Asia and is now enjoyed around the world in a dazzling array of varieties featuring a cornucopia of spices.
Chai Rebellion is a beer inspired by Masala Chai and brewed in collaboration with hospitality legend Sammy Akuthota, proprietor of Auckland’s Satya Chai Lounge. This white stout is thick, rich and creamy with layers of spice from generous additions of Ginger, Cardamom and Mace. This is backed up by sweetness from the addition of Lactose while dry CTC Black Tea adds authentic tea character with a light tannic bitterness to balance.