Review: Republiq In (Mobile App)

Apps make lives less troublesome and when someone comes up with one that locates the nearest drinking establishments for you, it’s perfect isn’t it? Republiq In does just that! And personally I love it!
There are five categories of drinking joints and each icon differentiates them. The options are Beer Bar, Wine Bar, Cocktail Lounge, Tapas Bar and Bar/Tavern. Placed alongside five other colour-coded options like ‘Bar Opening’, ‘Bar open’, ‘Happy Hours On’, ‘Bar closing’ and ‘Bar closed’ options, the App gives you the exact location of your choice of establishment on the map.
What I found useful, is that when you zero in on your choice of establishment, the App provides you with a feedback option and rating system, the exact distance to the pub/bar from your location, the contact number and timings of the place along with the most important bit – happy hour timings!
Another useful aspect of the app is the average price per drink rating. From 1-5, each place is given a number which gives you an average of what you’re expected to shell out. The higher the number, on an average, more expensive is the cost of drinks.
Let me give you an example. My office is near Connaught Place. My colleagues and I often head out for a drink after work but the problem is most places shut before we can finish the first beer. With this App, we can check out what’s open and if we are lucky, if Happy Hours are still on! (Check picture for clarification) Indulging in happiness indeed!

Republiq In in use

Pros: Very useful for people who enjoy a drink or two! 
Cons: App only available on Android
My Rating: 4/5

Review: Mahou Clasica now in India

Among my friends, most I know love their malts while others prefer rum and vodka. There really aren’t that many beer drinkers. For the sake of experimentation, one might pick up a light one watching a game of football or cricket but would soon change to their own poison. But with the recent influx of beers in the Indian market, things might soon change.

For someone who likes a hearty ale, the refreshing Mahou Clasica is a surprise. It’s fruity and mild (4.8%) taste, clear and light golden colour and smooth after taste will leave even the hardcore beer-haters accepting this premium beverage. 

The yeast is the secret ingredient which makes this lager well-loved in Spain for over a century. A family-run company, the yeast in flown in to the brewery in Rajasthan (the only one of the seven the company runs outside of Spain) where production is based. “We are here for the long run,” says Erik Eduard d’Auchamp, Mahou India CEO.

Why specifically tapping into the Indian market though? “It has great potential. Whereas the per capita consumption is most countries are about 8 litres, in India it’s about 2 litres,” Erik adds.

Apart from Clasica, the company is offering two other beers at the moment – Mahou 5 Star and Daredevil. The latter is specifically brewed keeping the Indian market in mind and is classified as semi-premium.

How to best enjoy Mahou Clasica?
In the 200ml shot glasses (cañas) along with tapas (bite-sized delicacies enjoyed in Spain along with drinks). Should be served at 3-5 degree C.

Pocket pinch: Rs 150 (650ml)
Location: The Pint Room, Vasant Vihar