06/02/2026
Cheers to everyone, and welcome to the month of June!
Our craft beer journey today brings us to the city of Raleigh, North Carolina, and our destination: **Bhavana Brewing Company**, right in the heart of downtown. Raleigh is a vibrant, incredibly fun city with a great energy vibe and tons of eateries, shops, and craft breweries.
Getting to our hotel downtown was a bit of a challenge due to all the amazing street festivals going on in the vicinity. However, we were able to figure it out after a short while and happily made it. We parked our car in the garage and continued to the brewery on foot, which was much easier and faster.
Once we made the walk to Bhavana Brewing Company, I felt the need for a craft beer—a lager, to tell the truth. Luckily, Bhavana had just what I was craving. Upon entering this very unique taproom space, you are greeted by a very friendly staff and escorted to a table in the dining area or to a seat at their massive bar. The taproom and restaurant sections are split into separate rooms. I have rarely experienced this type of layout in a craft brewery, and while that type of atmosphere can sometimes give a space an identity crisis, it works incredibly well here.
Bhavana Brewing Company is mainly a lager and specialty craft brewery with an Asian flair. Their selection of beer offerings is very unique in style, and their Asian food menu looks just as delightful. The atmosphere brings an almost bookstore or library feel with a contemporary style. Somehow, the design of the layout and the different sections work perfectly, giving you a slightly different atmosphere in each area while still seamlessly blending them together.
After we were shown to our table, a very friendly and knowledgeable waitress introduced herself. She proceeded to take our drink order while filling us in on the amazing food and craft beer menu. We immediately ordered a pint of **Brisk Pilsner** and a half-pint of **Petal**—a Rosé Ale brewed with hibiscus, rose petals, fresh raspberry, and grapefruit. In addition, we partook in an order of noodles with chicken and broccoli, stir-fried green beans, and congee soup.
The Brisk Pilsner was just amazing, featuring an upfront nose of crystal hops with a slight touch of rolled oats and biscuit malt. I have never heard of rolled oats being used in a pilsner-style beer, but it definitely works here. It was wonderfully crisp and flavorful, and a bit rounder than most pilsners I have experienced—most likely due to the use of rolled oats in the mashing process. It is a very easy-drinking pilsner with an amazing amount of body and flavor, finishing crisp, clean, and very dry. This wonderfully brewed pilsner is incredibly drinkable and definitely leaves you wanting another. Hats off to Bhavana Brewing Company—well done!
The Petal Rosé Ale was just as spectacular. I have to admit, this has to be one of the most unique styles of craft beer I’ve ever had the pleasure to enjoy. It was delicate and bright, with an upfront aroma of rose hips and hibiscus. The first sip creates a very happy palate with a slight sourness and a wonderful flavor of raspberry and grapefruit. It is beautifully balanced and layered; the artistry of the flavors comes to play and keeps this fine craft beer delightful all the way to the finish. I highly recommend it to anyone. Definitely indulge in this finely brewed ale.
And the food? Well, I have to admit, our meal was unbelievably delicious and probably some of the very best Asian food we have ever experienced—and I truly mean that from the heart. Bhavana’s food menu is highly creative and packed with amazingly beautiful flavors.
Raleigh, NC is a great overnight trip from Western North Carolina. It's a fantastic foodie city with plenty of craft breweries, and Bhavana Brewing Company should definitely top your list. You will not be disappointed!
Until next time, have an electrifying week, and may craft beer enhance your journeys.
Support your local independent craft breweries and taprooms!
**The Beer Monk**
