Windmills Craftworks recently opened its doors to guests in Dallas, Texas, making it the first Indian micro-brewery in the US. Located in The Colony, Grandscape, its craft beers range from Tropical Saison with mango, passion fruit and pineapple; San Diego-style Imperial IPA; Russian Imperial Stout; and Blackberry Tart ale.

Windmills is spread over 17,000 square feet across two levels; the latter inspired by a balcony in a theatre overlooking the central stage. The total seating capacity is 450 customers; and an artificial water body adds to the landscape.

Windmills has 14 beers on tap, all created under the watchful eye of award-winning brew master, Cal Ryan. The cocktail menu comprises of 10 cocktails, five of which are representative of the spices of India. Among the classic Texan cocktails are the Tequila-based Rosemary Rio Ranch and the Brine Damage (Prairie cucumber gin with pickle).

Total Environment, the parent company that owns the micro-brewery, decided to build single-family homes in Frisco, Texas. “When they decided to do this, I said why not put in a brewpub too? That gave birth to Windmills USA,” recalls its CEO and beer enthusiast, Ajay Nagarajan.

Ajay has lived in the Dallas area (1998-2011) working as an engineer. He picked up home brewing as a hobby, but became a certified brewer from the Siebel Institute in Chicago.

“I always thought that if I could get my Indian chefs to travel to the US, and American brew masters to travel the other way, we could create a model that is sustainable and unique, with cross-pollination of talent and management styles,” Ajay adds.

So, what is Windmills’ USP in the US? “Where else will you get house-brewed craft beers on tap, with authentic Indian and Texan food and cocktail menus, in an ambience that is as eclectic?” Ajay asks in return.

“The response has been fantastic thus far, and we hope to grow from here to other cities in the US,” Ajay signs off. Check out https://windmills-usa.com.