Today we’d like to introduce you to Van Sharma
Hi Van , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m Van, one of the Co-founders of Rupee Beer, Named Best Beer For World Food which is a line of easy to drink beers which pair perfectly with Indian, spicy and global flavors. Alongside my brother, we both grew up in the Indian restaurant industry which our family has been in for over 50 years across three different continents. We’ve always had a great appreciation for local craft beer and imports, and during covid when we rejigged our lives and moved back to the U.S. after living in the U.K. and Australia, we teamed up with a craft brewing legend – and the rest is history!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No! One of our biggest challenges has been navigating the complex U.S. alcohol regulations. Both federal and state governments have their own rules, meaning nationwide distribution isn’t immediate. Each state operates independently, so availability in South Carolina doesn’t guarantee availability in California or Texas.
Expanding state by state requires extensive legal work and time. While we’re working on it, expansion is a gradual process that can’t happen overnight.
As you know, we’re big fans of Rupee Beer. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
This isn’t my first business venture, but beer is a passion which I have always admired since I was old enough to drink.
As a beer connoisseur and avid traveler, I’ve embraced one of Anthony Bourdain’s philosophies: to truly experience a culture when traveling, start with the local beer available on tap. My travels fueled a keen admiration for international imports and domestic craft beers.
During COVID, when major beer brands struggled with distribution, our Indian restaurant saw a growing demand from customers for quality beer to pair with meals. Limited options and customer requests sparked the idea to create a beer that’s authentic, unique, and deeply personal to me and my brother.
Our goal was to craft a beer that pairs perfectly with Indian cuisine— with rich, spicy dishes like creamy and complex curries, alongside naan. Traditional highly carbonated beers often cause discomfort with heavy meals and intensify spice by irritating your tongue’s pain receptors. Rupee Beer solves this with lower carbonation, offering a smoother, more enjoyable drinking experience.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We’re available across 20 states right now incising South Carolina, so go look of us at your local Indian or South Asian restaurant in the area. We’re always doing something in and around the area, so feel free to reach out if you are local!
Pricing:
- $12.99 – 14.99, 4-pack, 16 0z
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rupeebeer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rupeebeer/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RupeeBeer/
- Twitter: https://x.com/rupeebeer
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rupeebeer/featured
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@rupeebeer
