In the vibrant coastal state of Goa, a trailblazer is redefining India’s beer industry with a blend of tradition, innovation, and social impact. Rasagna Rao Dharmana, the country’s first woman to establish a commercial brewery, is making waves through her venture, Reybier Alco Bev Private Limited (RAB). With her flagship brand REYBIER, Rasagna is not only reviving heritage-inspired beers but also championing sustainability, empowering local farmers, and breaking gender barriers in a male-dominated industry. Her journey is an inspiring tale of courage, vision, and a commitment to creating a more inclusive and eco-conscious future.
From Vision to Victory: A Trailblazing Journey
Rasagna’s path to becoming India’s first female commercial brewery entrepreneur is as bold as the beers she crafts. A mechanical engineering graduate from GITAM University in Visakhapatnam, Rasagna furthered her education with dual MBAs in Entrepreneurship and Operations from Complutense University of Madrid and Cornell University, USA. Her time in Spain, surrounded by a vibrant brewery culture, sparked her curiosity about the craft of brewing. Visiting breweries across Europe and working on operations consulting projects for a local brewery ignited her passion to bring this art back to India.
In 2017, Rasagna took her first leap by founding Myz-Uno, Andhra Pradesh’s first and largest microbrewery in Visakhapatnam. The venture was a bold move in a city unfamiliar with microbrewery culture, especially led by a woman. Despite facing skepticism and societal pushback, Rasagna’s Belgium-themed brewery became a success, offering flavors like Belgian wheat and German wheat that captivated local patrons. Emboldened by this achievement, she set her sights higher, establishing REYBIER in Goa in 2021—a state-of-the-art commercial brewery that marks a historic milestone as India’s first woman-led venture of its kind.
Reviving Heritage Through Craft Beer
REYBIER, meaning “King of Beers,” is more than a brand; it’s a celebration of India’s rich cultural and brewing heritage. Rasagna draws inspiration from ancient Indian brewing traditions, such as the Vedic-era “sura,” a fermented grain-based drink, and rice beers documented in Indus Valley artifacts. Her beers—Royal C’zar (Super Strong & Lager), Mr. BOB (Pilsner), and Marengo (Hefeweizen)—blend traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, offering flavors that resonate with both Indian and global palates. By reintroducing “Indian heritage” beers, Rasagna aims to bridge generational and gender divides, creating drinks that evoke pride in India’s past while appealing to contemporary tastes.
At REYBIER’s 3-acre facility in Goa, equipped with a 45 HL 4-vessel brewhouse capable of producing 1 million cases annually, Rasagna emphasizes quality and creativity. The brewery’s Innovation Bank encourages all employees, regardless of tenure, to propose new flavors, fostering a collaborative spirit. From mango ciders to experimental brews, REYBIER’s offerings reflect Rasagna’s belief in delivering “a beer that creates a serene environment” for life’s celebrations and frustrations.
Sustainability at the Core
Rasagna’s vision extends beyond crafting exceptional beers; she is committed to sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact. REYBIER is a zero-coal consumption organization, with plans to achieve zero-water wastage by the end of 2023. The brewery sources energy from solar power and is working toward meeting green energy industry standards. By partnering with local farmers, Rasagna ensures that raw materials like barley and hops are sustainably sourced, reducing the carbon footprint and supporting Goa’s agricultural community. These efforts not only enhance the brewery’s eco-friendly credentials but also empower local farmers, providing them with stable income and recognition.
Rasagna’s focus on sustainability aligns with global trends in the brewing industry, where eco-conscious practices are gaining traction. Her commitment to reducing waste and supporting local ecosystems sets a benchmark for other Indian breweries, proving that profitability and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
Breaking Gender Barriers
As a woman in a historically male-dominated industry, Rasagna has faced her share of challenges, from navigating a male-centric supply chain to overcoming societal stereotypes. “People would pass comments about how I, being a woman, could support a microbrewery culture,” she recalls. Yet, her resilience and belief that “personality type drives how you are seen more than your gender” have propelled her forward. Inspired by historical figures like Ninkasi, the Mesopotamian goddess of beer, and modern pioneers like Madame Clicquot, Rasagna sees her gender as an asset, leveraging women’s superior sense of smell, taste, and creativity to excel in brewing.
Through REYBIER, Rasagna is paving the way for other women in the alcohol beverage sector. Her brewery actively supports women in building careers, offering opportunities in a field where they have been historically underrepresented. Her leadership is a beacon for aspiring female entrepreneurs, demonstrating that determination and skill can shatter glass ceilings. As she told Brewer World, “I take this as a strong responsibility to lead and deliver it to future generations with passion and success.”
A Global Vision with Local Roots
Rasagna’s ambitions are global. REYBIER is expanding its reach, with plans to supply Royal C’zar and Mr. BOB to international markets, including the US, UAE, and Singapore. A Singapore distributor recently expressed excitement about working with India’s first female brewery owner, highlighting the global appeal of her story. By choosing Goa for its pristine water, renowned for producing high-quality beers, Rasagna has positioned REYBIER as a premium brand with international potential.
Yet, her roots remain firmly in India. Rasagna’s work celebrates local flavors and communities, from sourcing ingredients from Goan farmers to drawing inspiration from India’s ancient brewing heritage. Her story resonates with India’s youth, who are increasingly embracing craft beer as a symbol of modernity and cultural pride.
An Inspiration for Change
Rasagna Rao Dharmana’s journey is a powerful narrative of breaking barriers, honoring heritage, and building a sustainable future. As India’s first woman-led commercial brewery, REYBIER is not just brewing beer but brewing change—empowering women, supporting local farmers, and reviving the country’s rich brewing traditions. Rasagna’s story inspires a new generation of entrepreneurs to dream big, challenge norms, and create impact with purpose.
In her own words, “You think big, and you get big.” Rasagna’s vision is a toast to innovation, sustainability, and equality, proving that one woman’s passion can transform an industry and inspire a nation. As REYBIER’s beers flow from Goa to the world, they carry with them the spirit of a revolution—one sip at a time.
