Thirsty Thursdays: How to Buy Alcohol at Grand Bugwati Hotel, Ahmedabad, India

After successfully getting my alcohol permit at the office in the Grand Bugwati Hotel, it was time to get purchasing some booze in Indian’s strictest ‘dry state’, Gujarat. I had my permit in my hand having got it in the office directly next door to the alcohol shop. All of this in the crazy city of Ahmenabad.

What Alcohol Can You Buy at GBH Shop?
You will be surprised. The range is vast, and international. You can buy almost the same booze as you can in an off licence in England, Germany or Northern Ireland. Obviously due to the geographic location there are not as many brands but the usual suspects are all here:
– Fosters Lager
– Budweiser
– Strongbow Cider
– Red and White Wines from Chile, France, Italy etc.
– Bombay Sapphire Gin
– Jim Beam Bourbon
– Smirnoff Vodka
– Bailey’s Irish Cream
(there was no Guinness, Kokanee or Bintang – probably my favourite beer hat-trick)

Alcohol Limit
With every permit, there is a limit. I was on a tourist permit and could purchase a maximum of 3 bottles of wine, 12 bottles of beer and 2 bottles of spirits. At any rate, that’s enough for a booze up anyway isn’t it?! They stamp and sign it as you buy it so they have a record of what you have bought.

The Only Disappointment?
The only disappointing thing is they don’t have a fridge. So the beers aren’t cold. But to make up for it, you’re in for a treat – Kangaro 10,000! Yes, the rare Kangaro 10000 – a special beer.

Gujarat’s Only Beer: Kangaro 10,000
Despite being a ‘dry state’, Gujarat has its own cool beer! This was a must for me. I made this a priority and at 70 Rupees a bottle, it was a steal! 70pence for a beer I can only buy here? Yes please! I grabbed a few other beers and wines along with Katia my travel buddy, she also had a permit.

On a certain Facebook Page, this is cited as the “world’s best beer”, so what did I think of it?

At my hotel room, I put the beer into cold water in the sink to try and keep it chilled. Alas, as Michael Palin did, I drank the stuff semi warm and I loved it. It was a good moment in life as I sat sipping the cherished nectar – Kangaro 10000. I was based in the Hotel Formule One Ahmedabad and as sunfell and moonrose, it was time to reflect on the Gandhi tours before booking a train south to North Goa province.