The gin industry in India is experiencing a boom like never before, with an array of homegrown brands making their mark in the market. As more people develop a serious appreciation for gin, these Indian brands are capturing attention and offering a unique twist to the traditional spirit. With a treasure trove of exotic herbs and botanicals at their disposal, these gin makers are crafting innovative flavors that celebrate the diversity and richness of India’s botanical heritage. From raw mango to gondhoraj lime to almonds and more, these Indian gin brands are raising the bar and taking the gin experience to new heights.
- Hapusa:
One Indian gin that has been making waves in the industry is Hapusa. Distilled in India, Hapusa combines foraged Himalayan juniper with locally sourced botanicals to create a gin that is distinctly Indian. The name “Hapusa” comes from the Sanskrit word for juniper, which gives this gin its untamed aroma and flavor. The elusive juniper berries, found near the snow line in the Himalayas, provide a unique structure around which the rest of the botanicals are purposefully arranged.
With ingredients from pine forests in the Himalayas, the banks of the Hooghly River, the monsoon forests of Tamil Nadu, and the spice farms of Goa, Hapusa takes your taste buds on a captivating journey. The blend of botanicals, including coriander, gondhoraj lime, almonds, and raw mango, creates a tasting experience that features notes of pine forest, wildflowers, bold earthiness, and a delicately smoked finish.
- Stranger & Sons:
Stranger & Sons is a contemporary Indian gin that encapsulates the essence of India in every bottle. Crafted by Third Eye Distillery in Goa, this gin is made using inherently Indian botanicals, including a unique mix of citrus peels and warm spices like pepper, mace, and nutmeg. The founders of Stranger & Sons wanted to create a product that represents India on the global gin map, and they chose Goa, with its lush spice farms, as the ideal location for their distillery. The gin captures the diversity, nuances, and eccentricities of contemporary India, offering a three-dimensional flavor profile that stays true to its origin.
Stranger & Sons has not only gained recognition within India but has also made a name for itself internationally, with availability in countries like the UK, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, New Zealand, and the UAE. This award-winning gin is a testament to the founders’ dedication to showcasing India’s diversity to the world.
- Greater Than: India’s First Craft Gin
In 2015, two bar owners in Delhi found themselves disappointed with the lack of gin options available in the market. They took matters into their own hands and decided to create their own gin. Thus, Greater Than was born, India’s first craft gin. With a copper pot still and an exploration of spices, herbs, and fruits, they developed a recipe that would satisfy their own bar and the gin enthusiasts across the country. Greater Than London Dry Gin combines the best botanicals from India and around the world, including juniper from Macedonia, angelica root from Germany, almonds from India, orange peel from Spain, and a medley of other ingredients like coriander seeds, fennel, chamomile, ginger, and lemongrass. The result is a clean juniper nose, fresh lemon peel notes, and a zing of ginger on the finish. This gin encapsulates the spirit of going above and beyond, seeking greatness in all things.
- Terai
Terai, a Rajasthan-made Indian dry gin, stands out with its vibrant botanical profile. It incorporates eleven botanicals, including juniper berries, tulsi, coriander, fennel, lemon peel, orange peel, lavender, rose, angelica, and orris root. Each botanical contributes to a distinctive flavor experience that begins with lush green notes lifted by a citrus zest, followed by a characteristic floral bouquet, and finishes with a sweet and piney juniper aroma. Terai’s bottle cap, crafted by local artisans in Channapatna, Karnataka, adds an element of artistry and nostalgia to the overall presentation. This gin is a true testament to the craftsmanship and botanical richness of India.
- Jaisalmer Gin
Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin is a testament to the opulence and elegance associated with royalty. Packaged in a robust and stout bottle with touches of muted gold, this gin embodies the imperial age of Maharajas and Maharanis. Crafted at the Rampur distillery in the foothills of the Himalayas, Jaisalmer Gin is a triple-distilled spirit made in a traditional copper pot still. The recipe draws on ancient Indian knowledge of herbs, with seven out of the eleven botanicals sourced from different corners of India. The gin combines coriander and vetiver from Jaisalmer, sweet orange peel from Central India, cubeb berries and lemongrass from the South, Darjeeling green tea leaves from the East, and more. The result is a gin that exudes class, taste, and elegance.
As the gin industry continues to flourish in India, these homegrown brands are capturing the essence of the country’s rich botanical heritage and pushing the boundaries of gin-making. By incorporating local ingredients and showcasing India’s cultural diversity, these gins provide a unique and unforgettable taste that sets them apart on the global stage. Elevate your bar experience and raise your spirits with these irresistible Indian gin brands, as they take you on a journey of flavors inspired by the bountiful land of India.
