Nao Spirits’ exceptional gin, Broken Bat, has achieved remarkable acclaim by winning the esteemed title of ‘Best Gin in Asia’ at The Gin Guide Awards 2023. In addition to this remarkable achievement, Broken Bat has also been recognized as a global winner in the Aged Gin Category, solidifying its position among the finest aged gins worldwide.
Driven by their love for cricket, the artisans at Nao Spirits found inspiration in the legendary Kashmir Willow cricket bats to add an Indian twist to their gin. After a thorough cleaning, the bats were skillfully shaved and their handles removed, leaving behind remnants that were transformed into wood chips. These chips were then toasted and immersed in Greater Than’s Classic London Dry gin, allowing for a remarkable fusion of flavors, aromas, and hues. This innovative process created a one-of-a-kind gin experience, showcasing a captivating color palette, enticing aromatics, and a truly unique taste profile.
Anand Virmani, Co-founder, CEO, and Distiller at Nao Spirits & Beverages sharing his excitement over the win said, “We always push ourselves at the distillery to create gins that push the limits of what can be done. When we set out to create an aged gin, we knew we were taking a massive risk by ditching the usual oak barrels and instead opting for Kashmir Willow which had never previously been used to age any spirit. We have been getting a lot of love for Broken Bat already, but to win “Best Gin in Asia” and Win the overall Aged Gin category takes everything to another incredible level. All of us are absolutely honored and look forward to taking this Gin to the rest of the world.”
The competition showcased a thorough assessment procedure, wherein a diverse group of judges from around the world evaluated hundreds of Gins hailing from over 35 different countries. Securing an esteemed award undoubtedly signifies the exceptional quality of the spirit, but more significantly, it underscores the increasing acknowledgment and embrace of inventive Indian craft spirits.
The Broken Bat made its debut in India and Australia in November 2022, setting a new precedent. This unique offering is currently available as a limited edition in three Indian states: Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. However, the distillers have plans to expand its availability to include Rajasthan, Telangana, West Bengal, and Haryana in the coming months.