Indian Gin & Distilleries in India
On This Page: Indian Gin and Distillery directory, reviews and tasting notes, distillery tours in India, interviews with Indian distillers, and industry insights with Sakshi Arora of Jaisalmer Gin.
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Evidence of alcohol consumption in India dates back as far as 3,000 BC and Indian Tonic Water was created in the 1800s by British Army officers, however, it is only in recent years that the Gin industry has begun to grow in India. Edward Dyer established the first distillery in India in the 1820s producing Rum and Whisky, which have been the predominant spirits, while Gin only accounted for 1% of consumption as recently as 2021. However, since the launch of Nao Spirits' Greater Than Gin and Hapusa Gin in 2017, and Radico Khaitan's Jaisalmer Gin in 2018, the Gin industry has been growing rapidly, with more recent launches including Jamun Dry Gin launched in 2022 by Mohan Meakin Distillery, and Cherrapunji Gin launched in 2023 by Raincheck Earth Co.
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Indian Gin Reviews - A to Z
Cherrapunji Gin
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Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin was launched in 2023 by Raincheck Earth Co, founded by Mayukh Hazarika from Cherrapunji in Meghalaya. The North East Indian town is known as 'the rainiest place on earth' and has the world record for the highest amount of rainfall in a year. It is this rainwater that is purified and used alongside North East Indian botanicals to make Cherrapunji Gin. The bottles are made of military-grade stainless steel with the aim of minimising the gin's carbon footprint and providing a reusable container.
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Greater Than Gin
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In 2015, bar owners Anand Virmani and Vaibhav Singh were inspired to bring craft gin to India - the birthplace of the Gin & Tonic - and to share Indian Gin with global markets. After experimenting with India's rich array of fruits, spices, and herbs, they created two recipes they were proud of: Greater Than and Hapusa Gin. In 2017, Nao Spirits was established and the two gins were launched, making Nao Spirits one of pioneers of the Indian craft gin industry. Based in Goa, their distillery is home to a 1,000L Haygo Copper Pot Still.
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Hapusa Gin
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Hapusa Himalayan Dry Gin was the second launch by Nao Spirits, after Greater Than London Dry Gin. Named after the Sanskit for 'juniper', Hapusa Gin aims to showcase Indian flavours and features botanicals including Gondhoray lemon peel, fresh turmeric, gin, cardamom and raw mango.
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Jaisalmer Gin
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Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin was launched in 2018 by Radico Khaitan, one of the oldest whisky distillers in India and one of the largest alcohol distillers in Asia. Botanicals from across India are used, including Darjeeling green tea and vetiver, and Jaisalmer Gin is named after the city of Jaisalmer in the Thar Desert, a former medieval trading centre best known for its fortress. The fort is depicted on the Jaisalmer Gin logo and bottle above an Indian Antelope in reference to the Jaisalmer State coat of arms.
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Jamun Dry Gin
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Jamun Dry Gin was launched in 2022 and is produced at India's oldest distillery, Mohan Meakin Distillery, established in the mid-1800s. As a key point of difference, Jamun Dry Gin is made with Himalayan spring water and Himalayan Juniper (Juniperus Recurva) unlike the vast majority of gins which use Common Juniper (Juniperus Communis). Jamun Dry Gin is now available in the UK, imported by IM Drinks.
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More Indian Gins:
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The Gin Guide Awards:
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Meet the Makers
Get to know some of India's finest gin creators and distillers in our 'Meet the Maker' interviews. Find out what inspired them and how they created and launched their gin, how it's made, what botanicals are used, how best to serve their gin, and what they have planned for the future:
Mayukh Hazarika, Founder
Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin Interview Coming Soon |
Anand Virmani, Co-Founder
Greater Than / Hapusa Gin Interview Coming Soon |
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The Inside Scoop
We caught up with Sakshi Arora, Marketing Manager of Radico Khaitan who produce Jaisalmer Gin in India, to find out what makes Indian Gin special and how the industry has grown in recent years:
What is India's history with spirits and distilling?
As per some historians, alcohol distillation originated in India during the Indus Valley civilisation between 3000 BC and 2000 BC. The Ayurvedic texts mention the benefits as well as ill effects of alcoholic beverages, but conclude that consumption of alcohol in moderation can act as a medicine. There is also mention of alcohol in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
How has the Indian Gin industry developed in recent years?
In India, gin as a category has not grown until the past few years. However, in line with the global revival of demand for gin, India is also seeing growing popularity of gin. Though starting from a near non-existent base, the consumption is increasing very rapidly. Despite the Gin & Tonic originating in India, until recently there were no world class gins being made in India. However, the scenario has changed in the last three years and there is a growing number of craft gin brands that are now available not only for the Indian domestic market but also being exported globally.
What makes Indian Gin different or special?
The knowledge of herbs and use of botanicals is a time honoured tradition in India. The recipe of Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin is derived from this ancient knowledge. Geographical location also add to the mysticism of Indian gins. Our endeavour is to share the unique flavours of India with the world. Jaisalmer Gin has only 11 botanicals and of these 7 have been sourced from four corners of India, including Darjeeling Green Tea leaves and Vetiver.
What's next for the gin industry in India?
The future of Gin in India looks very promising. Growing consumption coupled with innovation and experimentation with botanicals and flavours augurs well for both Indian and global consumers. The journey has just started.
What is India's history with spirits and distilling?
As per some historians, alcohol distillation originated in India during the Indus Valley civilisation between 3000 BC and 2000 BC. The Ayurvedic texts mention the benefits as well as ill effects of alcoholic beverages, but conclude that consumption of alcohol in moderation can act as a medicine. There is also mention of alcohol in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
How has the Indian Gin industry developed in recent years?
In India, gin as a category has not grown until the past few years. However, in line with the global revival of demand for gin, India is also seeing growing popularity of gin. Though starting from a near non-existent base, the consumption is increasing very rapidly. Despite the Gin & Tonic originating in India, until recently there were no world class gins being made in India. However, the scenario has changed in the last three years and there is a growing number of craft gin brands that are now available not only for the Indian domestic market but also being exported globally.
What makes Indian Gin different or special?
The knowledge of herbs and use of botanicals is a time honoured tradition in India. The recipe of Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin is derived from this ancient knowledge. Geographical location also add to the mysticism of Indian gins. Our endeavour is to share the unique flavours of India with the world. Jaisalmer Gin has only 11 botanicals and of these 7 have been sourced from four corners of India, including Darjeeling Green Tea leaves and Vetiver.
What's next for the gin industry in India?
The future of Gin in India looks very promising. Growing consumption coupled with innovation and experimentation with botanicals and flavours augurs well for both Indian and global consumers. The journey has just started.
