Where's My Homegrown Gin?

Gin is more than just a spirit. It’s a world of flavour and creativity, packed in a bottle. With its myriad botanicals, herbs, and spices, gin offers endless possibilities for taste exploration, from the classic G&T to innovative craft cocktails. These days, gin lovers are looking closer to home as the craft gin movement continues to explode. The rise of local distilleries is making the world of gin even more exciting, and we’re going along for the high. The Indian craft gin scene got its start back in 2015, but only really took off post 2018, with Goa leading the charge. But it didn’t stop there. Now, gins are popping up all over the country, from Bengaluru to Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Meghalaya. Here’s a list of the coolest Indian gins you absolutely need to drink, if you haven’t already.

Greater Than

Greater Than, the gin that sparked India’s craft gin revolution, is a juniper and citrus-forward London Dry gin made in Goa. Copper pot distilled, it features botanicals sourced from both India and around the world. Known for its clean juniper aroma, fresh lemon peel, and a hint of ginger on the finish, Greater Than is India’s first London Dry gin. The brand has since expanded its range with a Juniper-heavy version called Juniper Bomb and a coffee-infused No Sleep expression, further cementing its place in the country’s craft gin scene.

Hapusa

Hapusa was launched as a premium follow-up to Greater Than gin, earning its place as a true Himalayan Dry Gin. With unique ingredients like turmeric and mango, it’s a gin that stands out in flavour and for its stunning bottle. Named after the Sanskrit word for Juniper, Hapusa gives this gin its bold aroma and untamed character. This rare juniper berry, found near the snow line of the Himalayas, forms the foundation of the gin, around which other botanicals from across India are carefully layered – making it a one-of-a-kind, distinctly Indian tipple.

Terry Sent Me!

Terry Sent Me! is a small batch crafted gin with a unique twist, dubbed the ‘speakeasy gin’ and you can only find it in Goa for the moment. This gin is delicate yet traditional, featuring bold flavours of juniper and cardamom and finishes with a delightful spice, leaving behind lingering hints of smoky Sichuan and Sancho pepper. The label of the bottle stands out, paying homage to the vibrant world of 1930s speakeasy bars, where secret doors hid a colourful atmosphere and spirit, offering a fun, nostalgic blast from the past.

Baagh Gin

Currently available only in Mumbai and Pune, Baagh is a vibrant, well-balanced gin that hits all the right notes; zesty Nagpur orange, crisp lime, and a hint of spice - making it the perfect choice for a refreshing G&T. But Baagh isn’t just about great taste, it’s a gin with a mission, captured in its tagline: ‘No Planet No Party.’ The name, which means garden in Hindi, is a nod to the importance of preserving our planet. A portion of Baagh’s profits goes towards rewilding and agro-biodiversity efforts in Assam, in partnership with The Balipara Foundation. Plus, the distillery works with local farmers, ensuring the land and its people thrive alongside this divine gin.

Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin

This delightful gin is inspired by the lush, rain-soaked region of Meghalaya in northeastern India. Known for receiving some of the highest rainfall in the world, with Cherrapunji averaging around 11,000 mm annually, this gin captures the essence of the area. It’s crafted using rainwater, native botanicals sourced not only from Meghalaya but also from Assam, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, is packed in distinctive stainless steel bottles and brings together the rich flavours of the region rather proudly.

Soci Gin

Crafted in Goa, Soci Gin is all about shedding inhibitions and embracing life’s wild side. With a refreshing top note of cucumber, it also boasts a blend of botanicals like juniper berries, cardamom, coriander, oranges, and pepper. Inspired by the untamed energy of the jungle, the Garden of Soci and the serpent symbolise freedom and vitality. Just like the creatures of the jungle coming to life at the watering hole, Soci Gin awakens a sense of adventure and curiosity, making each sip feel like a step closer to revealing your wildest fantasies and desires.

Stranger & Sons

Stranger & Sons Gin is a true pioneer in India’s craft gin scene. Hailing from Goa, this ‘masaledar’ gin is packed with bold spices like mace, pepper, and nutmeg, giving it a flavourful punch that’s impossible to ignore. As one of the first gins distilled in post-Independence India, it’s a liquid tribute to the country’s rich heritage, made with handpicked local spices that transport you straight to India’s vibrant spice markets, lively kitchens, and dense jungles. Each sip is a celebration of India’s agricultural soul, unlike any other gin out there.

Terai India Dry Gin

Terai India Dry Gin, crafted in Rajasthan, brings a vibrant twist to the London Dry Gin tradition with its uniquely Indian flavour profile. With 11 signature botanicals, including holy basil, this gin opens with herbaceous notes of coriander, tulsi, and fennel, gradually revealing a beautiful aroma of rose and lavender. Juniper adds a sweet-sour kick, while lush green and citrusy notes give way to a floral bouquet and a piney juniper finish. On the palate, Terai offers a perfect balance of sweet, herbaceous flavours and a dry, spicy, and savoury finish.