If you're looking to unwind with a refreshingly delightful drink, then Indian gin is just the thing for you! It's like a liquid postcard from India, with lively citrus zings and cozy spice notes that shout out to the country's vast gardens and rich food heritage.
As we move past its historical beginnings, Indian gin stands out in today's global spirits scene. It brilliantly uses innovative distilling methods to craft distinctive and delightful flavors.
Ready to journey back in time? Let’s see how gin’s story in India evolved from a simple colonial import to a beacon of craft and creativity.
The Historical Roots: From Colonial Times to Local Craft
Gin made its way to India alongside the British, who combined it with tonic to prevent malaria. Originating as a health remedy, this practice evolved into a dynamic craft movement, transforming local botanicals like coriander and vetiver into captivating blends. Each sip narrates a story of India that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly novel.
Did You Know? The British originally added gin to their tonic water not just for the flavor but to mask the bitter taste of quinine, which was used to prevent malaria.
From early distilleries set up by the British to modern local establishments, the stage was set for a craft gin movement. With our historical backdrop in place, let’s explore how today’s Indian gin makers are mixing tradition with modern flair to redefine the craft.
Innovations Reshaping Indian Gin
Today's distillers are the modern alchemists of flavors, leading a gin renaissance that appeals to a global palate. They use locally sourced botanicals to showcase India’s rich biodiversity. Employing age-old distillation methods combined with contemporary technology, they capture the essence of the Indian spice trail.
Did You Know? Some Indian gins use juniper berries found at elevations over 3000 meters, which contributes to a distinct flavor profile unique to the region.
Now that Indian gin has mastered the art of distillation let us look at the best Indian Gins.
Exploring the Best Indian Gins
Explore these remarkable Indian gins, which beautifully highlight the creativity and skill driving Indian gin's rise onto the world stage. Let's discover what sets each one apart.
Greater Than
Origin: Crafted in Goa, Greater Than is India’s first craft gin made using botanicals sourced globally. It offers a refreshing taste with a predominant flavor of citrus and juniper, making it ideal for a classic gin and tonic.
Tasting Notes: A bright and zesty palate with pronounced lemon peel and a subtle botanical complexity.
Perfect Serve: Best enjoyed with tonic and a slice of lemon or cucumber to enhance its fresh botanicals.
Hapusa
Origin: Distinct for its use of wild Himalayan juniper, Hapusa is a bold expression of India’s natural resources. Its name, meaning juniper in Sanskrit, reflects its deep roots in Indian tradition.
Tasting Notes: Hapusa is earthy and aromatic, with an underpinning of pine. It also features exotic spices and a hint of mango, adding a tropical layer to its profile.
Perfect Serve: Serve neat with a twist of orange peel or in a martini to showcase its robust flavors.
3. Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin
Origin: Named after the historic city, Jaisalmer captures the royal heritage of India through its careful selection of local botanicals.
Tasting Notes: Complex and vibrant, it combines the sweetness of licorice with a medley of spicy and floral notes from coriander, vetiver, and sweet orange peel.
Perfect Serve: Enhance its royal bouquet with a classic tonic and a garnish of lime or mix into a spiced gin cocktail to emphasize its regal roots.
4 Stranger & Sons
Origin: This gin is a tribute to India’s rich spice heritage, incorporating a mix of traditional spices and the zest of rare Indian citrus fruits.
Tasting Notes: Bold and spicy, with a strong presence of black pepper, nutmeg, and mace balanced by citrusy undertones.
Perfect Serve: Its complex flavors are best expressed in a Negroni or a spicy gin and tonic, garnished with a slice of ginger to accentuate its peppery notes.
5. Pumori
Origin: Pumori gin is distilled at the foothills of the Himalayas near the Pumori mountain and includes 12 unique botanicals.
Tasting Notes: A harmony of rosemary, almond, and orange peel creates a refreshing and earthy flavor.
Perfect Serve: This is perfect for a classic gin and tonic, garnished with orange or rosemary to accentuate its herbal and citrus notes.
Now it’s time to charm gin lovers across the globe. Let’s see how Indian Gins are making their mark worldwide.
Global Recognition of Indian Gin
Indian gins such as Greater Than and Stranger & Sons are not just gaining traction; they're winning hearts and awards internationally. These accolades celebrate their quality and uniqueness, bringing a piece of India’s rich botanical heritage to connoisseurs around the world.
Did You Know? As of 2021, the craft gin market was growing at an impressive annual rate of 50%, reflecting the soaring popularity of gin among Indian consumers and its burgeoning international appeal.
With such solid ground beneath their feet, what’s on the horizon for Indian gin? Let’s peek into the future.
The Future of Indian Gin
As distilleries innovate with new botanicals and techniques, they're set to redefine how the world perceives gin. Recent experiments with ingredients like Darjeeling tea and Indian black pepper are opening new flavor avenues, paving the way for Indian gin to become a staple in bars worldwide.
The future of Indian gin involves setting new trends and maintaining quality. Every gin maker desires a world where cocktail lovers seek out Indian gins for their unique flavors and stories. As the craft spirit movement grows, Indian gin makers are poised to showcase their rich heritage and innovative spirits globally.
Conclusion
The story of Indian gin is one of resurgence and transformation—a spirit that celebrates its rich historical roots while embracing the innovations that define its present and future. From the regal blends of Jaisalmer to the pioneering spirits of Greater Than and Hapusa, Indian gin is making a definitive mark. If you’re keen to explore this vibrant world, visit Boho-The Bar in Sarjapur, Bangalore. It’s the place to expand your gin horizons and experience the innovative and traditional blends that make gins truly unique.
Indian gin offers a rich tapestry of flavors for both enthusiasts and newcomers. Have you explored the diverse world of Indian gin yet? What’s your favorite gin find?
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