10 Best Indian Gin Brands You Must Try

Fancy a tipple that's not your usual juniper routine? Then listen up, because India's gin scene is exploding with flavours that'll tantalise your taste buds and have you rethinking your G&T.

Forget everything you thought you knew about gin. Indian gin brands are throwing out the rulebook, using local botanicals and spices to create something truly unique. We're talking citrusy twists, earthy notes, and even a hint of rose. Intrigued?

This article is your one-stop shop for the hottest Indian gin brands on the market. We'll be diving deep into the world of Indian gin brands, and exploring some of the newer players like Stranger & Sons and Malhar. We'll also be taking a peek at some regional specialities that boast unexpected flavours you won't find anywhere else.

So, grab your favourite tonic (or get adventurous with some local Indian sodas), settle in, and get ready to discover.

Here is the list of Indian gin brands you must try

Cherrapunji Gin

One particularly interesting Indian gin brand is Cherrapunji Gin by Raincheck Earth Company. This eco-conscious gin hails from Meghalaya, a region known for being one of the wettest places on Earth. But here's the twist: despite the abundance of rain, Cherrapunji also faces water scarcity during winters. The brand uses this very contrast as its inspiration!

Their signature gin is crafted with purified rainwater, highlighting the preciousness of this resource. They also source botanicals from local farmers, including GI-tagged Khasi Mandarins and smoked tea, giving their gin a distinctly regional flavour profile. Plus, the beautiful, reusable steel bottles depicting the vibrant landscapes of Meghalaya make Cherrapunji Gin a visual treat as well.

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Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin

Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin, named after the Golden City in Rajasthan, is a pioneer among Indian gin brands. Launched by Radico Khaitan, one of India's largest alcohol producers, Jaisalmer takes a unique approach to botanicals. Their famous Classic gin boasts 18 botanicals, 14 of which are sourced from all corners of India.

Imagine coriander seeds grown in Jaisalmer itself mingling with citrus peels from central India, Darjeeling green tea leaves, and even saffron from Kashmir. This pan-Indian flavour profile creates a complex gin with notes of spice, citrus, and a hint of floral character. To add a touch of local flair, Jaisalmer even filters their gin through silk filaments, a subtle nod to the city's architectural beauty.

Mohulo 

Mohulo Gin, brought to you by NV Group, one of India's largest distillers, is all about celebrating the essence of India in a glass. Their signature gin takes a classic juniper base and infuses it with a twist — Mahua flowers. These fragrant blooms, traditionally used in tribal communities, lend a subtle sweetness to Mohulo Gin.

The result? A smooth and well-balanced spirit that combines delicate floral notes with a touch of citrus and the familiar juniper backbone. Fans love its long, lingering finish with a hint of spice and a subtle floral aftertaste, making it perfect for sipping neat or crafting a gin cocktail.

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Amrut Nilgiris

Amrut, already renowned for their single malt whiskies, has dipped their toes into the gin world with the Amrut Nilgiris. This exciting offering comes from India's first craft gin distillery and draws inspiration from the majestic Nilgiri Hills. The distillery, nestled at a cool 7,000 feet above sea level, utilises the freshest botanicals sourced directly from these mountains.

Think juniper, of course, but also fragrant vetiver, citrusy peels, and the unexpected addition of Nilgiri tea. This combination translates into a gin with a complex flavour profile. Expect a delightful interplay of juniper's familiar dryness with citrusy brightness, earthy depth from vetiver, and a subtle hint of tea for a truly refreshing gin experience.

Short Story

Short Story, a brainchild of the award-winning Third Eye Distillery (creators of Stranger & Sons Gin), isn't your average one-chapter wonder. This brand focuses on crafting high-quality essential spirits, with their Dry Gin being the star of the show. Short Story takes a classic London Dry approach, building a strong juniper base.

They source some botanicals from around the world but also incorporate unexpected Indian ingredients like grapefruit and cubeb berries. This blend creates a refreshingly balanced gin with a crisp juniper backbone, invigorating citrus notes, and a touch of peppery warmth from the cubeb berries. Perfect for a classic G&T or a base for more adventurous gin concoctions, Short Story is quickly becoming a favourite among Indian gin enthusiasts.

Chambal Gin

Inspired by the wild landscapes of the Chambal River Valley, Chambal Gin is a creation of Bapuna Alcobrew, a family-run distillery with a rich heritage. Their signature Chambal Dry Gin boasts a blend of botanicals that capture the essence of the region. Juniper berries provide the gin's foundation, but it's the interplay of citrus peels, black and green cardamom, and wild cinnamon bark that truly sets it apart.

Imagine earthy spice mingling with refreshing citrus and a hint of warmth from the cinnamon, all underscored by the classic juniper bite. This complex flavour profile makes Chambal Gin a versatile spirit, perfect for enjoying neat, on the rocks, or as a base for a bold and flavourful gin cocktail.

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Kumaon & I

Crafted by Himmaleh Spirits, a family-owned distillery nestled amidst the foothills of the Himalayas, Kumaon & I is India's first provincial gin. This means every botanical in their signature dry gin is meticulously sourced from the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Think juniper berries, of course, but also local finds like Timur pepper (known for its citrusy-spice combo), black turmeric grown at high altitudes, and even Galgal, a local citrus.  

This hyper-local focus translates into a gin bursting with flavour. Expect a delightful mix of cool, spicy peppercorns, refreshing citrus notes, and earthy hints from the mountain botanicals. The finish is dry and lingering, making Kumaon & I a perfect choice for gin purists or those seeking a truly unique flavour experience.

Matinee Gin

Speakeasy Spirits, founded by women who are passionate about gin and history, created Matinee Gin. This innovative spirit holds the distinction of being India's first and only women-founded gin brand, launched in late 2021. Matinee pays tribute to the matinee era, the golden age of Indian cinema. Their signature gin blends classic juniper with a decidedly desi twist.  

Expect familiar botanicals like cardamom and orange peel alongside some unexpected Indian ingredients like snake saffron, white turmeric, and Goan peppercorn. This combination creates a gin that's both refreshingly citrusy and subtly spiced, with a hint of earthiness for a complex and well-rounded flavour profile. So, raise a glass to female entrepreneurship and innovative flavour with Matinee Gin.

Saṃsāra

Hailing from Spaceman Spirits Lab, Saṃsāra Gin is on a mission to showcase the incredible diversity of Indian botanicals. Their two distinct series, The Secret Orchard and The Vale of Paradise cater to different palates. The Secret Orchard focuses on creating a well-balanced, sipping gin perfect on its own or with a touch of tonic. This expression emphasises classic juniper but layers in Indian botanicals for a subtle twist. Think hints of citrus and floral notes alongside the familiar juniper backbone.

The Vale of Paradise, on the other hand, is a small-batch gin crafted with botanicals foraged from the Kashmir Valley. This expression delves deeper into regional flavours, offering a taste of the Himalayas with earthy notes and potentially even a hint of Kashmiri saffron. No matter your preference, Saṃsāra Gin offers a journey through the world of Indian botanicals.

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Sector Gin

Crafted by Living Root Distilleries, Sector Gin is a prime example of the exciting new wave in Indian gin. They take a two-step approach, distilling both the base gin and a separate citrus concentrate before blending them for a perfectly balanced spirit. Juniper forms the foundation, of course, but Sector Gin gets its intrigue from a combination of classic and atypical botanicals.

Imagine Italian juniper berries mingling with Indian coriander seeds, followed by a burst of citrus from Valencia oranges and Turkish grapefruits. But that's not all, Sector throws in some curveballs with turmeric and orris root for a smooth mouthfeel, while cubeb berries, Cochin ginger, and lemon balm add a touch of spice and a well-rounded finish. This blend makes Sector Gin a versatile option, perfect for a classic G&T or adding an unexpected twist to your favourite cocktails.