11 Gin Brands That Promise To Delight Your Senses – NDTV Foods Recommendations

Let’s agree – India has experienced a gin revolution in the past few years. We have seen the Indian gin landscape blooming like never before. What used to be the tiniest section on the bar menu has now taken over the country with an endless list. So much so that today you will find at least one fine bottle of a gin in everyone’s collection. This has subsequently paved the way for more and more Indian brands to come up with their inventions, conquering the Indian gin market. The main ingredient in the gin-making process is juniper berries, which are grown in India in a moderate amount. While some brands use Indian ones, most of the others source them from Europe. But having said that, what makes Indian gins stand out in the lot is the use of some interesting botanicals. The brands use various herbs and spices including clove, turmeric, coriander, orange peel, hemp and more, revolutionising the whole idea of gin concoction.
We bring you some of our favourite homegrown gin brands that are creating a buzz in the Indian gin market. Read on to know our recommendations.

Here Are 11 Gin Brands That Promise to Delight Your Senses – NDTV Food’s Recommendations:

1. Short Story Gin:

If you are looking to taste something new and fresh, then Short Story Gin is a must-try. Launched in September 2022, this home-grown brand offers triple-distilled classic London dry gin with a juniper backbone. It is currently available in Mumbai, Goa, Delhi and Bangalore. 
Preferred concoction: Short Story – 30 ml, tonic water – 100 ml, garnish: a slice of ginger, cucumber, green chilli 

2. Stranger And Sons:

Owing to its unique botanical makeup, Stranger & Sons has a three-dimensional flavour profile. The citrus peels give the gin a beautiful freshness on the front palate, which is rounded off with a robust blend of warm spices including black pepper, mace, nutmeg and coriander that give it a strong spiced middle. Liquorice, cassia bark and mace make the finishing flourish smooth, earthy and sweet. The brand was declared one of the eight best gins in the world by the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2020. Later, it also made its position in the Asian Spirit Masters 2021 list.
Preferred concoction: Stranger & Sons – 45 ml, Indian tonic water – 120 ml, garnish: a slice of ginger

3. Jin Jiji India Dry Gin

Jin Jiji India Dry Gin is a captivating spirit that masterfully bridges traditional gin with Indian botanicals. The juniper-led foundation is robust and familiar, yet it’s the subtle infusion of cashew, holy basil, and black tea that sets it apart. These unique elements introduce intriguing layers of complexity, creating a harmonious and exotic flavour profile. The gin’s smooth texture and balanced finish make it equally enjoyable neat, on the rocks, or as the base for a creative cocktail. It’s a truly distinctive expression of Indian gin.

4. Greater Than:

Greater Than by NAO Spirits is the first craft gin and London Dry gin made in India. The white spirit made with botanicals sourced from all across the world tastes of clean juniper, with fresh lemon peel on the nose and a zing of ginger on the finish, making it perhaps the perfect summer spirit. Besides, the concoction is also dominated by some popular Indian flavours including coriander, fennel seeds, chamomile and lemongrass.
Preferred concoction: Greater Than – 30 ml, Indian tonic water – 100 ml, garnish: kefir lime or gondhoraj lemon wedge