The Best Quality Gin in India and Its Ingredients: Exploring Jaisalmer’s Indian Craft Gin
In recent years, the gin market in India has seen a surge in innovation and quality. With the rise of home-grown brands such as Greater Than and Hapusa from Nao Spirits, Stranger Sons Gin, and others, the gin landscape in India has become more diverse and fascinating. Consumers can now enjoy a range of premium offerings that capture the unique flavors and aromas of the country's rich culinary traditions.
Botanicals and Taste Profiles of Indian Gin
Gin derives its distinct taste from the various botanicals added to the base spirit, with juniper berries being a key component. However, the play of these botanicals can result in a wide array of flavors, making gin a versatile and popular choice.
Gin and tonic, a classic combination, remains a favorite among gin enthusiasts. As a result, the best gins in India, including brands like Bombay Sapphire, Botanist, and Hapusa, continue to dominate the market. Despite these established favorites, a truly 'desi' (India's) gin, as per the statement, is not easily found in the market.
Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin: A Distinctive Blend
Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin stands out for its unique blend of traditional and contemporary ingredients. Produced by Jaisalmer-based master blender Anoop Barik and crafted at the Radico Khaitan distillery in Rampur, this gin is triple-distilled and utilizes a total of eleven botanicals. A key component is vetiver, sourced from the fields surrounding Jaisalmer. This complex and peppery spice is known for its links to lemongrass, adding depth and a unique taste profile to the gin.
Other Indian botanicals included in the blend are coriander, lemon peel, sweet orange peel, and lemongrass. Interestingly, Darjeeling green tea leaves are also a part of this unique mix, creating a distinct and aromatic flavor not commonly found in traditional gin recipes.
Aroma, Flavor, and Distillation Process
The Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin has a proof of 43, indicating its strength and purity. Upon opening a bottle, the juniper and lemon notes come through strongly, accompanied by floral and spicy aromas. The distillation process has managed to capture the essence of these ingredients, resulting in a fresh and invigorating bouquet reminiscent of fresh lemons and juniper berries.
Speaking of the taste, the gin presents a fresh and zesty palate, with the juniper and lemon flavors dominating the front. The peppery notes from the vetiver and coriander add layers to the middle palate, while the finish is clean and crisp, leaving behind a pleasant aftertaste of green tea and citrus.
Conclusion
The best quality gins in India are a testament to the country’s rich culinary heritage and the skill of its distillers. Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin, with its unique blend of botanicals and attention to distillation, stands out as a premium choice for gin enthusiasts who appreciate a truly Indian flavor.