Gin has a long history in India dating back to the colonial era. When the British East India Company established trading posts in India in the 17th century, British officials and traders brought their tastes and drinking habits with them. Gin became a popular drink among the Europeans living in India as it was seen as a refreshing alternative to India's local liquors. Major gin brands from Britain such as Bols, Bombay Sapphire and Gordon's saw growth in the Indian market during this time. However, after India's independence in 1947, the popularity of gin declined significantly as Indians turned towards local spirits.
The Rise of Craft Distilleries
In the last decade, India gin market has seen a resurgence in the gin industry with the rise of craft distilleries producing artisanal, locally-inspired gin. Pioneering craft distilleries like Greater Than in Bengaluru and Jaisalmer's Rampur Distillery helped revive interest in gin among modern Indian drinkers looking to explore native botanicals. These small-batch distilleries infuse gins with regionally-foraged botanicals like daru haldi, tea tree leaves and karpooravalli flowers. The craft distilleries' focus on sustainability and supporting local farmers has also resonated well with conscientious Indian consumers.
Experimentation with Local Botanicals
Craft distillers across India are experimenting with an exciting variety of native botanicals beyond the more commonly-used juniper berries. For example, Dharampur Estate's No. 8 Gin uses eight locally sourced seasonal botanicals like coriander, fennel and ashwagandha. With botanicals sourced from their farms, the India Gin captures the distinct terroir of the Maharashtra region. Other native botanicals that have been featured in Indian craft gins include black pepper from Kerala, vetiver from Karnataka and kacholi flowers from Rajasthan. This focus on indigenous ingredients has allowed gin producers to develop unique profiles celebrating India's diverse botanical wealth.
Emerging Regional Scenes
The craft gin movement is spreading beyond metropolitan cities to smaller towns and rural regions across India. Each area is starting to cultivate its own regional gin scene and identity through native production methods and local ingredients. For instance, producers in the Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand infuse gins with alpine herbs. The coastal Konkan region specializes in gins flavoured with cashew apples and palm jaggery. The Nilgiris high ranges in Tamil Nadu offer tea-infused gins utilizing locally grown tea leaves. As more distilleries emerge in offbeat destinations, they are adding new dimensions to India gin market landscape.
Awards and Global Recognition
India gin market have been gaining popularity abroad as well as winning accolades at international spirit competitions. In 2020, Greater Than Bengaluru Dry Gin took home a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one of the most prestigious global spirit judging events. The growing success of Indian artisanal gins on the world stage reflects their talent for innovative botanical experimentation within the genre. As producers continue refining traditional gin-making techniques with native fruits, herbs and flowers, they are sure to attract more global admirers of distinctive craft spirits.
Sustainability Practices
Along with producing high quality gins, many Indian distilleries are committed to implementing sustainable practices. They source ingredients like juniper berries and botanicals from small farmer networks to aid local communities. Spent botanicals are sometimes used for composting. Water consumption is minimized through equipment like efficient stills. Packaging endeavors to cut down on plastic waste, emphasizing reuse and biodegradability. As awareness grows around environmental preservation, the craft gin sector is poised to lead through its farming-focused model respecting forests and indigenous crops. Such eco-conscious values resonate strongly with today's socially-conscious consumers.
India's Emerging Craft Cocktail Scene
As quality India gin market gains popularity, it is bringing growth in the vibrant craft cocktail culture as well. Bars and cocktail festivals across the country now feature inventive gin-based drinks highlighting native botanicals. Talented Indian mixologists are championing indigenous ingredients in their gin cocktails, from kokum syrup infusions to spices like long pepper. Celebrity chef and restauranteur Floyd Cardoz's Paowala cocktail bar in Mumbai pioneered modern Indian mixology, blending classic styles with local flair. Their extensive gin menu featuring botanical-driven cocktails has inspired imitators nationwide. With imaginative venues championing India gin market and mixology continuing to mushroom, exciting new horizons are opening up for the drinks industry.
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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
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