Indian liquor has made a serious mark on the world map, and there are some gems that deserve to be highlighted in this regard. These brands are the unsung heroes of India’s march to global liquor domination. Here are select four that deserve a special mention, and one newly launched craft gin that I think has serious potential to join the international league.
Rampur Indian Single Malt: Brewed by Radico Khaitan Ltd in Rampur, a small town in Madhya Pradesh, Rampur Indian Single Malt has traveled quite the distance and is available in more than a dozen countries across the globe today. This unlikely gem started exporting in 2016, and has a distinct creamy feel to it with dashes of vanilla, apricot and apple forming its key flavours.
Wild Tiger Rum: Touted as India’s first premium rum brand, liquor businessman Gautom Menon launched Wild Tiger Rum in February 2016 in the US, Denmark and UAE. Traditionally, Indian rum is composed of molasses (thick dark brown sugar syrup), but Wild Tiger blends this traditional base with distilled cane juice, making it unique from other Indian rums. Brewed with flavours of vanilla and caramel, this rum is manufactured in Kerala, but is an export only drink.
Paul John Single Malt: Paul John Single Malt is brewed by John Distillers Ltd, founded by Bengaluru-based brewer Paul John. Launched in 2013, Paul John sells in almost 30 countries across the globe and is another proud Indian single malt to make a mark on the world map. Marketed as a whiskey made using barley from the foothills of the Himalayas, Paul John is distilled and matured in Goa, and boasts of a creamy texture with fruity undertones.
Magic Moments vodka: As surprising as this may sound, Magic Moments recently tipped Smirnoff as the largest selling vodka brand in the country. But according to its makers at Radico Khaitan Ltd, this triple distilled vodka has caught the fancy of vodka lovers internationally as well, soon after it started exporting. The United States, United Kingdom and Belgium are its key international markets. Magic Moments comes in six flavours, all of which have received global acclaim – Chocolate, Ginger, Green Apple, Orange, Raspberry and Lemon.
Greater Than: This one is an exception. I’ve included this one in the list because I think it has the potential to make a mark globally. Launched by ambitious bar entrepreneurs Vaibhav Singh and Anand Virmani as India’s first craft gin, Greater Than is a premium gin distilled in Goa using elements from various countries, like juniper berries from Bulgaria and orange peels from Morocco. Add to this some purely organic Indian elements like coriander, cardamom and ginger, and you have the country’s first premium craft gin. Greater Than was launched earlier this year in June. Cannot wait to see the reception this gets globally.
