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India's craft gin movement has grown rapidly over the past few years, with distillers moving beyond traditional London Dry styles to create spirits that showcase local ingredients and distinct regional identities. While brands like Greater Than, Stranger & Sons, Hapusa and Jaisalmer have helped put Indian gin on the global map, newer labels are bringing fresh ideas to the category.
One of them is DOJA Indian Dry Gin, a premium small-batch gin that blends botanicals from India and Japan. Rather than relying solely on classic juniper-led flavors, DOJA builds its identity around Japanese ingredients such as yuzu, hinoki, cedar and sansho pepper alongside familiar Indian gin botanicals. The result is a contemporary gin that aims to balance citrus, spice and herbal complexity in every pour.
If you're curious about what sets DOJA apart from other Indian craft gins, here's everything you need to know.
DOJA is a premium Indian craft gin produced by East Side Distillery Private Ltd. Although distilled in Goa, the brand draws inspiration from both Indian and Japanese flavors, describing itself as the world's first Indo-Japanese craft gin. The name reflects this cross-cultural approach, combining ingredients and influences from two countries with long culinary traditions.
Unlike many London Dry gins that focus heavily on juniper, DOJA places Japanese yuzu at the center of its flavor profile while using traditional gin botanicals to maintain balance. The brand positions itself as a contemporary sipping gin that's equally suited to classic cocktails and modern serves.
DOJA was created with the idea of bringing together two cultures through a single spirit. Instead of simply adding Japanese flavors to a conventional gin recipe, the distillers developed a botanical blend where Indian spices and Japanese ingredients work together rather than compete.
According to the brand, the gin is produced in small batches using carefully selected botanicals sourced from both countries. The emphasis is on creating a spirit that feels familiar to gin drinkers while introducing layers of citrus, spice and forest-like aromas that aren't commonly found in traditional Indian gins.
Also Read: Hapusa Himalayan Dry Gin: Complete Review, Tasting Notes & Buying Guide
DOJA is produced by East Side Distillery Private Ltd. and distilled in Goa, one of India's leading craft spirits hubs. Goa has become home to several premium gin producers thanks to its established distilling infrastructure, favorable climate and easy access to imported as well as locally sourced botanicals.
The company is headquartered in Mumbai, while production takes place at its Goa distillery.
The biggest reason DOJA stands out is its botanical selection.
Instead of following a classic London Dry formula, it combines ingredients from India and Japan to create a distinctive flavor profile.
Some of the key botanicals include:
The yuzu provides bright citrus notes that differ from the lemon or orange peel commonly used in gin, while sansho pepper contributes a subtle tingling spice rather than sharp heat. Hinoki, a prized Japanese cypress, introduces soft woody and resinous aromas that give the gin added depth. Traditional botanicals like coriander, cardamom and juniper help retain the structure expected from a classic dry gin.
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DOJA Indian Dry Gin is bottled at 43% ABV, placing it comfortably within the premium craft gin category. This strength allows the botanical character to remain pronounced without overwhelming the palate, making it suitable for sipping neat as well as mixing into cocktails.
The gin is crystal clear with medium viscosity, indicating a clean distillation without added coloring.
The first impression is fresh citrus led by yuzu rather than lemon. Juniper remains noticeable but doesn't dominate. As the spirit opens up, cedar, herbal notes and gentle spice emerge, followed by hints of peppermint and subtle earthy aromas.
Compared with many citrus-forward Indian craft gins, DOJA offers a greener and more aromatic nose with noticeable woodland characteristics.
On the palate, the gin opens with bright citrus before moving into layers of pine, coriander and warming spice. The sansho pepper delivers a gentle tingling sensation instead of aggressive pepperiness, while the cardamom adds warmth without becoming overly sweet.
The juniper is present throughout but shares the spotlight with the Japanese botanicals, creating a profile that's more contemporary than traditional.
The mouthfeel is smooth and medium-bodied, making it approachable even for drinkers who are relatively new to premium gin.
The finish is clean, dry and moderately long.
Woody notes from hinoki and cedar linger alongside peppery spice and a refreshing citrus lift. There's very little harsh alcohol burn, allowing the botanical complexity to remain the lasting impression.
DOJA doesn't try to compete by using more spices or stronger juniper. Instead, it offers a completely different flavor direction.
Where Hapusa highlights Himalayan juniper and native Indian ingredients, Stranger & Sons leans towards citrus and Indian spices, and Jaisalmer focuses on a refined London Dry profile with Indian botanicals, DOJA introduces a distinctly Japanese influence built around yuzu, cedar and hinoki. That gives it a fresher, greener and slightly more savoury personality than many of its competitors.
For gin enthusiasts who already enjoy contemporary styles such as Roku or other citrus-forward craft gins, DOJA offers an interesting Indian interpretation with its own identity rather than imitating established brands.
DOJA is a good choice for drinkers looking to move beyond traditional London Dry gin. Its layered botanical profile makes it particularly appealing to those who enjoy citrus-led spirits with herbal and woody complexity.
It also suits home bartenders who like experimenting with cocktails, as the yuzu and Japanese botanicals add a distinctive twist to classics like the Gin & Tonic, Negroni and Martini without overpowering the other ingredients.
For collectors of Indian craft spirits, DOJA represents another example of how the country's gin category continues to evolve through innovation rather than simply following established international styles.
Whether you're building a home bar or exploring India's growing craft spirits scene, DOJA is a gin that rewards slow sipping as much as cocktail experimentation. Its botanical profile is different from most Indian gins on the market, which means choosing the right mixer and serve can make a noticeable difference to the drinking experience.
Here's how to get the best out of it.
A premium Indian tonic or a neutral tonic water works best, allowing the yuzu and herbal botanicals to remain the focus instead of being masked by excessive sweetness.
Suggested garnish:
Avoid adding too many garnishes at once, as the gin already carries several aromatic layers.
DOJA's clean citrus profile and herbal finish make it well suited to a classic Dry Martini.
Suggested ratio:
Garnish with a lemon twist to highlight the yuzu notes.
The citrus and woody botanicals stand up well against Campari and sweet vermouth without losing their identity. The result is a slightly brighter Negroni than one made with a traditional London Dry gin.
For a lighter serve, combine DOJA with chilled soda water over ice and finish with a grapefruit peel. This style allows the cedar and hinoki aromas to shine.
Also Read: Tanqueray London Dry Gin Review: History, Tasting Notes & Price
DOJA's botanical profile makes it surprisingly versatile with food.
It pairs particularly well with:
On the Indian side, it complements lighter dishes such as tandoori fish, grilled chicken, malai tikka and mildly spiced seafood rather than heavily smoked or rich curries.
As of 2026, DOJA is available in select Indian markets, with the strongest presence in:
The brand is also stocked by several premium liquor retailers and licensed alcohol delivery platforms where permitted under state regulations.
Because liquor distribution is controlled by individual states, availability may vary. Some cities receive limited allocations, and certain expressions may sell out before the next shipment.
The easiest way to check current availability is through DOJA's official website or authorized retail partners.
Prices vary depending on state excise duties, retailer margins and bottle size.
Approximate MRP (700 ml):
State | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
Goa | INR 2,300–2,600 |
Maharashtra | INR 2,900–3,900 |
Delhi | INR 2,700–3,100 |
Karnataka | INR 3,100–3,500 |
These figures are indicative and may change due to revisions in state excise policies or retailer pricing.
If you're looking for a traditional juniper-heavy London Dry gin, there are several options available at a lower price.
However, DOJA isn't trying to compete on tradition alone.
Its appeal lies in its distinctive Indo-Japanese botanical recipe. The use of yuzu, hinoki, cedar and sansho pepper gives it a flavor profile that's uncommon among Indian craft gins and different enough to justify trying if you're interested in exploring new styles.
For cocktail enthusiasts, the botanical complexity means it works well in both classic and contemporary recipes without requiring unusual mixers.
DOJA is best suited for:
If you're new to gin, DOJA is approachable thanks to its smooth mouthfeel and balanced citrus character. If you're already familiar with Indian craft gins, it offers a different flavor direction rather than simply another variation of the same style.
DOJA Indian Dry Gin stands out by taking a different route from many of its competitors. Instead of relying on a long list of Indian spices or an intensely juniper-forward profile, it combines familiar gin botanicals with Japanese ingredients to create a spirit that feels fresh, layered and modern.
The bright yuzu citrus, subtle pepper from sansho and gentle woody notes from hinoki give it a character that's easy to recognize after the first sip. It performs well in a Gin & Tonic, makes an excellent Martini and holds its own in spirit-forward cocktails like the Negroni.
While it sits firmly in the premium price bracket, the quality of the distillate, thoughtful botanical selection and small-batch production make it a worthwhile addition for anyone interested in India's evolving craft spirits landscape.
Rating: 4.3/5
