I am sure most of you are aware about the origins of the popular Gin and Tonic but if you are not, you should know that this cocktail originated in our very own country during the British Raj.
It has been decades since India became a democracy. Even though we acquired some British tastes during the centuries of British rule, India was way behind in embracing gin as its spirit up until recently. Thinking along the same lines, two bar owners and entrepreneurs Anand Virmani and Vaibhav Singh decided to make an Indian gin to offer a domestic spirit to gin enthusiasts in the country.
Thus, the duo formed Nao Spirits & Beverages in 2015 and launched Greater Than London Dry Gin in 2017. Branded as India’s first and only craft gin, Greater Than is copper pot-distilled, using quality ingredients sourced from India and around the world. A wheat-based spirit, the gin is infused with juniper berries from Macedonia, citrus from Spain, angelica roots from Germany along with native ingredients like coriander, fennel seeds, chamomile, ginger and lemongrass. Such a flavoursome blend results in a juniper and citrus aroma, flaunting a delicious ginger finish.
To get the flavours right, the founders and distillers experimented with a pile of different herbs, fruits and spices for years. After countless batches, they stumbled upon a recipe they knew would work for them and thus, Greater Than gin came into existence! The texture and taste were so on point that they decided to not only serve the craft gin at their restro bars but also launch it in the domestic spirit market. And with the rising popularity, the gin has made its way to international markets with its recent launch in the UK!
A 750 ml bottle of Greater Than London Dry Gin is bottled at 42.8% ABV and retails at an approximate price of INR 1500 in India and £22.49 in the UK.
After the successful launch of Greater Than, Nao Spirits & Beverages also launched Hapusa Himalayan Dry gin which is distilled from juniper berries sourced from the Himalayas. Have you tried any of these craft gins? Tell us in the comments below!
