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Hapusa: India's Himalayan Gin - What Makes It Different?

Mithilesh Chougule

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March 28, 2026

Hapusa: India's Himalayan Gin - What Makes It Different?

Hapusa Gin, a homegrown Indian gin brand, stands out for being the only gin in the world to use Himalayan juniper. This spirit brand, with its unique kind of gin, has placed India on the global gin map. However, if you’re wondering what makes it so special, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’re guiding you through the specialty of Hapusa Himalayan Dry Gin. Keep reading to know more about this unique gin!

Hapusa Himalayan Dry Gin: What Makes This Gin So Special?

How Did Hapusa Himalayan Dry Gin Originate?

It all began when three visionaries – Anand Virmani, Vaibhav Singh, and Aparajita Ninan brainstormed on ways to produce a craft gin that’s proudly made in India, with Indian botanicals in the limelight.

India, despite being the birthplace of the classic Gin & Tonic, lacked a craft gin that puts it on the global map. Realizing the potential of Indian craft gins, the trio launched Greater Than Gin and then Hapusa Gin.

NAO Spirits, which is now acquired by Diageo Spirits, launched Greater Than Gin in 2017 after several rounds of trial and error. Just a year later in 2018, Hapusa entered the picture and expanded into several Indian cities as well as abroad.

Rise Of Hapusa Himalayan Dry Gin

Since the launch, Hapusa was quick to garner global attention, mainly for its meticulous craftsmanship. It stood out among gin connoisseurs mainly for its use of Himalayan juniper, an ingredient previously unused in gin-making. 

In 2021, NAO Spirits won their first-ever Gold at the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) with Hapusa Gin. This recognition on a global level catapulted them into global fame, with their distillery soon getting listed in the International Top 5 Gin Producers of the Year.

The Taste That Makes Hapusa Gin Different

The Himalayan Dry Gin is proudly distilled in India. It uses Himalayan juniper, becoming the only gin in the world to use this variety of juniper. The name “Hapusa” stems from the Sanskrit word for juniper berries. The juniper-forward flavors and aroma justifies its name. However, the use of rare Himalayan juniper berries than usual juniper gives it a slight edge over its competitors.

Hapusa Himalayan Dry Gin

The gin’s core botanical, the Himalayan juniper berries, makes the gin centers its other flavors and adds a strong foundation to the gin. Along with it, it also adds a refreshing aroma like that of a lemon peel on the nose, a sweet fennel-like touch on the tongue, and a dash of ginger on the finish.

Hapusa’s taste is enhanced, thanks to the botanicals sourced from various other corners of India. These include the mighty Hooghly River flowing in the East, the southern monsoon forests of Tamil Nadu, and the lush spice farms of Goa.

Is Hapusa Gin Worth It?

The Himalayan juniper-based gin packs a solid punch with an alcohol by volume of 43%. This makes it quite an intense gin that combines a variety of Indian botanicals. If you are someone who enjoys a smooth, rich gin that is made using Indian botanicals, you’ll definitely enjoy Hapusa Gin.

Also Read: Diageo Launches AI-Designed Johnnie Walker ‘1 of 1’ Bottles; Partners With Dubai Duty Free

Summing Up

Hapusa Himalayan Dry Gin is one such craft gin that promises a unique experience in each sip. The gin, thanks to its use of Himalayan juniper, stands out in a crowded craft gin market. Launched in 2018, the dry gin is perfect for casual sipping or stirring up in cocktails. When are you trying this gin out?

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