Gin’s global renaissance is no secret — from London’s speakeasies to Tokyo’s minimalist bars, the botanical spirit has shed its colonial baggage and found new life as a contemporary classic. In India, this trend has evolved beyond imported bottles and G&T (Gin & Tonic) menus, giving rise to a fresh wave of homegrown labels steeped in craft, culture, and local ingredients. And now, one distillery from Meghalaya has broken new ground — literally and figuratively — by putting India’s Northeast on the global alcohol map.
Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin, distilled in the lush highlands of Meghalaya, is the first spirit from Northeast India to gain international export status. Already available in parts of the European Union, the gin is preparing to debut in Japan, the UK, and Thailand — a major milestone for a region long excluded from India's formal alcohol economy.
At the heart of Cherrapunji Gin is a deep sense of place. Distilled in small batches using traditional copper stills, the gin is crafted from naturally harvested rainwater — sourced from Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, two of the wettest places on Earth. This water not only symbolizes purity but connects the spirit directly to the cloud forests and highlands of Meghalaya.
What sets Cherrapunji Gin apart is its botanical profile, built entirely on local ingredients. These include:
Together, these botanicals create a flavor profile that is both complex and regionally distinctive, earning praise from enthusiasts for being “aromatic, layered, and unmistakably Eastern.”
Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin currently retails at:
(Prices may vary depending on taxes and shipping.)
Where to Buy:
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Cherrapunji Gin isn’t just about what’s inside the bottle — it’s also about how that story is packaged. Ditching traditional glass, the brand opts for reusable, military-grade steel containers — a bold, sustainable choice that sets it apart on global shelves. The design draws inspiration from the material culture and flora of Northeast India, transforming each bottle into a collectible object that evokes the highland terrain and tribal heritage of the region.
This approach is not just aesthetic; it reflects a commitment to sustainability and a conscious effort to minimize environmental impact — resonating with a new generation of eco-conscious consumers around the world.
Despite its remote origins, Cherrapunji Gin has quickly garnered attention beyond Indian borders. In just a short span, the spirit has earned 13 international awards, including:
These accolades are more than just feathers in the brand’s cap — they signal the growing global legitimacy of Indian craft spirits, especially those that showcase regional identity and innovation.
Founder and CEO Mayukh Hazarika sees the gin’s success as a larger moment for Northeast India:
“We wanted to create a product that tells a story about where it comes from — and we’re seeing that story resonate far beyond our expectations.”
Cherrapunji Gin’s rise coincides with broader changes in India’s alcohol industry. As consumer preferences shift toward origin-driven, artisanal spirits, the opportunity for regional producers — especially from underrepresented areas — is expanding. Meghalaya’s state government has played a supportive role in this transition, with policy updates and initiatives encouraging agro-entrepreneurship and improving market access despite the logistical challenges of the region.
Cherrapunji’s success could serve as a template for other states and distilleries looking to enter premium markets by leveraging local ingredients, storytelling, and sustainable practices.
From the rainswept hills of Meghalaya to bars in Europe and Asia, Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin is proof that the future of Indian spirits may lie in unexpected places. With its commitment to craft, sustainability, and regional authenticity, the brand isn’t just producing a great gin — it’s helping redefine what Indian alcohol can be.
In a global landscape where provenance and purpose matter as much as palate, Cherrapunji has arrived not just as a drink, but as a movement — one that invites more of India’s hidden regions to take their rightful place on the world stage, one bottle at a time.
