It’s always a moment of pride when you realize a well-talked and popular drink has originated from your home country. We already know that India takes pride in being the host to various breweries and vineyards that introduce us to liquor brands like Sula Wines, Old Monk, and Amrut, among many others. But these aren’t the only ones that have seen the light of fame.
Get to know the brands that perfectly capture the essence of Indian culture and its heritage and blend them into the spirits.
5 Must-try Homegrown Liquor Brands Of India
- Chandon’s Aurva Red Wine
- Seagram’s Longitude 77 Single Malt Whiskey
- Sitara White Rum
- Baagh Gin
- Cherrapunji Gin
1. Chandon’s Aurva Red Wine
Aurva is Chandon’s debut still red wine. After five years of meticulous research and experimentation, Chandon India brought a rich and character-filled wine into the market. This wine is packed with a multitude of flavors that are incorporated into wine due to the seasonal changes in the grapes.
Aurva, which means ‘of the earth’ in Sanskrit, is made from shiraz grapes that are grown in the Chandon estate located in Nashik. These grapes are grown in red soil, under the heated summers and limitless rains. The ever-changing climate contributes to the layers of personality this wine eventually embodies.
Chandon’s Aurva Red Wine is first fermented in stainless steel tanks for 10 days, followed by a maturation period of 14 months in old barrels. This unique method helps with micro-oxygenating the wine and opens up a colorful palette of flavors. The wine forms notes of black cherry, blackberry, and blueberry, which are followed by notes of violet and jasmine. The base notes come from the oak barrels that add hints of coffee, chocolate, and a touch of spice. Sounds like a Halloween party in a bottle, doesn’t it?
Cost: INR 4250 for 750 ml
Alcohol content: 14% ABV
Origin: Nashik
Notes: Coffee beans, chocolate, spice, floral, black cherry, blueberry
Also Read: 10 Best Indian Liquor Brands To Buy In 2022
2. Seagram’s Longitude 77 Single Malt Whiskey
Pernod Ricard India made their single malt debut with Longitude 77 with the motto, “Made in India, for India and the world.” They were getting at something for sure. Longitude 77 gets its name from the longest longitude that runs through the length of India. The name is a stamp of what this whiskey aims to offer.
Longitude 77 is filled with a variety of taste notes that resonate with the diverse culture India has to offer. This single malt is produced in small batches to pack maximum character inside the bottle. The distillery in Dindori, Nashik uses American Bourbon barrels and wine casks to age the alcohol. By the end of the process, the whiskey turns into a beautiful mahogany color that is filled with authentic taste.
This whiskey is enriched with soft and woody taste notes. These are complemented with a spicy and velvety finish. You drink this once, you’re going to want to drink it again. Though the brand is Indo-Asian, the whiskey is made from locally sourced ingredients.
Cost: INR 5500 for 750 ml
Alcohol content: 40% ABV
Origin: Nashik
Notes: Caramel, smoke peat, oak, wood, vanilla, nuts.
3. Sitara
Sitara comes from the mind of Spaceman Spirits Lab who decided to launch one of the finest rums in India. Catering to a wider range of audience, they presented two expressions of rum, white rum and spiced rum. Both have their own unique flavors and palettes.
Sitara Barrel Aged White Rum is aged in Virgin American Oak barrels and is charcoal filtered to obtain smooth and clear rum. It is a blend of column & pot distilled Indian rums that are carefully aged to maintain their character. This one has a much lighter and fresh taste. If you take a whiff, you can smell the ripe bananas, oak, fresh grass, and vanilla. The palette ends with notes of coconut, figs, and coffee.
On the other hand, Sitara Botanical Spiced Rum is aged for a longer period of time and uses seven botanical distillates that add the spicy personality of Indian culture. It’s rich brown in color and contains notes of floral and caramel, honey, cinnamon, mangoes, and roasted coffee. Doesn’t it remind you of the warm summers of India?
Cost: White Rum: INR 1200 for 750 ml; Botanical Spiced Rum: INR 1350 for 750 ml
Alcohol content: 40% ABV in both
Origin: Nashik
Notes: White Rum – Buttery coconut, caramel, toasted almonds, ripe fruit, vanilla, oak; Spiced Rum – Caramel, cinnamon, floral, vanilla, coffee.
Also Read: 6 Indian Alcohol Brands Founded By Women
4. Baagh Gin
Finally a swift change in the place, Baagh gin comes from the land of oranges and culture – Nagpur. Baagh gin was made with utmost precision and was perfected over a period of one year. This gin underwent various examinations from multiple mixologists, to perfect the taste and integrity.
It received final approval from one of India’s top chefs, Manu Chandra. The base of this gin is made from locally sourced crops and adds its city flavors on top. Baagh gin was designed to suit and complement cocktails that need a refreshing twist. This gin is enriched with Nagpur oranges and crisp lemons. A dash of spice brings out the palette and distinct flavor notes to its fullest capacity.
Cost: INR 1995 for 750 ml
Alcohol content: 46% ABV
Origin: Nagpur
Notes: Smooth citrus notes, a touch of spice, all wrapped in Nagpur orange flavor
5. Cherrapunji Gin
Cherrapunji was once known to be the rainiest place on earth and is one of the wettest places. Well, makers of Cherrapunji gin have managed to capture the essence of this rainfall and bottle it up for sale.
The ideology behind this gin is quite unique. Rain is just distilled water, which is used extensively in alcohol – that’s the idea for this gin. The main notes that hit you on the nose are citrus, creamy junipers from the Eastern Himalayas in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, that envelope hints of spice and pungent pepper.
Don’t like getting wet in the rain but love its smell? This gin will complete your wandering requests. Plus point – the bottle is absolutely stunning, showcasing the artistic drawings of the notes and flavors of the gin right on the label.
Cost: INR 2500 for 750 ml
Alcohol content: 43% ABV
Origin: Cherrapunji
Notes: Citrus, creamy juniper, pepper, spice
Also Read: 7 Easy Gin Cocktail Recipes That You Should Try
Summing Up
Years ago, India became famous for their intense spices. Now, we are determined to show the world that we have something to contribute in the liquor domain as well. These liquors are infused with quality ingredients and a sprinkle of Indian roots. What makes them stand out from the general ones is what they bring to the table – authenticity. Get creative, use them in cocktails and mixes; let’s bring out the best of what they have to offer.
FAQs
What Is Locally Made Alcohol In India?
There are various locally made alcohols in India. Some popular ones are Poro Apong, Chuwarak, Judima, Gudamba, and Goan Feni to name a few.
Which Is The No 1 Alcohol Name In India?
Old Monk, Bacardi, Blender’s Pride, Ballantine’s, Kingfisher, and Sula are some of the popular alcohol brands in India. Jagermeister is a popular and preferred liqueur choice.
Which Is The Oldest Indian Alcohol Brand?
Old Monk is the oldest known Indian alcohol brand that has a widespread and intensive history. It is one of the popular choices among Indians.
What Is An Example Of Indian Made Foreign Liquor?
Toddy and feni are examples of Indian-made foreign liquor. While toddy (made from the sap of palm trees) originated in Kerala, feni (made from cashews) originated in Goa. These have since taken their place in the liquor industry and are exported across various countries.
Which Is Healthy Alcohol In India?
Red wine is considered one of the healthier options in alcohol, due to its antioxidant nature. It is recommended that one should consume a glass of red wine occasionally to improve blood circulation and prevent heart disease.
What Is Desi Daru Called In English?
Desi daru means Country Liquor in English. This type of liquor is produced in small batches, with locally sourced ingredients. They are widely consumed by the major population of the country. Desi Daru is much cheaper and available in local stores.
