In the world of spirits, gin is considered to be one of the most versatile in terms of flavor and style. Its harsh, herbaceous texture is one of the reasons why it’s used as a key ingredient in various cocktails. Whether you’re a fan of classic cocktails or love to try on some adventurous drinks, there’s a gin for all kinds of alcohol lovers. India’s got its own set of famous gin brands, and knowing these will make you seem like a pro at any party. Here’s your list of the top 8 gin brands in India!
Top 8 Gin Brands In India
- Greater Than
- Amrut Nilgiris
- Bombay Sapphire
- Tanqueray
- Hapusa
- Hendrick’s
- The Botanist
- Terai
1. Greater Than
Greater Than is India’s very first craft gin and is produced in Goa. This gin is made in a copper pot still, along with some of the best botanicals from around the world. Its botanicals include nine different plants, flowers, and herbs, some of which are Moroccan coriander seeds, Indonesian cubeb berries, Angelica, and lemongrass.
Also, Greater Than gin is India’s only London dry gin made exclusively in India! It can be best enjoyed when mixed with sparkling water that brings out its citrusy taste. On the palate, you’ll experience bold and complex flavors with an aftertaste of lychees.
Distillery: Nao Spirits.
ABV: 40%.
Price: INR 1,750 for a 750 ml bottle.
Also Read: Beer Cocktails That You Can Enjoy At Home
2. Amrut Nilgiris
If you’re looking for a refreshing herbal gin, Amrut Nilgiris is a gin with a robust and unique flavor that you can try. Amrut Distilleries have certainly been making waves in the beverage industry for a long time now with their whiskey and rum collection. The name of this gin comes from the Nilgiris mountains in the western part of India; the botanicals from there have been used to make this flavorful gin.
Speaking of botanicals, Amrut Nilgiris has almost 10 botanicals of which two main ingredients are paan and tea. This gin is made in copper pot stills and gives the flavors of juniper, paan, smoked cinnamon, and liquor chocolates on the palate. You can either use it to make cocktails or enjoy it neat.
Distillery: Amrut Distillery.
ABV: 42.8%.
Price:
- INR 1,650 for a 750 ml bottle in Goa.
- INR 2,464 for a 750 ml bottle in Karnataka.
Also Read: 10 Best Indian Liquor Brands To Buy In 2022
3. Bombay Sapphire
One of the most popular gin brands in the world is Bombay Sapphire, recognized easily because of its unique design of a sapphire-blue-colored bottle. This gin is made with 10 botanicals that give you the flavors of juniper and citrus with floral and earthy notes. The diverse ingredients of Bombay Sapphire have earned it the reputation of being a globally popular gin liquor. The taste of this dry gin is pleasant and smooth. It can be best enjoyed when used as a base to make a nice martini cocktail.
Distillery: Bombay Spirits Company, owned by Bacardi in the UK.
ABV: 40%.
Price: INR 2,060 for a 750 ml bottle in New Delhi.
Fun Fact: Bombay Sapphire’s unique texture comes from its unique distillation process. The vapor infusion style process used to produce this gin helps to retain the succulent flavors of the ingredients used to make it. When the gin is distilled, these flavors are slowly released giving it a creamy and smooth texture.
Also Read: 7 Easy Gin Cocktail Recipes That You Should Try
4. Tanqueray
It’s been almost two centuries and Tanqueray still makes it to the list of the best and most popular gins in India and around the world. The gin’s name ‘Tanqueray’ is from Charles Tanqueray, the man who first created it. Today, the production of this gin is as it was back in the time it first emerged in Scotland – classic and timeless.
The uniqueness of this gin comes from its distillation process which happens four times. Botanicals like juniper, peppery coriander, Angelica, and sweet licorice are used in the making of this gin. When you take a sip of Tanqueray, you’ll be greeted with the earthy flavors of juniper, citrus, and sweet flowers. Tanqueray can be savored by mixing it with premium tonic water and squeezing some lime over the drink.
Distillery: Cameronbridge Gin Distillery.
ABV: 43.1%.
Price: INR 1,460 for a 750 ml bottle in New Delhi.
Also Read: 7 Easy Vodka Cocktail Recipes That You Have To Try
5. Hapusa
If you’re a fan of homegrown Indian gin brands, then Hapusa is one of the best bets out there, right alongside Greater Than and Terai. The distillery behind Hapusa is the same one that created Greater Than, so you know you’re in for some good quality alcohol.
What makes this gin exclusively Indian and unique is that the key ingredient – juniper berries – is picked from the Himalayas. Other things that add to the uniqueness of Hapusa are the natural and organic ingredients that are used in its making. Haldi (turmeric), mangoes, ginger root, cardamom, coriander seeds, and gondhoraj limes are other key ingredients that give it its intense flavors. This dry gin has a strong flavor of juniper on the palate along with notes of lime and coriander.
Distillery: Nao Spirits.
ABV: 43%.
Price: INR 2,600 approximately.
Fun Fact: The word ‘Hapusa’ translates to ‘juniper’ in Sanskrit. Since it’s the main ingredient, the gin is named after it.
6. Hendrick’s
Great taste, amazing texture and affordable price – these three things make Hendrick’s one of the affordable and best gin brands in India. The distillation process of Hendrick’s gin is nothing but astounding – it uses not one but two very different stills. One is the Bennett, an 1860’s antique copper pot, and a 1948 Carter-Head.
On the palate, you’ll get to feel the exciting flavors of rose and cucumbers, another aspect that gives Hendrick’s its uniqueness. To bring out the robust flavors of this gin, you can add a few cucumber slices to your drink and have a memorable drinking experience.
Distillery: Girvan Distillery.
ABV: 44%.
Price: INR 1,400 approximately for a 350 ml bottle.
Also Read: Discover The Different Types Of Red Wines
7. The Botanist
The complex flavors of The Botanist will make you feel like you’re exploring the botanical heritage of the isle of Islay. This gin is considered to be very distinct from all others in the market. After all, its making involves 9 traditional gin aromatics along with 22 local and wild Islay botanicals. Some of the main ingredients used to make The Botanist are juniper, coriander, lemon, and flowers that are nothing but a magical melody of Islay’s natural wonders. Every sip of this gin will give you the taste of citrusy freshness. That’s why, The Botanist is considered to be the perfect summer drink.
Distillery: Bruichladdich Distillery.
ABV: 46%.
Price: INR 3,200 approximately for a 750 ml bottle.
8. Terai
Terai is a “grain-to-glass” (made through a closely controlled end-to-end process) dry gin that is made from 11 botanicals from Khari Baoli – the largest spice market in Asia. The botanicals used in this gin include juniper berries, tulsi, coriander, fennel, orange peel, lemon peel, lavender, rose, angelica, and orris root. In terms of the distillation process, this gin is distilled in a handmade German copper still. Just a whiff of Terai and you’ll get the aromas of a floral bouquet and juniper berries. Terai has subtle sweet and spicy flavors and so it’s a great spirit to make a martini cocktail.
Distillery: India Craft Spirit Co.
ABV: 42.8%.
Price: INR 1,800 for a 750 ml bottle.
Summing Up
These are the top 8 gin brands in India, and having these as part of your collection will make you the talk of every party! Depending on the botanicals used and flavors of the gin, you can choose the gin that’ll best suit your taste buds. So, next time your friends come over, make some delicious gin-based cocktails and surprise them!
FAQs
What Is The Best Budget Gin?
If you want a truly budget gin, you can opt for Blue Riband that comes at INR 650 for a 750 ml bottle. If you’re looking for quality alongside the gin being somewhat affordable, opt for Greater Than.
Which Brand Of Gin Is The Best?
Here’s a list of the best gin brands in India:
- Greater Than
- Amrut Nilgiris
- Hendricks
- The Botanist
- Bombay Sapphire
What Gin Is Most Popular?
One of the most popular gins in the world is Ginebra San Miguel. This gin brand sold almost 31.2 million cases in the past year thereby coming out as a popular gin brand worldwide. Alongside, Tanqueray has remained a classic for years.
Is Bombay Or Tanqueray Gin Better?
It depends on the kind of taste you’d prefer in a gin. If you like a strong flavored gin, then Bombay Sapphire can be a great choice. But if you want some exciting flavors of juniper and aromatic spices on your palate, you can go for Tanqueray.
Do People Drink Gin Straight?
Drinking the gin straight is a great way to enjoy its flavors. You can pour the gin over a few ice cubes and then consume it chilled. But if you’re drinking the gin neat, it’s good if you get a good quality gin and not a cheap one.
What Mixes Well With Gin?
The following ingredients can be used to mix with gin:
- Champagne
- Tonic Water
- Ginger Beer
- Red Wine
- Lemonade
- Orange Juice
Should You Refrigerate Gin?
Yes, we recommend refrigerating gin. You’ll get to enjoy the smooth flavors and textures of gin if you refrigerate it.
How Long Does Opened Gin Last?
A bottle of opened gin should ideally be consumed within 2 years. That’s because it can start reacting to air and that will affect the gin’s quality.
