If you’re a Bollywood fan or have seen Bollywood movies, you might have come across the name “Santra.” Santra, specifically G.M. Santra, is a type of country liquor or widely known as desi daaru. It is made from molasses-based spirit and flavored with orange. This desi daaru is produced by G.M. Breweries Limited (GMBL) and is one of the leading brands of country liquor. Here’s everything you need to know about the history and taste of G.M. Santra.
G.M. Santra is G.M. Breweries' flagship country liquor, which is known to dominate Maharashtra's market. It delivers a sweet-tangy citrus aroma but then shifts to sour and bitter on the palate. Its taste, easy availability, and low price make it a top-seller for over 25 years in rural and laborer markets.
G.M. Santra is made using premium distilled molasses through rectified spirit. The process begins with molasses (a byproduct of sugar cane), which is fermented to produce ethanol. The raw spirit is then put under multi-pressure vacuum distillation. This process helps create a high-quality rectified spirit base. The gas chromatography testing helps to ensure that the spirit has low impurities.
The spirit is blended with orange-based strong flavorings, which give G.M. Santra its signature aroma and taste. This balanced mix brings a high-bodied palate with sugarcane juice notes and a regional appeal.
The final steps include crystal-clear filtration and bottling. The spirit is filtered via 0.4-micron RBC cartridge filters. It is bottled after this with respect to Maharashtra’s country liquor regulations.
G.M. Santra offers a sweet-tangy aroma dominated by strong orange-based flavors from premium distilled molasses, creating an inviting citrus nose that's appealing to its loyal Maharashtra fanbase.
On the palate, it mimics vodka but hits three times stronger, delivering an intense burning sensation from the first sip - sweetness fades quickly into a sour-bitter core with a highly bodied, potent finish that provides an instant high.
While specific ABV for G.M. Santra is not available, it falls within the standard range for Maharashtra country liquors (IMIL). User reviews call it as 3 times stronger than vodka for its burn and instant high.
Country liquor is locally distilled in India from traditional sources like molasses, fruits, or toddy. It comes with a tangy regional taste, simpler production, and lower regulation.
IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor) consists of spirits like whisky, rum, vodka, and gin produced in India to imitate international styles. This is done by using neutral spirits with added flavors.
Santra is very easily found at all local shops and is priced at INR 217 for 750 ml (approx).
G.M. Santra is a popular country liquor produced in Maharashtra, locally referred to as “Narangi.” For over 25 years, it has dominated the rural and labor markets due to its easy availability, affordability, and appealing taste.
