Made in India spirits are slowly but surely making their mark in the world of fine alcohol. Following the success of Godawan Whiskey, India is now basking in the glory of its Cherrapunji Gin, which has just snagged the top honor at the Global Spirits Masters Competition. Cheers to that!
Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin, a homegrown spirit from Meghalaya, India, has won the top honor at the Global Spirits Masters competition. This gin outshined 110 brands from 55 countries to claim the top spot and was showcased at the London Wine Fair on May 21, 2024, bringing the flavors of Northeast India to the global stage.
The gin is uniquely packaged in a beautifully designed steel bottle, replacing the heavier and less convenient glass bottles.
The bottle features illustrations by Portland-based designer Reshidev RK, capturing the vibrant life of Meghalaya with images of a mandarin picker, a colonial-era Bedford bus, a red panda, bamboo forests, a rooster, clouds, and monoliths.
Also read: India's Godawan 100 Honoring The Great Indian Bustard Becomes World's Best Single Malt Whiskey
Currently, Cherrapunji Gin is available in Meghalaya, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh, with plans to expand across Northeast India and soon launch in Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Goa, and select international markets.
Said to be made from rainwater, Cherrapunji Gin is a collaboration between the company's master distiller and a Dutch counterpart, blending 12 native botanicals from Northeast India.
The gin's flavor profile was crafted in the Netherlands by Shillong native Mayukh Hazarika - Founder & CEO of Cherrapunji Gin - working with a Dutch master distiller to perfect the recipe.
Key ingredients include the GI-tagged Khasi mandarin, known for its sweet and tangy flavor; sohmarit (wild peppers) from Meghalaya’s forests, adding a spicy kick; Assam's fragrant kaji nemu (lemon) peel; and a hint of smoked tea from a Tripura estate. The essential juniper is sourced from Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
The company is now focusing on exports, with their first batch set to reach European shores next month.
This marks the first time a brand from Northeast India has made such a significant impact in the craft spirits industry.
For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.