Supreet Kaur
13-Aug-2026
These are some of the homegrown brands transforming India's spirits industry with indigenous botanicals, time-honoured techniques, and world-class craftsmanship.
Long before modern distilleries, India's relationship with spirits was deeply rooted in its land, rich heritage, and cultural traditions. In ancient times, spirits were not merely a symbol of status but also served medicinal purposes, with preparations like Asava and Arishta reflecting the country's age-old knowledge of fermentation. Today, India's spirits industry is flourishing like never before. From world-class whiskies and craft gins to homegrown vodkas, rums, and brews, Indian brands are redefining the global spirits landscape with exceptional craftsmanship and flavours inspired by the country's diverse regions.
1. Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin
Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin is a premium Indian craft gin launched in 2018 by Radico Khaitan. Named after the Golden City of Rajasthan, it takes inspiration from Jaisalmer's royal heritage. Its Jaisalmer Classic, inspired by the Jaisalmer Fort, is crafted with 11 botanicals, including lemon peel, green tea, and cubeb pepper. Another of its most celebrated expressions is Jaisalmer Gold, inspired by the intricate architecture of Rajasthan's beautiful jharokhas (windows). It stands out for being infused with the world's most expensive spice, saffron, along with 18 botanicals used in its distillation, including cinnamon bark, pink pepper, and rose petals.
2. Indri
Indri, an Indian whisky often known as the Spirit of Five Senses, is celebrated for its rich flavour, crafted from six-row barley cultivated using traditional indigenous practices that rely on organic and sustainable methods. It begins with hints of black tea and caramelised pineapple, accompanied by a whiff of oak, followed by vanilla and honey from the bourbon oak, traces of spiced tannins from the European oak, and finally rounded off with vinous raisin and sweet sherry notes.
3. Godawan
Discover the spirit of the desert, straight from the sandscapes of Rajasthan. Godawan comes in two expressions: Godawan 02 Fruit & Spice Single Malt Whisky, Cherry Cask and Godawan 01 Rich & Rounded Single Malt Whisky, PX Sherry Cask, both delivering a whisky of luscious depth and refined sweetness.
4. Stranger & Sons
Made in Goa, Stranger & Sons offers two gin-based variations, perfect for both daytime occasions and post-sunset evenings. The first is their Gimlet, a classic cocktail made with four parts gin and one part lime cordial. The second, ideal for bonfires or open-air dinners, is the Gibson, made with gin, vermouth, and brine, and garnished with a pickled onion. It offers a unique take on the classic martini while celebrating India's rich pickle heritage.
5. Terai Gin
TERAI India Dry Gin is a combination of 11 botanicals, sourced primarily from Khari Baoli, Asia's largest spice market. It begins with lush green notes lifted by a citrus zest, followed by a characteristic floral bouquet and a sweet, piney juniper aroma. On the palate, sweet and herbaceous dry spice and a savoury finish balanced flavours.
6. Sam?sa?ra
Samsara not only celebrates India's rich heritage but also embraces the idea of bringing people together to celebrate the inherent human passions for self-expression, curiosity, and wanderlust. Produced at a women-centric production facility, it brings together the flavours of hemp seeds, rose petals, vetiver grass, green cardamom, and juniper berries.
7. Paul John
Established in 1996 and hailing from the tropical shores of Goa along India's west coast, Paul John Indian Single Malts are crafted using indigenous ingredients—barley, water, and yeast. Today, the company is the fourth-largest liquor company in the country. Its portfolio includes seven core expressions: the Zodiac Series, the Christmas Edition Series, and occasional limited-edition and single cask releases, with a presence across 12 locations and 8 states in India.
8. Amrut Distilleries
Pioneering Indian craftsmanship since 1948, Amrut Distilleries is renowned for its single malt whiskies, with more than 40 variants, each comprising a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation while offering a taste of heritage and craftsmanship in every sip.
9. Rampur Distillery
With over 80 years of commitment, Rampur Distillery is one of the largest players in the Indian spirits industry. Handcrafted and aged in the foothills of the Himalayas, it offers a variety of expressions, including Double Cask, ASAVA, the Jugalbandi Series, Sangam, and Barrel Blush, along with multiple limited editions such as Signature Reserve and Trigun.
10. Maka Zai
With its White Rum, made from sugarcane harvested from the banks of the Panchganga River in Maharashtra, and its Gold Rum, crafted with cane spirit from Punjab, Maka Zai's rums are truly homegrown, offering you a premium cocktail experience.
11. NAO Spirits
(Image credits - NAO Spirit’s instagram)
In 2015, when two bar owners from Delhi decided to experiment with every spice, herb, and fruit they could find, they came up with two new spirits. The first was Greater Than—India's first London Dry Gin, with tasting notes of clean juniper, a touch of fennel, and a zing of ginger on the finish. They didn't stop there. They then introduced Hapusa, the world's first Himalayan Dry Gin, with tasting notes of pine forests, wildflowers, and a delicately spiced finish.
12. Camikara Rum
Known to be a rum like no other, Camikara is India's first and only pure cane rum. It is also a brand from the house of Piccadily Distilleries, the first distillery in India to make rum without the use of molasses. With Camikara's expressions aged for 12 years, 8 years, and 3 years, each offers an exceptional palate and exacting standards, deeply rooted in India's land, culture, and heritage.
13. Smoke Lab Vodka
With Liquid Gold, Classic, Aniseed, Saffron, and Green Chilli Mango in its lineup, Smoke Lab offers 5X distilled, ultra-pure vodkas that are perfect for sipping neat or elevating classic cocktails around the world.
14. Simba Beer
Unlike other beers, Simba beers are made in small batches using meticulously crafted recipes. With their Wit, Lager, Strong, and Stout, every beer is designed to complement every mood and vibe. So, what are you waiting for? Set the vibe and pick one.
