From artisanal gins infused with native spices to whiskies that reflect India’s diverse landscapes, these brands are redefining the country’s alcoholic beverage scene
Drawing inspiration from traditional ingredients like cardamom, turmeric, and saffron, Indian distillers are creating unique, world-class spirits that resonate with both domestic and international audiences
India’s spirit industry is undergoing a remarkable renaissance, with homegrown brands showcasing the nation’s rich cultural and botanical heritage on a global stage. From artisanal gins infused with native spices to whiskies that reflect India’s diverse landscapes, these brands are redefining the country’s alcoholic beverage scene. Drawing inspiration from traditional ingredients like cardamom, turmeric, and saffron, Indian distillers are creating unique, world-class spirits that resonate with both domestic and international audiences. This revival not only highlights India’s innovative craftsmanship but also its deep-rooted connection to nature and tradition, positioning the country as a rising force in the global spirits market.
Each product tells a distinct story through its thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail, creating a sensory experience that goes beyond just taste. Let’s delve into the stories behind their universally loved brands: Kumaon & I, Bandarful, and Jin JIJI.
Kumaon & I: India’s first Provincial Dry Gin with a Himalayan Soul
Kumaon & I, India’s first provincial gin from Himmaleh Spirits, captures the essence of the Himalayas. The branding and labeling of the gin is inspired by traditional Kumaoni hand-painted Aipan art, featuring intricate designs created with Bisvar (ground rice paste) and Geru (red ochre mud). This visual representation reflects the cultural tapestry of Kumaon and adds a distinctive touch to each bottle. The label’s black dots and lines symbolize circularity and the local communities’ integral to the gin’s creation.
Distilled in Uttarakhand, the gin is made with fully traceable, hyperlocal botanicals sourced from local farmers, 80% of whom are women. Committed to sustainability, the distillery uses a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system, meeting strict environmental standards. More than just a gin, Kumaon & I pays tribute to Uttarakhand’s heritage, highlighting the region’s authentic flavors while prioritizing sustainable and responsible practices.
Bandarful: A Playful Celebration of Coffee and the Himalayas
Bandarful is an artisanal cold-brew coffee liqueur from the stable of Himmaleh Spirits. This meticulously crafted liqueur includes some of the finest ingredients like the single estate Arabica coffee from Chikmagalur, plantation barley, and Kumaoni broken rice, all infused with the spirit of the Himalayas. Bandarful’s well-guarded recipe pays homage to its roots with a nod to the region’s distinctive terroir and offers a unique, high-quality experience that remains as charming and mischievous as its namesake.
The label, designed to reflect the mischievous Himalayan Langur— the muse behind the spirit and its Chief Everything Officer — features elements such as Brahmkamal leaves, Palash flowers, and Chikmagalur coffee cherries, all illustrated with an authentic touch. The branding captures the playful and adventurous spirit of the Langur, symbolizing the liqueur’s lively character. The design celebrates the diverse flora and fauna of Kumaon, including the Dark Sapphire Butterfly and the Chestnut-bellied Rock. Thrush, all brought to life through detailed artwork by local designers.
Jin JIJI: India’s Botanical Masterpiece
Peak Spirits is the proud distiller of Jin JIJI, a rich flavorful internationally acclaimed, homegrown gin. At Jin JIJI, branding transcends mere aesthetics to reflect India’s rich botanical heritage. The brand’s labels are inspired by its botanicals — Coriander Seeds, Angelica Root, Tulsi, Cashew Nut, Chamomile, and BlackTea—presented through a uniquely Indian aesthetic. The design brief for Jin JIJI emphasized creating a label that clearly communicates its Indian roots, incorporating traditional art forms to make its origin evident on the global stage. Notably, Jin JIJI is the first Indian gin to feature Devanagari script, marking a significant step in showcasing Indian heritage internationally.
Jin JIJI offers two distinct variants: Indian Dry Gin and Darjeeling. The Indian Dry Gin label prominently features a juniper motif, while the Darjeeling edition pays homage to its tea farm origins with illustrations of tea leaves. Key botanicals for both variants include Juniper, Tea, Indian Lemon Peel, and Cardamom, all chosen to highlight the diverse flavors of India. The brand is committed to sustainability, using a closed-loop system that ensures zero liquid waste.
