Luxebook June 2022

Goa as a hub for gin-distilleries Distilleries are spread across the country, but one destination that seems to have turned into a hub for gin distilleries is Goa. Over the past two years, a host of homegrown gins have mushroomed across the state. Although tourism took a hit for the last two years, the gin revolution was expanding at a rapid pace. Goa was filled with new ideas. Being the home for gin-makers, today bartenders and restaurateurs in India can choose from about eleven indigenous gins from Goa and each bottle is priced between ₹ 1,000 and ₹ 2,000. Lush green expanses, locally sourced botanicals and spices and low taxes make Goa a conducive destination for many gin makers. Kshitij Goel, Beverage Director, W Goa, gave us an insight into some of the key factors that make Goa so favourable for gin-makers, “Gin is the current ‘it’ drink and Goa is the party capital of India. It is therefore no surprise that gin owners are attracted to Goa. Further, the climate is very favourable and more importantly, the demand in the city is massive, which significantly reduces the cost of distribution.” He further added, “The sudden surge of distilleries in Goa can also be attributed to more favourable tax and excise laws in the city that encourage homegrown brands. Additionally, Goa offers more space for gin owners to develop and rent or buy out spaces for distilleries.” While Suri too acknowledged that the state’s laws make it easier for distilleries to be set up there, he felt, “... small batches of gin can be easily prepared. But scaling up the business and going national is a challenge in itself.” As the connoisseurs preach – it’s flavours are above everything. With a variety of fresh and locally sourced ingredients, each gin prepared has a distinct flavour. “Stranger & Sons is a three-dimensional, versatile spirit that highlights each botanical in the gin and reveals new layers on the nose and palate with each sip. The mace, cassia bark, liquorice and nutmeg that perfume our gin are sourced from spice farms surrounding our distillery, making Goa the beating heart of our narrative,” explained Sakshi. From being declared one of the eight best gins in the world by the International Wine and Spirit Competition in 2020, Stranger & Sons, has put Indian gin on the world map. Sakshi further added,“We often hear a lot being said about Goa having more liberal excise laws and so on, making it easier to start brands there but honestly, that undermines what Goa truly has to offer.” She believed Sylvia Martinez at W Goa TERAI Gin Sakshi Saigal Director & Co-founder, Third Eye Distillery 20| L U X E B O O K | J U N E 2 0 2 2 J U N E 2 0 2 2 | L U X E B O O K | 21