Luxebook June 2022

“We have completed five successful editions and have doubled from seven gin brands at the first pop-up festival to sixteen brands at our last event,” says Suri. “We have seen global brands enter India, homegrown brands too continue to develop — and follow its motto, ‘Make India fall in love with Gin’.” Gin-novation The past couple of years have been witness to much innovation in India’s gin space. Homegrown brands especially have been extremely innovative, creating a flurry of choices for the consumer. From inspired collaborations to unique and clever concoctions, the industry in India is blooming. Two of the most popular homegrown gin brands, The Bombay Canteen and Stranger & Sons launched India’s first collaborative distilled cocktail— Perry Road Peru, a limited-edition spirit. Stranger & Sons also collaborated with Four Pillars, Trading Tides and Spice Trade, creating new exciting gin flavours that are soon to hit the market. In terms of new concoctions, Greater Than collaborated with Sleep Owl to create the country’s first coffee-infused gin —No Sleep which brings together India’s two fastest-growing beverages — gin and coffee to create an exciting mix. The country will also witness its first barrel-aged gin, a collaborative approach between Pumori gin, Woodburns whisky, and Segredo Aldeia rums at Fullarton Distilleries. The gin boasts 12 carefully selected botanicals, distilled in small 200-litre tanks that allow the distiller to keep a close eye on the process. There has also been a rise in the beverage category with brands like Beat, Jimmy’s Cocktails and Jade Forest offering craft mixers that replicate bar-style cocktails and drinks at home. G&T the new way While a classic G&T is the supreme gin cocktail, mixologists and consumers have recreated the popular drink in newer ways to keep away from the monotony. Innovation in terms of gin cocktails has inspired netizens to explore and experiment with the spirit in newer forms that stay true to the classic G&Ts while adding a new innovative twist. Gin is often considered as one of the best drinks for cocktails because of its light, botanical flavour. “Because it is light and botanical, gin blends with pretty much any kind of mixer whether it is juice, soda or tonic water,” says Batra. “A twist on the G&T is the best way to start your gin journey.” Suri on the other hand believes that gin is a fun drink to play around with, especially with garnish. “The wonderful thing about gin is that you can garnish it in numerous ways and have fun with it. If you’re a seasoned gin enthusiast and looking to move beyond the classic G&T, go for a Dirty Martini or a well prepared Negroni.” Mixologists, bartenders, and restaurants give primary importance to gin today. Most restaurants have an entire section dedicated to the spirit which invites everyone to try and explore different Gins regardless of their spirit of choice. launches have already been a part of the community. Goa single-handedly saw over ten local brands coming up, which at the time of inception of Gin Explorers Club was only a single brand—Greater Than. Apart from homegrown brands, there has also been a rise in new global brands, along with international and homegrown tonic brands being available in the country. With Indian bars being recognised more at Global platforms like Asia’s 50 Best, we’re seeing more acceptance, and the future of gin is looks bright and flavourful!” The future of gin While it is difficult to predict the future of gin, one can only assume and hope that it grows. Indian brands will expand to the global market. We’ve already seen an expansion towards Southeast Asia with the collaboration between Stranger & Sons and premium Australian gin brand Four Pillars. The collaboration will promote Indian craft gins, promoting them within the international gin community, and opening them up to Indian craft gin flavours. On a concluding note, Batra adds, “With love for the spirit growing, many collaborations and 34| 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 | 35