Tag Archives: Craft Gin

Hendrick’s Gin Limited Edition Oasium Released

Hendrick’s Gin has introduced limited edition—Hendrick’s Oasium, distilled by its Master Distiller, Lesley Gracie, and filled with herbs and vibrant fruits. Hendrick’s Oasium is the latest addition to Hendrick’s Cabinet of Curiosities. It’s designed for gin lovers who like something new and intriguing, with a flavour that’s enjoyed with cucumber and tonic.

 With bright citrus and herbal notes, this limited release features desert-inspired botanicals that elevate the crisp, green flavours.

Lesley Gracie, Master Distiller at Hendrick’s said, “It was fascinating to see what plants grow and thrive in an oasis; there are things you wouldn’t expect and some others that you absolutely would. There’s a very distinctive, green, fresh character to Hendrick’s Oasium and a specific bright citrus note from some particularly small desert botanicals. This is rounded off by a lovely depth of flavour and the aromatic oasis herbs tie it all together. I always take inspiration from my surroundings and playing polo on camels was hilarious. Whenever I see the palm trees at Hendrick’s Gin Palace I’m transported back to that day when I fed my camel cucumbers, which it enjoyed immensely. It was so much fun I just had to capture that day in a gin as a way of keeping that memory forever!”

It can be had as Oasium and Tonic, garnished with cool cucumber slices; Oasium Fizz, twist on the Paloma, mixing with pink grapefruit, lime juice, and soda; and Oasium Pegu Club, where citrus botanicals shine alongside orange liqueur, lime, and bitters.

Ally Martin, Hendrick’s Global Brand Ambassador added, “Given Hendrick’s Oasium is inspired by a curious oasis, we wanted to lean into that with the suggested drink serves. First and foremost, as with all our releases, Hendrick’s Oasium works wonderfully in a Gin & Tonic. An alternative long serve is the Hendrick’s Oasium Fizz which is akin to a Paloma. The grapefruit works so well with Hendrick’s Oasium and the bright and zesty notes of the gin, coupled with a little sugar and soda to lengthen, is a winner when gathering friends together.”

“Hendrick’s has always championed the art of the unusual, and that’s what sets us apart in the premium white spirits category. We’ve consistently rewarded consumer curiosity, not just with the gin itself, but through immersive experiences, whimsical storytelling, and unexpected collaborations. In a world that’s constantly changing, the launch of our limited edition, Hendrick’s Oasium reflects our commitment to re-engage audiences in a refreshingly curious way that has helped Hendrick’s remain a beloved choice for those who seek something truly distinctive,” said Sachin Mehta, Managing Director, William Grant & Sons. Hendrick’s Oasium is available in select regions such as Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai, Goa and Kolkata.

Diageo India acquires Nao Spirits

Diageo India has acquired Nao Spirits & Beverages, India’s craft gin makers (Greater Than and Hapusa brands), valued at Rs. 130 crores.

Diageo India (United Spirits Limited) has increased its equity stake in Nao Spirits from 30% to approximately 97.07%, making it a subsidiary of the company. With a final tranche pending, Diageo India is set to hold 100% ownership, bringing one of India’s most influential craft spirits startups fully into its fold. The transaction includes a secondary share purchase of ₹53.79 crore and a further infusion of ₹56 crore in growth capital — a strong commitment to scaling what began as a bootstrapped dream of India’s first homegrown gin.  

Founded in 2017 by Anand Virmani, Aparajita Ninan and Vaibhav Singh; and later joined by Abhinav Rajput, Nao Spirits created India’s first craft gin from the ground up. From a small distillery in Goa, they distilled more than just spirits – they distilled the movement that would later be celebrated as ‘Indian Craft Spirits’. ‘Nao’, derived from the word ‘boat’ in Portuguese is a nod to Goa’s history as a trading port and a play on the English word ‘now’, capturing the spirit of a confident, modern India.  

With Greater Than (2017), they introduced India to its first homegrown London Dry gin made with botanicals from around the world. With Hapusa (2018), they broke new ground with the world’s first Himalayan Dry Gin, bottling the wild spirit of the mountains with a premium, sipping gin. While Greater Than built the foundation, Hapusa gave gin a voice rooted in local flavour. Together, these helped build India’s craft gin category from scratch.  

Imaginative Limited Editions

Nao Spirits launched a series of imaginative limited editions—each one crafted to stand apart, both in flavour and in form:  Juniper Bomb (2020) – born from an accidental extended botanical soak that led to thrice the juniper flavour; No Sleep (2021) — India’s first coffee-infused gin; Broken Bat (2022) — the world’s first gin, aged using Kashmir Willow cricket bats; and Punk Gin (2023) – India’s first naturally infused pink gin made with real Mahabaleshwar strawberries, born from a place of rebellion.   

These never-before-seen limited editions broke convention and captured attention, each bottle a celebration of India’s biodiversity, ingenuity and evolving palate.  

“We started with a copper still named Agotha and a dream to make India proud. Today, we’re humbled and energised with Diageo India stepping in as a full partner and investor. Along the way, we realised that gin isn’t just about what goes into the bottle — it’s about the culture you build around it. From day one, we’ve been deeply focused on nurturing a community of bartenders, servers, and craft champions who could carry the story of Indian spirits forward in ways we never imagined. We’re proud that many of the original hands and hearts that built Nao Spirits are still with us today, and this next chapter gives us a chance to grow the culture we’ve helped shape with even greater reach and purpose. This isn’t the end of a journey, but the beginning of a new chapter; powered by the same people, the same purpose, and the same belief — that modern Indian spirits deserve their place on the world stage,” said Anand Virmani, Co-Founder & CEO, Nao Spirits & Beverages.   

The original team continues to lead Nao Spirits with the same creative direction and cultural clarity that have defined its journey from the start — now supported by Diageo India’s robust distribution network, production capabilities, and leadership strength.