Tag Archives: Indian Gin

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.  

Jamun Dry Gin Exclusive First Review

Jamun Dry Gin is a new player in the Indian gin market, brought to you by the renowned distillery, Mohan Meakins. With a rich history in producing iconic drinks like Old Monk Rum and Solan Gold single malt, Jamun Dry Gin marks their debut in the gin industry. At a price of Rs. 2100, this gin promises to be a fine blend of unique flavors, carefully crafted with the expertise of the Mohan Meakins team. In this article, we will dive into the details of Jamun Dry Gin, exploring its unique characteristics, taste, and more, so that you can decide if this gin is worth trying.

As the Indian gin market continues to grow, with numerous local brands emerging in recent years, Jamun Dry Gin stands out as a unique offering from Mohan Meakins, the producers of Old Monk Rum and Solan Gold single malt. With its roots in the Himalayan region, Jamun Dry Gin features juniper berries in its recipe, setting it apart from other gins in the market. Currently available in several Indian states, including Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as for export, Jamun Dry Gin is poised for expansion in the coming year with plans to reach even more Indian states, including Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya.

The name “Jamun” may be a bit misleading, as some may think it refers to a flavoured gin. But in reality, “Jamun” is a term sometimes used to refer to juniper berries, which are one of the unique ingredients in this gin. Among the many gins available in India, only a handful use juniper from the Himalayas, making Jamun Dry Gin a standout product in the market.

The introduction of Jamun Dry Gin has created a stir in the Indian gin market, which has seen a surge in the number of locally produced gins in recent years. This gin, produced by Mohan Meakins, the makers of Old Monk Rum and Solan Gold single malt, is bottled at the Solan Brewery using Himalayan spring water, giving it a unique and unparalleled taste. The gin is named after the Juniper berries that are used in its production, and the Himalayan spring water adds to its distinctiveness, much like the single malts from the region that are known for their special taste due to the water used. The Kasauli Distillery, located in Shimla, is one of the oldest distilleries in India and is known for its high-quality products. In this article, we will take a closer look at the taste and characteristics of Jamun Dry Gin.

According to Hemant Mohan, the creator of Jamun Dry Gin, the gin is carefully crafted through a process of maceration and distillation. The neutral spirit and botanicals are distilled in a special copper pot still, resulting in a smooth and flavourful full-bodied gin. To ensure the perfect balance of flavours, the distillate is slowly reduced to bottling strength over the course of a month, creating a marrying period that allows the botanicals and spices to seamlessly integrate into the gin.

Packaging

The design of the bottle for Jamun Dry Gin is a classic gin bottle, but with a unique touch of deep purple gradient, paying homage to the key ingredient, the juniper berry. While many gin brands proudly display information about the botanicals used, this gin’s focus is on its key differentiator, the Himalayan spring water, which is sourced from an elevation of 6000 feet. The water is carefully sourced and used to create a smooth and flavourful gin that is sure to impress even the most discerning gin connoisseur.

Tasting and Nosing

When nosing the Jamun Dry Gin, you will be struck by the fresh aroma of the botanicals, including coriander, mint, lemon peel, and citrus. This creates a refreshing, invigorating scent that will leave you eager to taste the gin.

In terms of tasting, the gin immediately notices the zesty flavour of citrus and lemon peel, followed by a subtle sweetness that tastes like orange. The finish is marked by a touch of spice, which adds a delightful warmth to the throat. The gin’s balance on the palette is remarkable, and the credit for this goes to the use of Himalayan spring water. This special ingredient adds a smooth, almost magical quality to the gin that you’ll have to taste for yourself to fully appreciate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jamun Dry Gin marks Mohan Meakins’ debut in the gin market, and it’s a noteworthy one. The unique flavour profile of this gin is attributed to the Himalayan spring water used in its production. The gin provides a delightful balance of citrus, botanical and fresh flavors, making it a must-try for gin enthusiasts in India. At a price point of ₹2100, Jamun Dry Gin is definitely worth trying, especially with the growing gin market in India.