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Indian spirits are growing in popularity with India cited as one of the fastest-growing markets for alcoholic drink sales, according to recent studies by Global Data.

At home consumption and increased social gatherings, celebrations and footfall in bars and restaurants post-Covid, have further boosted the spirits market in India. A continuation of this trend is forecast, with data from a Statista study* showing alcoholic drinks generated US$47,500 million (£39,133 million) in revenue in 2022, with the market expected to grow by 8.86% per year (CAGR 2022–2025). Led by Mumbai, many Indian cities have an increasing appetite for spirits and distillers are rising to the challenge by reshaping their portfolios to include more premium brands as consumers are enjoying more disposable income. The increase in the number of young people in urban areas and a rise in global travel is also fuelling the demand for good quality spirits. Whisky brands dominate sales and the Indian market is the world’s largest consumer of whisky, according to the International Wine & Spirits Record (IWSR) Drinks Market Analysis.

As the sun shines in the UK, let these summer serves transport you to the heat and splendour of India. Experience super-premium spirits from Indian distillers, with regal gins from Jaisalmer and luxury whiskies from Rampur.

Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin takes its name from the historic city of Jaisalmer, the Golden City, located in Rajasthan, NW India. Often described as the jewel in India’s crown, Jaisalmer is steeped in history and is home to the Golden Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city bursts with colour, festivals and royal traditions and its richness and splendour are reflected perfectly in Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin, harking back to the imperial age of the Maharajas. Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin is a triple-distilled spirit, handcrafted in a traditional copper pot still in small batches at Rampur Distillery, one of India’s oldest distilleries, located in the foothills of the Himalayas. Seven of the eleven botanicals used in the distillation come from India. This spirit ‘fit for Royalty’ is fragrant on the nose and flavoursome on the palate, with plenty of pine, juniper, citrus and spice.

Enjoy Jaisalmer Gin in a stunning cocktail, The Golden Fort.

Pour 50ml Jaisalmer Gin over cubed ice. Add 15 ml fresh lime juice, 10ml cinnamon syrup and 50ml cloudy apple juice. Garnish with an apple fan of 3 slices of green apple and add grated nutmeg on top (optional).

Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin is available from: Amazon, Drink Supermarket, The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt RRP: £34.95 for a 70cl bottle. ABV: 43%

For a burst of Indian Summer, Jaisalmer Gold Indian Craft Gin is infused with 18 handpicked botanicals, 14 of which have been sourced from India. These include Coriander from Jaisalmer, Saffron from Kashmir, Nagpur Orange Peel, Darjeeling Green Tea, Gandharaj Lemon Peel from Eastern India, Nutmeg from Karnataka, Cinnamon from Kerala, locally sourced Rose Petals from around the distillery, Lemongrass, Bay Leaf, Liquorice Root, Vetiver, Black Pepper and Pink Pepper. Other botanicals include Juniper Berries, Angelica Root, Carraway and Cubeb Pepper which all come together to produce this rich gin with aromatic spice and tea, balanced by citrus, lemongrass and liquorice root.

The liquid is enhanced by gold filtration in a unique production process where the gin slowly passes through a filter made of intertwined golden silk filament, enriching the gin with gold ions and providing a clean, smooth and balanced taste.

For a gin and tonic fit for a king, try the Jaisalmer Gold G&T

Fill a Copa glass with ice. Add 50ml Jaisalmer Gold Gin and top up with 125 ml of Fever Tree Indian Tonic Water. Add an orange peel twist.

Jaisalmer Gold Indian Craft Gin ABV: 43%. RRP: £39.99 for 50cl. Available from: Amazon and Drink Supermarket

Rampur Indian Single Malt Whiskies are a range of luxury whiskies produced by one of India’s oldest distilleries, Rampur Distillery. Rampur has been distilling whisky for over 25 years and has a reputation for quality and innovation in Uttar Pradesh in the foothills of the Himalayas.The Himalayas provide very different climate conditions throughout the year, which means that Indian whisky matures significantly more quickly than Scotch or Irish whiskies. The cold winters and hot summers give the spirit an added dimension and produce single malts with a smooth and mellow depth of flavour.

For the first time in history, a single malt matured in American Bourbon Barrels has been carefully finished in Indian Cabernet Sauvignon casks to create Rampur Asava Indian Single Malt Whisky. Rampur Asava has a tropical fruity notes with velvety manuka honey sweetness, highlighted by spicy oak, vanilla and balanced with dryness from Indian red wine. Enjoy Rampur Asava Indian Single Malt neat or over ice.

Rampur Asava Indian Single Malt Whisky is available from The Whisky Exchange   RRP from £67.25 for 70cl.  ABV 45%

All Rampur whiskies are a touch of understated luxury and the Rampur Double Cask Indian Single Malt Whisky is no different.  It is presented in an embossed sand and copper drum, reflecting the brand’s heritage.

A hand-crafted single malt whisky matured for two-thirds of its life in hand-selected American Bourbon barrels and one third in European Oak Sherry casks. Delicate balsamic vanilla notes from the American white oak compliment the full-bodied aroma whilst rich caramel, dried dark fruits and spiced tonality from the European oak add to the depth of flavour.  Best served neat or on the rocks.

Rampur Double Cask Indian Single Malt Whisky available from Master of Malt  RRP from £61.99 for 70cl. ABV 45%.