In celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights this week, Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin is launching today in the UK. Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin, distilled at one of India’s oldest distilleries, encapsulates the rich heritage and history of the Indian city of Jaisalmer, known as the jewel in India’s crown.
Available exclusively at The Whisky Exchange and rolling out to retailers throughout the UK in time for Christmas, Jaisalmer Gin makes an original and stylish gift. Jaisalmer Gin’s signature drink celebrates the origin of the Gin & Tonic in British Colonial India, where Indian Tonic Water made with quinine was first created and used to combat malaria in the 1800s.
Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin {pronounced Jessalmeer} is triple-distilled and handcrafted in a traditional copper pot still in small batches by Master Distiller Anup Barik at Rampur Distillery – the makers of Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky. The distillery is one of India’s oldest, located in the foothills of the Himalayas.
The Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin recipe is derived from the ancient Indian knowledge of herbs and hand-picked botanicals. Anup Barik, who comes from a family of Indian master distillers, wanted to retain the classic gin flavour using juniper berries whilst adding a refreshing twist with Indian botanicals. He has chosen seven of the 11 botanicals used in the distillation from all four corners of India. The Coriander and Vetiver, a complex spice with intriguing peppery notes, are grown in the fields around Jaisalmer in the North of India. The sweet orange peel, which complements the citrus and floral tones of the gin, comes from Central India. Cubeb Pepper berries and Lemon Grass from Southern India, Darjeeling Green Tea leaves from Eastern India and Lemon Peel from Western India make up the remaining Indian-sourced botanicals.
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Other botanicals include angelica root, liquorice and caraway seeds which lend a spicy, slightly anise-tinged flavour to the gin and the all-important juniper berries are from Tuscany.
Sanjeev Banga, President – International Business at Jaisalmer’s owners Radico, says, “We’re delighted to be launching our first Indian Craft Gin and are excited about the heritage behind the brand as well as the Indian craftsmanship our Master Distiller uses to distil our new gin. Jaisalmer’s signature serve, the Jaisalmer Gin and Indian Tonic tastes like an oasis in the desert and we describe it as a drink fit for Royalty, harking back to the imperial age of the Maharajas and their moments of leisure and pleasure. Jaisalmer also makes an excellent base for exotic gin cocktails to be enjoyed by consumers especially in the UK, USA, the rest of Europe and other countries worldwide.”
The Jaisalmer Indian G&T
Pour 35ml Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin into a copa glass filled with fresh ice. Top with Indian Tonic Water and garnish with orange peel.
The Maharaja Mojito
Fill up a glass with ice and pour over 50ml Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin. Clap 6 mint leaves and add to the glass. Add 15ml of fresh lime juice, 50ml bitter lemon and 20ml organic Agave Syrup. Stir gently and garnish with a mint sprig.
RRP: £35.45 for a 70cl bottle. ABV: 43%
Exclusively available from The Whisky Exchange for November and from December selected high-end retailers www.thewhiskyexchange.com
It is available to the trade through Speciality Drinks www.specialitydrinks.com
