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The Indian-made Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin from Meghalaya swooped the award at the Spirits Business Awards in London for its characteristic package design and taste. The sustainable gin – made using a rainwater harvesting method, the gin brand also incorportates local botanicals like the GI-tagged Khasi mandarin, Assam’s kaji nemu peels and sohmarit or wild peppers. Packaged in a steel bottle unlike most glass ones that are common, the spirit launched in November last year competed against 110 brands from 55 countries.
Founded by Mayukh Hazarika, the process of making the distilled spirit also involves using juniper sourced from Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, cardamom from Garo Hills in western Meghalaya, second-flush tea from Lushai Hills in southeastern Mizoram and peppercorns from Khasi Hills. Cinching the top honour, the accolade was declared on May 21 at the London Wine Fair, celebrating the essence of the Northeast on a prestigious platform. Currently available in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya, the brand plans on expanding distribution in different regions of north India.
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The gin bottle – featuring illustrations by Portland-based Reshidev RK, is reflective of the essence of its region of origin. Motifs like the mandarin picker, a colonial era Bedford bus, red panda, bamboo forests, monoliths and rooster clouds decorate the surface, as an homage to the geography. Following closely after the India’s single malt whiskey – Godawan Century – bagging the top spot at the London Spirits Competition of 2024, homegrown brands have been making a mark on the global stage with these significant recognitions.
