The recent celebrations of India’s 74th Republic Day give us the perfect time to honour India’s legacy and growth – with homegrown brands and Make in India products leading the way. We look at some of the most exciting spirits that have captivated the hearts of consumers.

India’s 74th Republic Day marked the completion of another year of unity and success in the world’s largest democracy – making it an opportune moment to honour India’s legacy and growth over these years. Embracing a strong #VocalforLocal wave, the country has seen a strong surge in homegrown brands. As a result, a number of made-in-India brands are taking centrestage, proudly showcasing their indigenous innovations. Celebrating these brands and their offerings, here’s a list of some of the most exciting made-in-India alcobev products that are making a mark in the minds of consumers today.

LEGACY whisky

LEGACY - PREMIUM BLENDED WHISKY

The latest, most exciting entrant in the Indian-made whisky space, Legacy is a newly launched, made-in India premium blended whisky by Bacardi. Offering a unique flavour by perfectly blending the finest Indian grains, Legacy aims to be the ideal drink for all occasions – be they celebrations with loved ones or quiet relaxation at home. The whisky boasts a rich blend of fruity notes layered with subtle peaty flavours, undertones of toasted oak with a whiff of spice and a delicate vanilla-infused smokey finish. Legacy is the go-to spirit for those who live a life full of passion and determination, building their own legacy every day.

Old Monk Rum. Photo by Jaikishan Patel for Unsplash

OLD MONK - RUM

Old Monk has been the biggest and perhaps the most well-known Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) brand for many years. A quality dark rum made in India, Old Monk has found great success with its recipe and brewing, which matures the rum in oak barrels for a minimum of seven years. Its taste has notes of caramel, and chocolate, with a hint of vanilla, making it a great pairing with a variety of colas. Old Monk is an age old favourite amongst enthusiasts of dark spirits and dark rums across India.

GOOD MAN Brandy

GOOD MAN - BRANDY

Aged for a minimum of two years in oak casks, Good Man brandy is the perfect amalgamation of grain spirit and premium French and Indian grape brandies. The resulting spirit is a meticulously crafted blend of woody flavours, accompanied by fruity notes of pear, apple, and raisin – drizzled with sweet vanilla and honey. Good Man is an ode to the new-age consumers, who seek to be the best version of themselves on their quest for individuality. It is best enjoyed neat, and on ice. It also pairs well with a variety of clear mixers. A homegrown beverage, Good Man is 100 percent Made-in-India for the Indian market.

Greater Than Gin

GREATER THAN - GIN

The only London dry gin made in India, Greater Than is a popular choice amongst new age gin enthusiasts in the country. Made using a modern copper pot distillation process, Greater Than follows a unique Indian-made recipe using botanicals sourced from around the world, and is made in Goa by Nao Spirits. The gin has clean juniper and fresh lemon peel on the nose and a zing of ginger on the finish. It has found a steady following in its present markets of Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore; and plans to serve and delight consumers across India in the future.

Mithuna by Paul John

MITHUNA BY PAUL JOHN - SINGLE MALT

Established in 1996 from the tropical shores of Goa, the Paul John single malt whisky is a creation that embodies the clime and spirit of Goa in its flavour. Mithuna by Paul John is part of their Zodiac series (Mithuna is equivalent to Gemini, in India). Made from carefully chosen indigenous ingredients, the whisky offers up aromas of honey on toast, vanilla, coffee mocha, orange peel, and cocoa. The palate features notes of coffee mocha, orange peel, delicate spice, sugars, and honey. It is a limited edition and only a few thousand have been bottled, making it a rare indulgence!