Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin: Crafted with a touch of ‘Gold’

Witness the remarkable ascent of Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin, a true embodiment of excellence in the spirits realm. In just six short years since its debut in 2018 under the stewardship of Radico Khaitan, Jaisalmer Craft Gin has captured the imagination of connoisseurs worldwide. With a distillation capacity
exceeding 13 million litres per month, this elixir of sophistication is meticulously crafted in small batches, ensuring unparalleled quality and attention to detail at every step of the process. Ever pondered about the inspiration that led to it all?

Tracing the roots of inspiration

Jaisalmer Gold Gin pays homage to the timeless elegance of the ancient city- Jaisalmer, the famed ‘Golden City’ nestled within the mystical Thar Desert of Rajasthan, where every corner is adorned with the golden hues of sandstone architecture and intricate carvings. From the majestic windows crafted from yellow sandstone to the ornate shrines dotting the shores of Gadisar Lake, every detail of Jaisalmer’s opulent landscape is captured within the essence of this exquisite gin. Named after the illustrious Jaisalmer Fort, a magnificent citadel that stands as a tribute to the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, Jaisalmer Gin embodies the spirit of adventure and exploration. Its iconic logo depicting the fort towering above the horns of a graceful blackbuck is an allusion to the city’s regal heritage. The blackbuck in the logo is reminiscent of the prized Jaisalmer Royal Flag, each bottle a tribute to the enduring legacy of Jaisalmer’s
majestic beauty.

Evolving tasting notes

Jaisalmer Gold, the latest offering by the brand, is enveloped in a symphony of 18 botanicals, including the revered juniper, aromatic cubeb, and vibrant citrus peels. Fourteen of these botanicals are sourced from India. Each sip is a journey of discovery. At the heart of this exquisite spirit lies saffron, the world’s most prized and expensive spice, sourced from the far corners of the globe. The centering of saffron as the hero ingredient makes each bottle of Jaisalmer Gold a testament to the laborious process of saffron cultivation, where it takes between 150,000 to 250,000 saffron crocus flowers just to get 1 kg of saffron. As the elixir caresses the palate, the piney juniper harmonises with bursts of orange and lemon, while a subtle spice whispers tales of exotic Darjeeling green tea. The crescendo arrives in a dry, lingering finish, where whispers of coriander seeds and peppery cubeb leave an indelible mark. Whether savoured simply with tonic and a garnish of orange or as the star of a classic Negroni, Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin promises a heavenly experience for the gin lovers.

A note on the Classic

Of the 11 botanicals in the Jaisalmer Classic, 7 have been sourced from India. These include coriander, native from Jaisalmer, liquorice from Haryana, lemon peel, from Central India, sweet orange peel from Nagpur in Maharashtra, vetiver from North India, Darjeeling Green Tea from Darjeeling in East India, and lemongrass from West India. The synergy in the botanicals ensures an elegant, refreshing finish that lingers long after the first sip of the drink.

All about crafting liquid gold

In a truly unique production process, Jaisalmer Gold Gin is delicately filtered through a veil of intertwined golden silk filament. This luxurious step infuses the gin with subtle traces of gold ions, resulting in an unparalleled smoothness and sophistication. Each sip offers a harmonious blend of flavours, elevating the
drinking experience to extraordinary heights. This meticulous filtration pays homage to the opulent architecture of Jaisalmer, with its palatial yellow sandstone carvings that once made it the jewel in India’s crown. The golden infusion process not only enriches the gin but also reflects the timeless beauty and grandeur of its namesake city.

The intricate packaging

In the realm of luxury spirits, packaging transcends its practical role, evolving into an art form that encapsulates the essence of the liquid treasure within. Jaisalmer Gin embodies this philosophy with its sophisticated, dark black bottle, elegantly adorned with muted gold accents. This visual masterpiece pays tribute to the breathtaking landscapes of Rajasthan, where golden sands shimmer under a star-studded sky. The regal silhouette of the black buck, an emblem of Jaisalmer’s royal heritage, stands proudly against this backdrop, flanked by the iconic Jaisalmer Fort—a timeless symbol of grandeur and prestige.
Each intricate detail, from the ornate Rajasthani motifs to the meticulously crafted logo, weaves a narrative of honour, legacy, and unparalleled craftsmanship. As you trace your fingers along this exquisite design, you are invited to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history and tradition.

A Trophy-Winning triumph

Jaisalmer Gin has been collecting accolades like a seasoned connoisseur amassing rare gems, dazzling the world with its exceptional quality and taste. In 2024, it struck gold at the prestigious London Spirit Competition and The Fifty Best Gin awards, further solidifying its reputation as a top-tier spirit. The previous year was equally illustrious, with Jaisalmer Gin being crowned Best Indian Craft Gin at the Zee Zest Unlimit Awards, clinching gold at the San Francisco Awards, and earning a Double Gold at the Barleycorn Awards. It also impressed the judges at the Ultimate Spirit Challenge, scoring a commendable 91 points.
The gin’s winning streak continued in 2022, grabbing a Gold Medal at The Fifty Best New York, triumphing at the Icons of Gin India, and securing another gold at the Spirits Selection. In 2021, Jaisalmer Gin’s excellence was acknowledged with a Double Gold from The Fifty Best New York and a Gold Medal at the International Spirit Challenge, alongside an impressive 94 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. The previous years saw it shine at the Grand Gold Monde Selection Bruxelles in 2020 and earn the title of Best Asian Gin at The Gin Guide Awards in 2019. Each award is a testament to Jaisalmer Gin’s unwavering commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation in the world of spirits!