Indian gin measures up

GIN AND TONIC originated in India as a more palatable way for Victorian colonialists to down the bitter quinine that protected them against malaria. The recent spurt in popularity of gin around the world has produced a long list of popular brands that tout Indian inspiration yet Bombay Sapphire, Sikkim, Jodhpur, Opihr and Gin Wala are distilled in Britain. Despite India’s role in popularising gin it has taken many years for home-grown firms to join the party.

Stranger & Sons, set up in Goa a year ago, is one of a few domestic upmarket brands that are appearing in Indian bars. Not only can they trade on history but the local availability of “botanicals”, plants and spices that impart flavour, is another boon. Demand for Stranger & Sons’ products in India seems to match a worldwide thirst. Global sales of premium bottles are growing at around 20% annually, says IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, a research firm, two-and-a-half times the rate of overall spirit sales. Initial production at Stranger & Sons of 1,800 bottles a month will grow to 21,000 by the end of the year.