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7 Unique International Spirits to Discover in India
The Indian spirits landscape is undergoing a thrilling transformation. Today, the discerning Indian consumer is adventurous, seeking novel experiences, exquisite craftsmanship, and authentic stories behind their drink. As purveyors of fine alcoholic beverages, Solis Group is delighted to guide you on a journey through some of the most unique international spirits that are now waiting to be discovered right here in India. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and expand your horizons as we explore seven exceptional bottles, each with a distinct character and a captivating tale.
1. Chopin Family Reserve Vodka (Poland)
Forget everything you thought you knew about vodka. The Chopin Family Reserve Vodka is an extraordinary expression that elevates the category to new heights of luxury and complexity. Hailing from Poland, the historic birthplace of vodka, this isn’t just a spirit; it’s a testament to artisanal dedication.
What makes it unique? The Family Reserve is crafted from a special, naturally sweet variety of young potatoes, harvested at their peak. Unlike its more widely known siblings, this ultra-premium vodka is aged for two years in fifty-year-old Polish oak barrels, a highly unusual practice for vodka. This patient maturation imparts a subtle sweetness, a remarkably creamy mouthfeel, and delicate notes of vanilla, spice, and a hint of licorice, all while retaining the inherent purity of the spirit. It’s a sipping vodka, best enjoyed neat or with a single ice cube to appreciate its nuanced profile. For those in India seeking an unparalleled vodka experience, the Chopin Family Reserve offers a rare glimpse into the true potential of this often-understated spirit.
2. Nordés Gin (Spain)
Imagine the fresh, aromatic breezes of Spain’s Galician coast, and you’re beginning to understand Nordés Gin. This is not your typical London Dry; Nordés is a vibrant, contemporary gin that breaks convention with its distinctive base and botanical bill.
Its uniqueness lies primarily in its spirit base, which is derived from Albariño grapes, the signature white wine varietal of the region. This lends a soft, subtly fruity underpinning to the gin. The botanical selection is equally inspired, featuring 11 botanicals, with 6 local Galician ones like sage, laurel, verbena herb, eucalyptus, peppermint, and glasswort (a salicornia), alongside juniper, ginger, cardamom, hibiscus flower, and black tea. The result is a gin that is intensely aromatic, floral, and refreshingly different. On the palate, it’s smooth and bright, with notes of white flowers, citrus, and a gentle herbaceousness. Enjoy Nordés with a premium tonic, garnished with a white grape or a sprig of sage to accentuate its Galician soul. It’s a perfect discovery for Indian gin lovers looking for something truly innovative.
3. Big Peat Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (Scotland)
For the peat-heads and lovers of bold, smoky whisky, Big Peat Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is an unmissable dram. As the name unabashedly declares, this is a celebration of Islay, the Scottish island renowned for its powerfully peated whiskies.
Big Peat is a “vatted” or blended malt, meaning it’s a marriage of single malts exclusively from distilleries on Islay – including iconic names like Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bowmore, and even the (now closed) Port Ellen. This expert blending captures the quintessential Islay character: expect an explosion of smoky, sooty, tarry, and maritime notes, balanced by underlying sweetness and a malty core. It’s robust, unapologetic, and incredibly characterful. Each sip transports you to the rugged, windswept shores of its island home. Best enjoyed neat, with a splash of water to unlock its complexities, or in a classic Penicillin cocktail for a smoky kick. For Indian whisky aficionados ready to embrace the wild side of Scotch, Big Peat is an exhilarating adventure.
4. Delamain Pale and Dry XO Grande Champagne Cognac (France)
From the heart of Cognac’s most prestigious cru, Grande Champagne, comes Delamain Pale and Dry XO. For over two centuries, the House of Delamain has been dedicated to crafting exceptionally elegant and mature Cognacs, and Pale and Dry XO is their cornerstone expression.
“Pale” refers to its natural colour, free from caramel additives, and “Dry” signifies its minimal sweetness, allowing the quality of the eaux-de-vie to shine. What makes it truly unique is its exclusive blend of older XO Cognacs sourced solely from the Grande Champagne region, renowned for producing the most refined and long-lived spirits. Aged for an average of 25 years, it boasts remarkable finesse and complexity. Expect delicate floral aromas, particularly rancio (a prized nutty, slightly oxidized note found in very old Cognacs), intertwined with notes of apricot, vanilla, and subtle spice. Its palate is exceptionally smooth, light yet persistent, with a long, graceful finish. This is a Cognac for contemplation, best savoured neat in a tulip glass. Indian connoisseurs seeking the pinnacle of Cognac artistry will find it in Delamain Pale and Dry XO.
5. Gunpowder Irish Gin with Sardinian Citrus (Ireland)
From the inventive minds at The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo, Ireland, comes Gunpowder Irish Gin, a spirit that has quickly gained a global following for its bold and exotic flavour profile. The Sardinian Citrus expression takes this a step further.
The uniqueness of Gunpowder Irish Gin starts with its intriguing botanical: Chinese gunpowder green tea, which lends a slightly spicy, smoky, and fresh note. This is vapour-infused along with a medley of other botanicals including juniper, angelica, orris, caraway, coriander, meadowsweet, cardamom, and star anise. The “Sardinian Citrus” edition then introduces “Sa Pompìa,” one of the world’s rarest citrus fruits, found only in Sardinia. This adds a distinctive, fragrant, and slightly tart citrus burst that beautifully complements the gunpowder tea and other spices. The result is a complex, vibrant, and multi-layered gin that is both intriguing and immensely drinkable. It shines in a G&T with a wedge of fresh red grapefruit or orange. A truly global gin with an Irish heart, perfect for those in India looking to explore contemporary gin craftsmanship.
6. Sausage Tree Pure Irish Vodka (Ireland)
Also hailing from the innovative Drumshanbo distillery, Sausage Tree Pure Irish Vodka proves that vodka can be anything but boring. The name itself is a conversation starter, hinting at the unique ingredient that sets this spirit apart.
This vodka is indeed made with the fruit of the Kigelia Africana, commonly known as the “sausage tree” due to its distinctive, large, sausage-shaped fruits. This exotic botanical, native to Africa, is integrated with Irish grain and wild Irish nettle to create a fascinating flavour profile. The sausage tree fruit imparts a subtle, almost earthy and slightly nutty character, while the nettle adds a delicate herbaceous lift. The vodka is distilled slowly for maximum purity and smoothness. It challenges the notion of vodka as a neutral spirit, offering instead a subtle complexity that makes it enjoyable sipped neat or as the base for premium cocktails where its unique character can subtly enhance the drink. For the adventurous Indian spirit enthusiast, Sausage Tree Pure Irish Vodka is a truly original find.
7. The London No. 1 Gin (United Kingdom)
In a world of ever-evolving gin styles, The London No. 1 Gin stands out with its striking turquoise-blue hue and its commitment to classic, high-quality distillation. It’s a quintessential London Dry Gin in spirit, yet with a visual and aromatic twist.
Its distinctive colour is naturally derived from maceration with gardenia flowers after distillation, making it instantly recognizable. Beyond its appearance, The London No. 1 is crafted in small batches in London using the traditional pot still method. It features a sophisticated blend of 12 botanicals sourced from around the world, including juniper, coriander, angelica root, lemon peel, cassia, cinnamon, liquorice, savory, orris root, almond, bergamot, and lily. This results in a gin that is both traditional and complex, with prominent juniper notes beautifully balanced by earthy spices, bright citrus, and a delicate floral lift from the bergamot and gardenia. It creates an exceptional Gin & Tonic and is a versatile base for a wide array of classic gin cocktails. For those in India who appreciate a refined London Dry with an elegant twist, The London No. 1 is a superb choice.
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