Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin Review: Taste, ABV, Botanicals & Price Explained

When you consider Indian spirits, whisky takes the majority of the focus. However, in more recent times, a welcome change is happening in the glass, a new  wave of Indian craft gins is revolutionizing how the world sees the distilling possibilities of the country. Among this revolution, Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin has quickly risen to the top, representing all that is India and its great cultural and botanical diversity. 

Produced by distilling giant Radico Khaitan, one of India's most respected distilling houses, Jaisalmer Gin is a tribute to royal heritage, craftsmanship, and the sensory experience of India's native ingredients.

The Heritage Behind Jaisalmer Gin

Introduced in 2018, Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin was created by Radico Khaitan, a company well-associated with famous whisky brands like Rampur and 8PM. However, this time, they pushed the limits of creativity - moving away from whisky barrels to copper stills - to craft a spirit that honors Jaisalmer, Rajasthan - India’s "Golden City," which is located in the middle of the Thar Desert.

Jaisalmer is not merely a city; it represents India's regal heritage. The fort of Jaisalmer, its grand Jain temples, and especially the royal coat of arms displaying the blackbuck (Indian antelope) have informed the gin's identity - and the design of the bottle echoes this authenticity with its matte black and gold outer accented with certain intricate details that evoke the royal opulence of Rajasthan.

The gin is produced through distillation at Radico Khaitan's Rampur facility in Uttar Pradesh, where there is a long history of expertise in distilling quality spirits. Jaisalmer Gin is produced in relatively small batches, although Radico Khaitan is one of the largest distillers in Asia with 13 million liters of production capacity each month, in order to maintain the precision quality control of distillate and depth of flavor.

Production and ABV: Where Tradition Meets Technique

Truly artisanal, Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin is triple-distilled in traditional copper pot stills. The numbers and figures help create a spirit that is both smooth and refined, full of layered complexity. The base spirit of Jaisalmer Gin is made from a neutral grain distillate (based on either rice or grain), which allows the gin's botanicals to shine on a clean, neutral canvas.

With a moderate ABV of 43%, Jaisalmer Gin achieves the utmost balance between strength and smoothness. It is bold enough to ensure the spirit expresses itself in a circus of botanicals while gentle enough to sip neat or include in cocktails. The spirit's moderate alcohol level also helps bring out subtler citrus and spice characteristics that tend to be lost in higher-proof, juniper-heavy spirits.

The Botanicals: A Tour Across India in One Glass

What makes Jaisalmer Gin truly remarkable is its use of 11 botanicals, seven of which are sourced from across India’s diverse regions, making each sip a journey through the country’s landscape.

Let’s break down these ingredients and what they contribute to the spirit:

The outcome is a gin that not only tastes Indian but also feels Indian. Each botanical speaks to a part of India's geography, climate, and tradition, from the misty tea gardens of Darjeeling to the luxuriant fields of lemongrass in the South.

Aroma: Fragrant, Fresh, and Wonderfully Complex

Your nascent exploration into Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin begins with its aromatic and bright nose. The refreshing citrus lift comes from the interplay of juniper, lemon, and sweet orange peel. Underneath are soft layers of peppery spice, minty herbs, and earthy vetiver that simulate the characteristics of the spice markets of the Indian subcontinent. Lovely hints of licorice and green tea add some delicate sweetness and gentle dryness, all wrapped into a well-balanced and mature aroma.

It’s fragrant without being overpowering, perfect for those who appreciate nuance over intensity.

Taste: Juniper Backbone Meets Indian Soul

Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin, when consumed neat, begins with the classic piney flavor of juniper and is followed directly by an explosion of citrus from orange and lemon peel. Then comes the mid-palate combination of peppery cubeb berries and coriander seed, along with herbal hints of vetiver, that provides warmth and spiciness.

As it develops, you notice the gentle sweetness from licorice and lemongrass, which refines what would otherwise be a harsh, citrus profile into something more balanced. 

A long, dry finish reveals a light pepperiness and an echo of Darjeeling green tea and earthy spiciness, some elegance, distinctiveness, and certainly... Indian.

This gin has layers, bright and lively at the front, grounding and aromatic at the bounds, and wonderfully crisp at the end.

Also Read: Hendrick’s Gin Brings Oasium to India: A Citrus-Forward Limited Edition That Redefines Freshness

Serving Suggestions: Best Ways to Enjoy Jaisalmer Gin

Jaisalmer Gin’s complexity makes it versatile for both sipping and mixing. Here are some ideal ways to enjoy it:

1. Classic Gin & Tonic

• Garnish: Orange wheel or orange peel twist
  
  
• Why it works: The orange amplifies the gin’s natural citrus sweetness, while tonic highlights its spice and floral tea notes.
  
  

2. Negroni

• Ingredients: Jaisalmer Gin, Campari, Sweet Vermouth
  
  
• Why it works: The gin’s peppery cubeb and coriander play beautifully with the bitter-sweetness of Campari.
  
  

3. Martini Twist

• Ingredients: Jaisalmer Gin, Dry Vermouth, dash of lemon bitters
  
  
• Why it works: The gin’s clean citrus and juniper base make for an aromatic, elegant martini with Indian flair.
  
  

4. Gin & Ginger

• Ingredients: Jaisalmer Gin, premium ginger ale, lime wedge
  
  
• Why it works: The warm spice of ginger complements the gin’s earthy vetiver and green tea notes for a refreshing, balanced drink.
  
  

Expert Review Summary

As stated by The Gin Guide and other professional tasters, Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin offers a "well-crafted core of classic botanicals and modern Indian layers," leading to a clear impression of a place.

Neat, the gin is fragrant, flavorful, and balanced with evident piney juniper, citrus, and spicy warmth on the palate. With tonic, the bright citrus and floral notes open up even further in a gin that is complex yet approachable - perfect for both visitors to gin and gin enthusiasts.

Paul Jackson of The Gin Guide noted:

“There’s a pleasing level of complexity and depth to Jaisalmer Gin, and it’s a spirit that firmly puts India on the global gin map.”

Price & Availability (India, 2025 Update)

Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin is widely available across major Indian metros and select international markets. Prices can vary depending on state excise duties, but here’s the average retail range as of 2025:

The pricing places Jaisalmer Gin in the premium gin segment within a category that competes with Hapusa, Greater Than Juniper, etc. However, when we consider the presentation, taste, and craftsmanship of the gin, the price is justified,  Jaisalmer is meant to be savored, not rushed.

Global Appeal: Putting India on the Gin Map

Jaisalmer Gin is not just a drink, it is a movement in craft spirits in India, which is undermining global assumptions of Indian distilling.

Even though we see well-known British gins like Tanqueray and Bombay Sapphire, Jaisalmer Gin appeals because it takes India's extensive botanical variety and turns it into one spirit that is cohesive and world class. 

It has also established a footing in exports, and slowly but surely, it is gaining attention in the UK, Singapore, and the European gin scene,  not only for the taste of the spirit but also for the presentation and storytelling behind the cultural essence.

Final Verdict: A Royal Spirit with an Indian Soul

For those in search of a gin that tells a story, specifically, combining royal identity, artistry, and authentic Indian botanicals, Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin is a great option.

Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin does not seek to imitate the styles of the West and does not cling to a conception of exoticism. Instead, it achieves a masterful balance of a classic gin structure with an Indian identity to make it a must-try for anyone who is seeking premium craft gins from the country.

Quick Summary

• Distiller: Radico Khaitan (Rampur, India)
  
  
• ABV: 43%
  
  
• Botanicals: 11 (7 sourced from India)
  
  
• Flavor Profile: Juniper-forward, citrus-bright, peppery spice, tea-dry finish
  
  
• Best Serve: Gin & Tonic with orange peel or Negroni
  
  
• Price Range (India): ₹3,250 – ₹6,640
  
  
• Ideal For: Premium gin lovers, cocktail enthusiasts, and curious drinkers exploring Indian craft spirits
  

Also Read: Blue Moon Indian Dry Gin Review: Taste, Price & Unique Botanicals Explained