THE GIN PASSPORT ATLAS - DISTILLERY STORY- PINNED ON THE MAP - ASIA
JAISALMER GIN, India
A little taste of Rajasthan in a glass.
Some places just sound exotic, and Jaisalmer is certainly one of them.
Right over in the far west of Rajasthan, close to the Pakistani border and sitting on the edge of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is known as the Golden City. The name comes from the warm, honey-coloured sandstone used throughout the city, which takes on an incredible golden glow in the sunshine.
Then there is Jaisalmer Fort. Built in the 12th century, this enormous sandstone fort rises out of the desert like something from a film set. The really fascinating thing is that it isn't simply an ancient monument — people still live and work inside it today. There are homes, shops, temples and restaurants tucked away behind those enormous walls.
Jaisalmer was once an important stop on the trading routes that crossed the desert, bringing merchants, travellers and plenty of stories through the city. Today, it is famous for its colourful culture, beautiful havelis, desert safaris, camels and spectacular sunsets.
When I discovered a gin named after this rather fabulous place, I was intrigued.
I've never actually been to Jaisalmer — yet! — but I like the idea that I can at least travel there in my imagination while drinking the gin.
I'm thinking rooftop, sunset, cocktail in hand. Obviously.
Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin was launched in 2018 by Radico Khaitan, one of India's oldest and largest spirits producers. The gin is made at their Rampur Distillery in Uttar Pradesh and was created with international gin drinkers in mind.
As a ginthusiast, I love discovering new and exotic gins, and Indian gin has become particularly interesting over recent years. Jaisalmer certainly doesn't disappoint.
It is a classic-style gin with a distinctly Indian personality. There are eleven botanicals in the recipe, including coriander, vetiver, sweet orange peel, cubeb berries, lemongrass, Darjeeling green tea and lemon peel, with seven of the botanicals sourced from different parts of India.
It is smooth, rich and slightly spicy, with a lovely sweetness on the tongue. There is an almost oily quality which allows the flavours to linger, but it still finishes clean and refreshing. I find it much more complex than many classic gins and, quite honestly, it's one I would happily sip neat over ice.
The bottle is rather gorgeous too. Matt black with embossed detailing and flashes of gold, it features the black buck beneath Jaisalmer Fort, surrounded by traditional Rajasthani motifs. It manages to look both luxurious and understated, while giving a nod to the city that inspired it.
Naturally, I couldn't just drink it neat. I recreated their Jaisalmer Peppertini, using pink peppercorn syrup, fresh lemon and pink grapefruit.
The cocktail is bright, refreshing and citrusy, with a lovely peppery kick. I can imagine this being absolutely perfect on one of those rooftop restaurants in Jaisalmer, watching the sun disappear over the desert.
Sadly, for now, I have to settle for my imagination. Perhaps one day I'll get to drink one there for real.
Until then, Jaisalmer Gin has earned itself a place on my gin shelf — and I suspect it won't be the last time I pour myself a glass.
"The Golden City"
THE JAISALMER PEPPERTINI
50ml Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin
20ml pink peppercorn syrup
20ml fresh lemon juice
40ml pink grapefruit juice
Shake with ice and double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
