FIRST JOURNEYS - A RACE AROUND THE WORLD 2020 - PIN 08 OF 23
GREATER THAN GIN, Goa, India
AROUND THE WORLD, ONE BOTTLE AT A TIME.
PHILEAS FOGG WOULD SURELY APPROVE
Dream on with me.... Day 5
It would have been remiss of me not to include a brief stop in India, the land where the classic Gin & Tonic was created.
Back in the early 19th century, British immigrants to the Indian subcontinent were suffering not only with the tropical climate, but also with malaria and scurvy after their long sea journeys. We all know quinine is really bitter, but back then tonic water was heavily infused with it and was a rather nasty drink, so the Brits took to adding a mixture of water, sugar, lime and gin to it in order to make the drink more palatable.
Nowadays we have tonic water brands such as Fever-Tree to thank for making the drink much more pleasant, but did you know that Fever-Tree actually takes its name from the local name for the cinchona tree? The bark of the tree has long been known for its medicinal properties and was used to prevent and treat malaria. Check out that bottle next time you pour a tonic and you’ll understand their logo!
Goa is, of course, famous for its beautiful beaches, so I’m going to do no more than sit and drink gin at a beach bar while I’m here... virtually, that is. It’s a destination on my list... in fact, this virtual tour is painful and I really want to just pack a bag and get on a plane... sigh!
Anyway, here I am, sipping my Greater Than Negroni and, in the words of the distillers, I’m looking for all things greater — a story, a journey, or just tonight’s plan!
Founded by Anand Virmani and Vaibhav Singh, Greater Than initially launched in September 2017 and quickly became one of India’s leading gin brands.
This London Dry gin is distilled in copper pots in Goa and is infused with botanicals sourced from India and around the world. These include juniper berries, coriander seeds, orris root, lemongrass, fennel, angelica root, orange peel, chamomile and ginger.
I thought, with these classic botanicals, it would be perfect for a Negroni, as it’s juniper-forward with strong citrus notes. I wasn’t wrong.
I used Sacred Rosehip Cup and Vermouth Lustau, with a decent wedge of orange.
I’m not leaving yet...... catch me for Goa Part 2 later today!
"Beach Negroni"
Atlas note:
Nao Spirits was acquired by Diageo India in 2025, so Greater Than is now part of the Diageo portfolio
"Show me a bottle
and I'll tell you a story."