About this gin

Greater Than started with a simple frustration. In 2015 Anand Virmani and Vaibhav Singh were running bars in Delhi and found there was no serious gin being made in India, so they learned the craft, set up a small copper pot still in Goa and launched in 2017. The result was the gin that kicked off India's craft gin wave, and it is still made on that same small-batch set-up today.

Nine botanicals do the work: juniper and coriander in the classic London Dry frame, with Indian ingredients like fennel, ginger, lemongrass and chamomile adding a local accent. In the glass it is crisp and juniper-led, with lemon peel on the nose, a soft fennel sweetness mid-palate and a gentle ginger warmth at the end. It is a dependable house gin for anyone who mixes G&Ts at home, sturdy enough for a Gimlet or Martini, and a good way to introduce a guest to what Indian craft gin can do.

Key facts

• Distilled in Goa since 2017 by NÄO Spirits, founded by Delhi bar owners Anand Virmani and Vaibhav Singh
• Made in a copper pot still on a grain spirit base
• Nine botanicals including juniper, coriander, fennel, ginger, chamomile, lemongrass and orange peel
• Billed by the brand as India's first London Dry gin

Tasting notes

Nose:

Clean juniper and fresh lemon peel, a little orange

Palate:

Juniper and citrus, then a sweet, herbal fennel note with chamomile softness

Finish:

Lingering citrus and coriander with a warm ginger tingle

Serve

Gin and tonic over plenty of ice with a lemon twist or a sprig of rosemary; also works well in a Gimlet (50 ml gin, 20 ml lime cordial, stirred and served chilled).

Food pairing

The citrus and ginger sit nicely with Kolkata-style fish fry or prawn cutlets, and with a plate of salt-and-pepper calamari.