About this gin

Jaisalmer takes its name and its royal styling from the golden desert fort city of Rajasthan, but it is distilled further north, in the foothills of the Himalayas, by Radico Khaitan, the company behind Rampur Indian single malt. Launched in 2018 as the group's first craft gin, it is made in traditional copper pot stills and has since travelled to more than 50 countries.

Of its eleven botanicals, seven come from across India: coriander and vetiver, orange and lemon peel, cubeb pepper, lemongrass and, a nice touch for Bengal, Darjeeling green tea leaves. The gin is juniper-led and confident, with sweet citrus peel, a hint of liquorice and a refreshing spicy lift. At 43% it holds its own in a Negroni or a dry Martini, and makes a lively G&T. The tall, ornate bottle makes it a reliable gift for anyone exploring Indian spirits.

Key facts

• Radico Khaitan's first Indian craft gin, launched in 2018 by the makers of Rampur single malt
• Distilled in traditional copper pot stills at a distillery in the Himalayan foothills
• Eleven botanicals, seven of them Indian, including vetiver, Darjeeling green tea, lemongrass and cubeb pepper
• Sold in more than 50 countries

Tasting notes

Nose:

Juniper with bright orange and lemon peel and a herbal, grassy edge

Palate:

Juniper-forward, with sweet citrus, liquorice and a refreshing peppery spice

Finish:

Clean and spicy, with a light green-tea dryness

Serve

Gin and tonic with a slice of orange and a few peppercorns, or a Negroni (equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and Campari, stirred over ice, orange peel).

Food pairing

Pairs well with tandoori fish tikka or chicken reshmi kebab, and with a crisp Thai green papaya salad.