About this gin

Saṃsāra is the flagship gin from Spaceman Spirits Lab, the Indian craft outfit founded by Aditya Aggarwal after he trained in distillation in London. The name means the cycle of life, and the brand leans into curiosity and lesser-told Indian stories. It is distilled in Goa in a London Dry style, using eleven botanicals, some of them unusual for gin: hemp seeds, organic rose petals, vetiver grass (khus) and green cardamom, alongside juniper.

The brand sums up the profile as floral and citrusy with a whisper of spicy earthiness, and that is a fair description. Rose and citrus lead, juniper sits in the background rather than shouting, and cardamom and vetiver give a cool, earthy finish. That softer, less piney style makes it a good gin for guests who think they don't like gin. Serve it with soda or a mild tonic, or use it in a classic cocktail; it is also a handsome, conversation-starting bottle to bring to a dinner party.

Key facts

• Eleven handpicked botanicals, distilled in a London Dry style
• Botanicals include hemp seeds, organic rose petals, vetiver grass, green cardamom and juniper
• Made by Spaceman Spirits Lab, founded by Aditya Aggarwal; distilled in Goa
• Brand runs a women-centric production facility and uses organic packaging material

Tasting notes

Nose:

Rose petals and bright citrus over gentle juniper

Palate:

Floral and zesty, with green cardamom and a soft, rounded juniper core

Finish:

Smooth and gently spicy, with an earthy vetiver note

Serve

On the rocks, or long with sparkling water or a mild tonic and a lemon or orange wheel; it also suits a classic Gimlet or Tom Collins.

Food pairing

The rose and cardamom work well with a Bengali mutton biryani or chicken rezala, and with Middle Eastern mezze such as hummus and grilled halloumi.