In the heart of Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region, where the Himalayan foothills meet the sky, Himmaleh Spirits has woven a tale of tradition, sustainability, and craftsmanship with their pride, Kumaon & I – India’s first premium provincial gin. This artisanal creation pays homage to the unique terroir of the region, celebrating the flavors and cultural heritage that make Kumaon special.
Kumaon & I stands as a testament to the commitment of Himmaleh Spirits to a farm-to-bottle philosophy. The gin is meticulously crafted from fresh Himalayan spring water and an exclusive blend of 11 regional botanicals, slowly distilled at the source for an extended period of 9 hours. This process ensures the extraction of maximum flavor, creating a spirit with a distinctive texture.
Expanding beyond the confines of traditional distilleries, Himmaleh Spirits is forging a pioneering path with the construction of India’s inaugural traceable distillery. Nestled amid the picturesque Himalayan foothills in Kumaon, this family-owned and independent distillery, established in 2023, is not just a production hub but a sensory journey. Spanning four acres, the distillery is thoughtfully designed to offer immersive experiences, featuring panoramic viewing decks and a dedicated tasting room. Remarkably, the facility possesses the unique capability to introduce a new product annually. In a visionary move, Himmaleh Spirits plans to extend its footprint on the same grounds by incorporating separate distilleries for Rhum and Whisky production.
The botanical selection includes a unique strain of Himalayan Juniper, contributing to the gin’s unparalleled earthy essence. Notable botanicals like Timur, a berry-like Szechuan pepper, and Black Turmeric, cultivated at an impressive altitude of over 10,000 feet, lend a delightful fusion of fruitiness and spice. The addition of local citrus varieties Galgal and Kinu, along with coriander seeds, creates a nuanced and unmistakable mouthfeel that encapsulates the unique terroir of Uttarakhand.
The aesthetic journey of Kumaon & I begins with its label and bottle design, drawing inspiration from the traditions and culture that bind the Kumaon community. The black circles symbolize sustainable farming, highlighting the circularity of the process, while the lines embody the commitment to traceability through local sourcing and the dedication to the ‘farm-to-bottle’ ethos.
The choice of colors, white and red, traces back to Aipan, a local hand-painted art form on wet ochre mud. This art form uses white paste (Bisvar), made from cooked rice, to draw intricate patterns on the red surface. This thoughtful incorporation of local art adds a layer of cultural richness to the visual identity of Kumaon & I.
Kumaon & I offers a sensorial journey with cooling spicy peppercorns, citrus, and herbal rainforest notes. The rich textural palate and a medium dry, long finish make it a truly distinctive gin. For the optimal experience, Kumaon & I is best enjoyed in a classic G&T or a well-crafted Negroni, allowing the flavors to shine in their full glory.
Product Details:
– Size: 700 ml
– ABV: 42.8%
Availability and Pricing:
– MRP: ₹2,700 (Uttarakhand)
– MRP: ₹2,896 (Goa)
– MRP: ₹3,000 (Gurgaon)
– MRP: ₹3,525 (Maharashtra)
Kumaon & I Gin is more than just a spirit; it’s a journey through the Himalayan landscape and the cultural tapestry of Kumaon, encapsulated in every sip. It’s a tribute to craftsmanship, sustainability, and the vibrant community that makes it all possible.
About Himmaleh Spirits:
In the heart of the Himalayan foothills, Himmaleh Spirits stands as a testament to a relentless commitment to excellence. Ansh Khanna and Samarth Prasad’s brainchild, this family-owned distillery in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region is more than a producer of artisanal spirits; it’s a guardian of a legacy built on the principles of authenticity, sustainability, and community empowerment. With a farm-to-bottle philosophy and a focus on hyperlocal sourcing, Himmaleh Spirits not only crafts India’s first premium provincial Gin, Kumaon & I but also pioneers a traceable distillery experience, inviting enthusiasts to explore the beauty of the Himalayas while savoring the unique terroir in every sip. As Himmaleh Spirits expands its universe beyond the bottle, it does so with a deep commitment to the environment, ensuring a minimal ecological footprint through an earth-friendly distillation process. Embodying artisanal excellence, Himalayan goodness, traceable authenticity, and empowered communities, Himmaleh Spirits is a beacon of sustainable craftsmanship and a celebration of the rich flavours rooted in the biodiversity of Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region.
