Mawsynram, in northeast India, gets 11,872 millimeters of rain a year. More than anywhere else on the planet. That’s where Cherrapunji Gin is made at 42.8% ABV, a Dutch-Indian collaboration that turns rainwater and twelve native botanicals into a spirit with a distinct sense of place. A bottle costs around €52 at Amsterdam Liquor Store and holds the 2024 Gin Bottle of the Year title from The Gin Guide.
The water comes out of the sky
Cherrapunji sits in Meghalaya. The subtropical highland climate produces botanicals you won’t find elsewhere. The distillery captures rainwater in a 50,000-liter stainless steel tank and uses it as the gin’s base. No tap water, no detour through the municipal supply. The rain that defines the region goes straight into the glass.
Twelve botanicals, all from the region
Cherrapunji uses twelve native botanicals from northeast India. GI-tagged Khasi mandarin (Geographical Indication, the same protected designation system Champagne uses). Kaji nemu, an aromatic lime from Assam, for the citrus edge. Smoked tea from the Lushai hills for a darker undertone.
On top of that, black and green cardamom plus wild peppercorns from Sikkim and Meghalaya. The result tastes unmistakably Indian without turning into a gimmick.
The bottle, and what’s in it
Cherrapunji cuts energy use by 70 percent and uses military-grade stainless steel bottles (148 grams) instead of glass. Eco-conscious, and reusable as a water bottle afterward. The premium feel of glass is missing though. It’s also surprisingly hard to open, I struggled with it myself.
Tasting
42.8 percent alcohol. Nosing it neat gave me goosebumps, and I don’t say that often. The aroma walks away from standard juniper-forward gin: multiple kinds of citrus, mandarin, lime, dried herbs, berries, and spices that simply don’t appear in European gins because they don’t grow here.
On the palate it’s peppery, floral, herbal. Tight structure, a taut finish that shows the 42.8 percent without going harsh.
Over ice the melting water brings dilution, and with it a new layer: citrus, apple, cinnamon, pepper, coriander. The alcohol edge softens, the gin gets fresher without losing anything.
It works with tonic too, though that felt like a waste. My preference was neat or with a single ice cube in a wine glass. That gives the aromatics the room they deserve.
The verdict
Cherrapunji has won at the London Spirits Competition, World Gin Awards, and International Wine & Spirits Competition. Deserved. A gin that doesn’t disguise its origin but amplifies it. Taste it neat first. Decide on tonic afterward.
More information: https://cherrapunji.co/
Order it at: https://amsterdamliquorstore.com/collections/gin-1/products/cherrapunji-gin-0-7l
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the alcohol content of Cherrapunji Gin?
Cherrapunji Gin is bottled at 42.8% ABV. That sits above the European gin minimum of 37.5% and gives the botanicals enough backbone without turning harsh on the palate.
Where is Cherrapunji Gin made?
Cherrapunji Gin is distilled in Meghalaya, in northeast India. The distillery sits in the region around Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, the wettest place on Earth with roughly 11,872 millimeters of annual rainfall.
What botanicals are in Cherrapunji Gin?
Twelve native botanicals from northeast India form the foundation. Among them: GI-tagged Khasi mandarin, Kaji nemu (aromatic lime from Assam), smoked tea from the Lushai hills, black and green cardamom, and wild peppercorns from Sikkim and Meghalaya. The juniper comes from the Himalayan slopes.
How much does a bottle of Cherrapunji Gin cost?
A 70 cl bottle costs around €52 at Amsterdam Liquor Store. That places it in the higher craft gin segment, in line with other internationally awarded bottles.
Where can I buy Cherrapunji Gin in the Netherlands?
Amsterdam Liquor Store distributes the gin in the Netherlands. International shipping is also available via cherrapunji.co. Buy at Amsterdam Liquor Store: https://amsterdamliquorstore.com/collections/gin-1/products/cherrapunji-gin-0-7l
Is Cherrapunji also spelled Cherapunji?
Both spellings appear in the wild. “Cherrapunji” with a double R is the official spelling used by the distillery brand and the town in Meghalaya. “Cherapunji” with a single R is a common variant in English-language media.
How should you drink Cherrapunji Gin?
Neat or with a single ice cube in a wine glass gives the twelve botanicals the most room. The aromatics deserve attention before tonic overpowers them. If you want a long drink anyway: pick a neutral tonic and add a twist of Khasi mandarin or lemon peel.
Sources
- Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin (official, production and botanicals): cherrapunji.co
- The Gin Guide — Meghalaya distillery, 42.8% ABV, 148 g bottle (Gin Bottle of the Year 2024): theginguide.com/cherrapunji-gin.html
- Moneycontrol — launch and rainwater base: moneycontrol.com
- Mawsynram annual rainfall (~11,872 mm) — Indian Meteorological Department / Guinness World Records: imd.gov.in
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