Guwahati, India: The Northeast region, celebrated for its stunning landscapes and rich culinary traditions, is home to two extraordinary citrus treasures—Assam’s Kaji Nemu and Meghalaya’s Khasi Mandarin. These fruits, both bearing the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, are not only culinary staples but are now revolutionizing India’s craft gin industry. Their unique flavors and aromatic profiles have become the heart of Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin, India’s most globally acclaimed gin.
Kaji Nemu: Assam’s Tangy Gem Goes Global
Known as the Assam Lemon, Kaji Nemu is famed for its elongated shape, intense aroma, and tangy taste. A cornerstone of Assamese cuisine, it enhances pickles, chutneys, and marinades. Beyond its culinary uses, Kaji Nemu is valued for its high antioxidant content and medicinal properties. In 2019, the Assam government secured a GI tag for Kaji Nemu, and in February 2024, it was declared the state fruit of Assam. Today, it’s exported to markets in London and the UAE, while also playing a starring role in Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin, adding a distinct Northeast essence to the spirit.
Khasi Mandarin: Meghalaya’s Sweet-Tangy Star
Khasi Mandarin, locally known as Soh Niamtra or Soh Myntra, is celebrated for its perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Slightly larger than a tennis ball, this vibrant fruit carries a unique aroma shaped by Meghalaya’s terroir. Awarded a GI tag in 2014, Khasi Mandarin has seen a surge in demand, with exports reaching the Middle East, including Dubai. Its high sugar content makes it ideal for marmalades, juices, and jams, while its bioactive compounds offer numerous health benefits. Like Kaji Nemu, it has found a place in craft gin, enriching Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin with its unique citrus notes.
Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin: A Global Sensation
By incorporating Kaji Nemu and Khasi Mandarin, Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin has carved a niche in the international spirits market. This innovative blend of indigenous ingredients highlights Northeast India’s rich biodiversity and has earned the gin numerous accolades, including:
- Master 2023 Award at the Spirits Business Awards, London (first for a Northeast Indian spirit).
- Gold at the Gin Masters Competition, London.
- Silver at the San Francisco World Spirits Awards & World Gin Awards 2024.
- Gold at the Global Travel Retail Masters Award 2024.
- Bronze at the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2024.
Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin’s success is a testament to the fusion of tradition and innovation, putting Northeast India on the global gin map while celebrating its agricultural legacy. With a philosophy of crafting spirits for both the palate and the planet, this gin continues to redefine the craft gin industry, one sip at a time.
