A new documentary explores how one Indian distillery transformed gin from a colonial relic into a distinctly Indian spirit using Himalayan juniper and native botanicals.
American filmmaker Thomas Fitch has released “Hapusa – A Truly Indian Gin,” a 13-minute documentary that traces the journey of Nao Spirits & Beverages and their pioneering Himalayan Dry Gin. The film showcases how the company’s founders reimagined a quintessentially British spirit through an Indian lens.
Founded in 2016 by Anand Virmani, Aparajita Ninan, and Vaibhav Singh, with Abhinav Rajput joining later, Nao Spirits established India’s first domestic gin distillery. This marked a significant shift in a market where gin consumption had long been dominated by imports.
The Rise of Indian Craft Whiskey and Spirits
India’s spirits industry has undergone substantial transformation in recent years. While traditionally known for whiskey production, Indian distilleries have increasingly embraced craft spirits and premium offerings. The country remains one of the world’s largest whiskey markets, consuming over 200 million cases annually.
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The documentary features Co-Founder and Master Distiller Anand Virmani explaining the unique approach behind Hapusa. “Hapusa is not your typical gin. It’s the world’s first Himalayan Dry Gin, crafted with wild juniper hand-foraged from the Himalayas,” Virmani states in the film.
The gin incorporates Indian botanicals including Gondhoraj lime, raw mango, and turmeric. According to the official tasting notes, these ingredients create an earthy character distinct from traditional London Dry styles.
Decolonizing Whiskey’s Colonial Cousin
Filmmaker Thomas Fitch, who divides his time between the U.S. and India, found the story particularly compelling given India’s historical connection to gin. The country is credited as the birthplace of the gin and tonic, originally created as a malaria preventative during British colonial rule.
“I was surprised that this was India’s first domestic gin distillery given India’s history — both as the birthplace of the gin and tonic and the spice capital of the world,” Fitch notes in the press release.
The documentary captures the process from initial concept through botanical sourcing to final production. It documents the search for native Himalayan juniper and the development of a recipe incorporating familiar Indian kitchen ingredients.
The film represents part of a broader trend of Indian producers reclaiming and redefining spirits categories once associated with colonial influence. Similar movements have emerged in Indian whiskey production, with distilleries like Amrut and Paul John gaining international recognition.
“Hapusa – A Truly Indian Gin” is available to watch here. The documentary offers insights into modern Indian craftsmanship and the evolving landscape of craft spirits production in the subcontinent.
