From the alpine forests of the Himalayas in the north down to the tropical evergreens of the Ghats in the southern states, India is covered with forests from length to breadth. So when Vaniitha Jaiin, founder of Revelry Distillery, set out to create a gin infused with the essence of an Indian forest, there was no dearth of possibilities. But what do Indian forests taste like? After over 7,000 hours of research & development, and countless iterations and experiments with over 200 botanicals, she has an answer: Vanaha.
Earlier in May, co-founders and partners Vaniitha & Navvin Jaiin launched their debut creation—Vanaha. Inspired by the tranquillity and biodiversity of Indian forests, Vanaha is a sipping gin that combines 24 unique botanicals sourced from across the country to create a unique spirit. “With Vanaha, we are not just launching a gin—we hope to usher in a quiet revolution in Indian spirits: where provenance meets purity, craftsmanship meets consciousness, and indulgence meets intention,” says Ms. Jaiin, one of India’s foremost voices in the premium and luxury alcoholic beverages space.
The minds behind the magic
After a decade-long corporate journey, Ms. Jaiin shifted paths to pursue her true calling: wines and spirits. She is also the founder of The Perfect Pour, a wine, spirits, and lifestyle consulting firm, and is widely recognised among the Top 10 Women of Wine in India, and internationally celebrated as an authority on wines and spirits.
It was in 2017, during a visit to the forests of Pondicherry, that she experienced a moment of profound clarity. It was there that the name “Vanaha” came to her: a beautiful fusion beginning with the Sanskrit ‘Vana’, meaning forest, and ending with ‘Aha’; a moment of epiphany. The name stayed close to her heart, and years later, serendipitously, came to life in her first spirit. Inspired by her personal growth and awe of nature, Vanaha was brought to life.
Her husband, Navvin Jaiin, is a distinguished leader with over 24 years of experience in the banking, financial services, and insurance sector. A builder at heart, he now leverages his extensive experience in strategic management & business development to redefine excellence as the Director of Revelry Distillery.
Savouring the forest
Vanaha is crafted to hold the rhythm of the forest. A blend of 24 handpicked botanicals, including Deodar Wood, Patchouli, Cacao Nibs, Palash Flowers, Pine Tips, Assam Lemons, Wild Berries, Sikkim Mandarin, Orris Root, Angelica Root, and Juniper Berries, come together to create an earthy, woody and aromatic profile. “We wanted to create a spirit that speaks to the modern connoisseur—someone who seeks depth, not dazzle; ritual, not rush,” says Ms. Jaiin.
Free from any artificial flavours or additives, Vanaha is crafted to be a sipping gin that can be enjoyed as it is. It has a clear colour. The nose is instantly uplifting with a citrusy brightness and freshness of kaffir lime leaf. A subtle fruitiness from wild berries softens the edge. On the palate, it is initially smooth, followed by an awakening juniper core. You can savour the fresh and woody notes of deodar and pine along with subtle layers of patchouli, cacao, and vetiver. The finish is long, silken, and spicy. Taken with ice, the flavours instantly come alive, accompanied by a lingering freshness.
But the intention to craft it as a sipping gin doesn’t limit how it can be appreciated. Vanaha makes for refreshing gin & tonics and gin sonics, bold negronis, and crisp martinis. With flavours that stand out so distinguishably, rest assured that Vanaha isn’t one to get overpowered by tonics or mixers.
Speaking of standing out, a Vanaha bottle is a delight to look at and with its tall stance and wide tapering shoulders. The forest-green hued gradient makes for a silhouette that makes this botanical elixir stand apart in any cabinet. At the heart of the design lies the meticulous woodpecker, a nurturer of ecological ecosystems and symbol of the vitality of Indian forests–a tribute to Vanaha’s commitment to craftsmanship and artisanal distillation.
Distilled where the forest breathes
For a spirit that is inspired by flora and fauna and imbues the essence of forests, it is only fitting for Vanaha to be crafted among forests. Revelery Distillery is located at Sattari, Goa, which is famed as an ecologically-rich region of the Western Ghats, fed by the Mandovi River.
The distillery also houses the R&D lab, which seems much like a modern alchemist’s workshop and the team’s metaphorical playground. This is where, I am told, the team spent more than 7,000 man-hours trying different recipes and iterations to develop a spirit worthy enough to celebrate India on the luxury spirits map. “With Revelry, we’re building more than a brand—we’re crafting a platform for Indian excellence in spirits. The focus is on quality, authenticity and global readiness,” says Mr. Jaiin, Director, Revelry Distillery.
Vanaha is manufactured in small batches with a 5-step distillation process. It uses imported, custom-built machinery with real-time monitoring systems and data-driven technologies to ensure the highest standards of quality and consistency across batches.
Through botanical maceration, botanicals are steeped in a neutral spirit to release their essential oils and flavours, and traditional copper pot distillation to ensure a bold, layered profile to the gin while maintaining its finesse. For botanicals that are too delicate for direct maceration or distillation, vapour infusion is employed where spirit vapour passes through a chamber containing the botanicals and gently extracts their essences without direct contact.
What truly elevates Vanaha is the cold vacuum distillation process – a first of its kind in India. This technique involves developing a low-pressure vacuum that allows the spirit to boil at low temperatures, helping the vapours to extract delicate flavours and aromas from the botanicals without any loss, ensuring a more nuanced and bright gin. And finally, during staging, the spirit is allowed to rest and stabilise to ensure the flavours mature, integrate, and meld to create a harmonious and well-rounded profile with a smooth, polished finish that stands apart.
A new ritual in Indian spirits
In recent years, gin has evolved from a niche preference to a staple in discerning collections, gracing the menus of top restaurants, home bars, and cocktail lounges alike. And the demand is only growing. For a new generation that values authenticity, craftsmanship, and purposeful indulgence, Vanaha arrives not just as another option but as a new benchmark.
“At its core, Vanaha is a celebration of India—its richness, its roots, and its rising global voice,” says Ms. Jaiin. “Our vision is to craft a gin that doesn’t just match the world’s finest, but redefines the conversation—with provenance, with purpose, and with pride.” She clinks her glass, ice swirling gently, and raises a toast—not with cheers, but with her signature: “Aha!”
We’ve long heard of single malts and fine whiskies served on the rocks. With its layered depth and refined finish, Vanaha makes a bold case for sipping gins to claim that ritual. The next time you’re out, you might just hear someone at the next table say, “Vanaha, on the rocks.”
Now available across Goa at ₹2,400 a bottle, Vanaha will soon roll out in metro markets, starting with Karnataka.
