When it comes to choosing a favourite drink, we’re all pretty focussed on what we want. Most of us often go for the tried and tested international brands that make us weak in the knees with just one whiff! But hear us out – alcohol made in India might actually be the most underrated thing you’ll come across today. Some Indian alcohol brands are changing the game and giving fierce competition to established international players, making us support the ‘Vocal For Local’ campaign.

So today, we have got you a comprehensive list of Indian alcohol brands you must try next (if you haven’t already). But hey, in case you have tried these brands, do let us know what you think of them!

1. Charosa Tempranillo Reserve

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This still red wine from the Charosa Vineyards in Nashik offers a palate of intricate fragrances of ripe fruits like plum, strawberry, raspberry, coconut, vanilla, and chocolate.  With 13 percent alcohol content, this wine is best enjoyed with red meats, spicy foods, sautéed vegetables, and pasta.

Price: INR 1,500 approx.
Alcohol Content: 13 percent

2. Hapusa

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This Himalayan Dry Gin by NAO Spirits is made with the exotic Himalayan juniper berry, also known as Hapusa in Sanskrit, along with other native Indian botanicals. Interestingly, the juniper is the only berry used for this gin.

Price: INR 3,300 approx.
Alcohol Content: 43 percent

Related: Keep It Pouring: Home Deliveries For Alcohol In Delhi

3. Fratelli Sette

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A barrel-aged red wine, the Fratelli Sette is matured in French oak for 14 months at the Akluj Vineyards, near Pune. Its grape variety includes a blend of 40 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 60 percent Sangiovese offering vibrant notes of raspberry, blackcurrant, vanilla, and tannins.

Price: INR 1,600 approx.
Alcohol Content: 13.5 percent

4. Solan Number One

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The Solan Number One comes from Mohan Meakin, the makers of Old Monk, one of the most iconic rum brands out there. Brewed in the village of Solan, this whiskey is produced with 100 percent malted barley and is matured in oak barrels for an undisclosed duration.

Price: INR 600 approx.
Alcohol Content: 42.8 percent

5. Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin

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Produced by Radico Khaitan, Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin comes with a flavour palate of botanicals including Darjeeling green tea, lemongrass, liquorice, caraway seeds, and coriander among a total of 11!

Price: INR 3,000 approx.
Alcohol Content: 43 percent

6. Coffee Mead

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If coffee and beer are your go-to beverages, this will be of considerable interest to you. Coffee Mead by Moonshine Meadery is an amalgamation of roasted coffee from Karnataka with honey mead. Moonshine Meadery defines it as their ‘most hipster’ drink.

Price: INR 220 onwards
Alcohol Content: Less than 20 percent

Related: Fun Drinking Games That Will Make Your House Party A Hit

7. Greater Than London Dry Gin

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Another offering by NAO Spirits, Greater Than London Dry Gin is produced in Goa. It offers a unique vibrancy when it comes to stirring up the taste buds with a hint of coriander seeds, fennel, chamomile, ginger and lemongrass, among other botanicals sourced from India and abroad.

Price: INR 1,400 approx.
Alcohol Content: 40 percent

8. Smoke Vodka

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Produced by the NV Group, Smoke Vodka comes in two variants – classic and aniseed (also called anise). The vodka is made from locally sourced ingredients following a five-step distillery process. The Classic features a combination of nutty and citrus aromas while the Aniseed brings an infusion of aniseed and liquorice.

Price: INR 2,200 approx.
Alcohol Content: 42.8 percent

9. Amrut Single Malt Whisky

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Crafted in Bengaluru, this single malt whiskey comes from the popular Amrut Distilleries with the richness of barley-oak sweetness and hints of liquorice. It was launched in 2004 in Glasgow.

Price: INR 3,400 approx.
Alcohol Content: 46 percent

10. Bira White

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Labelled as an “all-day craft beer”, Bira White is the brand’s signature wheat beer with interesting ingredients like orange peel and coriander. The beer offers a soft finish with a low bitterness range.

Price: INR 170 approx.
Alcohol Content: 4.7 percent

11. Early Dark Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2017

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Grown from the Gaillac grapes, the Early Dark Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is a fruity wine that surprises one’s palate with hints of green apple and guava. A part of the extensive range of Early Dark Reserve, this wine is served best at a temperature of 11 to 12 degrees Celsius.

Price: INR 1,200 approx.
Alcohol Content: Under 14 percent

12. White Rhino Lager

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The White Rhino Lager is brewed with 100 percent two-row pilsner malt and is matured over a month. Labelled as an “all-day session beer”, this will be the perfect addition to any cuisine.

Price: INR 150 approx.
Alcohol Content: 4.8 percent

Which of these exquisite Indian alcohol brands will you be adding to your bar?