Dasara Gin Launches in India with Karnataka and Goa Debut

Shankar Distillers has launched Dasara Gin and Dasara Savari Gin in India, introducing a premium craft gin range inspired by Mysore Dasara. The products, distilled in Troy, Michigan, mark entrepreneur Varchasvi Shankar's return to the Indian spirits market with a brand rooted in Karnataka's cultural heritage.

The launch reflects the growing demand for premium spirits with distinctive regional identities as India's gin segment continues to expand, driven by evolving consumer preferences and a growing cocktail culture.

Shankar, who moved to the United States over 35 years ago, founded Shankar Distillers and became the first American craft distillery to export bourbon to India. The new gin range draws inspiration from his childhood memories of Mysore Dasara, including the illuminated Mysore Palace and the historic Jamboo Savari procession.

Dasara Gin is distilled using traditional copper pot and column stills and contains over 11 botanicals sourced from India, including turmeric, cardamom and orange zest. Dasara Savari Gin features 12 botanicals, including Darjeeling Black Tea, and has received recognition at the San Francisco International Spirits Award, Bar Tenders Spirits Award, American Craft Spirits Award and London International Spirits Award.

Varchasvi Shankar, Founder & CEO, Shankar Distillers, said, "Dasara Gin is a tribute to the city and festival that shaped my childhood. Although it's distilled in the United States, every aspect of the brand is inspired by India. We wanted to create a gin that celebrates our heritage while delivering the quality and craftsmanship expected of a world-class spirit. Bringing it to Karnataka, where the story began, makes this launch especially meaningful."

The elephant featured on the bottles represents both the Mysore Dasara procession and Shankar's long-standing involvement in wildlife conservation. Through the Wildlife Conservation Foundation, an organisation established by Shankar and his associates over 19 years ago, the initiative has supported the protection of Asian elephants.

Dasara Gin and Dasara Savari Gin will initially be available in Karnataka and Goa before expanding into other premium spirits markets across India. The launch adds another imported craft brand to India's premium beverage portfolio while highlighting the growing appeal of heritage-led storytelling in the hospitality and retail beverage sectors.