Hapusa Himalayan Dry Gin

What is Himalayan juniper and how is it different from European juniper?

Himalayan juniper comes from Juniperus communis plants growing in the high altitude forests of Uttarakhand in Northern India. Compared to European juniper sourced from Italy, Macedonia or Eastern Europe, Himalayan juniper has a noticeably more piney, resinous and fresh character — almost like walking through a pine forest rather than the more rounded, berry-like quality of European juniper. This difference shapes the entire flavour profile of Hapusa gin. The Sanskrit word hapusa means juniper which reflects how central this ingredient is to the gin is identity.

Hapusa gin vs Stranger and Sons — which is more unusual?

Hapusa is the more unusual of the two. While Stranger and Sons celebrates recognisable Indian flavours — gondhoraj lime, pepper, mango — Hapusa is built around Himalayan juniper which creates a distinctly piney, resinous character that most gin drinkers have genuinely never encountered before. The turmeric adds a warm earthy note that is equally uncommon in gin. Hapusa at Rs 2400 is a conversation starter in a way that even Stranger and Sons is not. If you want the most distinctive and challenging Indian craft gin experience, Hapusa is the choice.

What tonic water pairs best with Hapusa gin?

The piney, resinous character of Hapusa is best complemented by a dry, understated tonic rather than a strongly flavoured one. Schweppes Premium Mixer works well in India. The key is not to let the tonic overpower the distinctive Himalayan juniper. Fill a large Copa de Balon glass with ice, pour 50ml Hapusa and top with 150ml of dry premium tonic. Garnish with a fresh cucumber ribbon and a few pine needles or a sprig of fresh rosemary to reinforce the piney botanical character.

Is Hapusa gin exported from India?

Yes, Hapusa gin is exported internationally by Nao Spirits. It has received significant coverage in the global gin press and is stocked at specialist gin retailers in the United Kingdom and United States among other markets. Internationally it typically retails at the equivalent of Rs 5000 to Rs 6000 — significantly more than the domestic India price of Rs 2400 in Delhi. The international interest in Hapusa reflects the broader global fascination with Indian craft spirits that has developed since Stranger and Sons and Greater Than opened the door.

Does Hapusa contain turmeric and what does it add?

Yes, Hapusa contains turmeric as one of its key botanicals. In the gin, turmeric does not add the bright yellow colour associated with fresh turmeric root — the distillation process removes colour pigments. What it does contribute is a subtle warm, earthy and slightly peppery flavour note that is distinctly Indian and adds complexity to the mid-palate. Combined with the Himalayan juniper, gondhoraj lime and ginger, the turmeric helps create a botanical profile that is genuinely impossible to replicate with non-Indian ingredients.