Wed May 21 10:34:55 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, suitable for “The Hindu” based on the source material.

**Headline: Vanaha: New Artisanal Gin Captures the Essence of the Indian Forest**

**Goa, May 21, 2025** – A new artisanal gin, Vanaha, is poised to make a splash in India’s burgeoning premium spirits market. Conceived in the forests of Puducherry by Vaniitha Jaiin, founder of spirits consultancy The Perfect Pour, Vanaha aims to bottle the feeling of being grounded and present in nature.

Jaiin’s inspiration struck during a forest walk, leading to the name “Vanaha,” a blend of “vana” (forest) and “aha” (epiphany). Over two years, her team meticulously sourced over 500 botanicals from across India, collaborating with foragers and spice cultivators to find the perfect ingredients. The final recipe features 24 carefully selected botanicals, including wild mango ginger, Sikkim mandarin, Himalayan juniper, and stone flower.

Crafted at Revelry Distillery in Goa’s Sattari forest, Vanaha undergoes a five-step distillation process, including cold vacuum distillation, a technique inspired by the ancient perfume-making tradition of Kannauj. This method preserves the delicate floral notes, resulting in a complex profile that is earthy, resinous, and layered with floral and citrusy highlights. According to Jaiin, the gin “whispers forest” rather than overpowering with citrus.

Head distiller Yash Bhamre emphasizes the gin’s natural qualities, noting its lack of added sugar and the traditional digestive benefits of botanicals like vetiver and teppal. Vanaha’s versatility makes it an ideal pairing for a wide range of cuisines, from sushi and dim sum to tapas and Indian curries.

The launch of Vanaha comes at a time of significant growth in the Indian spirits market. The International Wine and Spirits Report (IWSR) projects the Indian gin market to reach ₹2,952 crore by 2032, with the premium segment growing from 20% to 45% of total consumption.

“Consumers today don’t just want a drink. They want a story, a connection, a sense of place,” says Jaiin. “Vanaha is that – it’s forest to bottle.”

Following its launch in Goa on May 16th, Vanaha will soon be available in major metro cities, beginning with Karnataka. The gin is priced at ₹2,400 for a 750ml bottle, featuring an illustrated design that reflects its natural origins.

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