Premium craft spirit brand Dasara Gin has entered the Indian market with the launch of Dasara Gin and Dasara Savari Gin, blending Indian heritage with American craft distilling. The brand, founded by Mysuru-born entrepreneur Varchasvi Shankar, will initially be available in Karnataka and Goa before expanding into other markets.
Distilled at Shankar Distillers in Troy, Michigan, the launch marks a homecoming of sorts for Shankar, who left Mysuru more than three decades ago and went on to establish one of the first American craft distilleries to export bourbon to India.
Inspired by the cultural legacy of the Mysuru Dasara festival, the brand draws heavily on memories of the city’s iconic celebrations, including the illuminated Mysore Palace and the historic Jamboo Savari procession. The launch comes amid strong growth in India’s premium gin segment, driven by evolving consumer tastes, rising cocktail culture and growing demand for premium imported spirits with authentic brand stories.
“Dasara Gin is a tribute to the city and festival that shaped my childhood. Although it is 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,” said Varchasvi Shankar, Founder and CEO, Shankar Distillers.
The flagship Dasara Gin is crafted using more than 11 botanicals, including Indian ingredients such as turmeric, cardamom and orange zest, creating a profile characterised by citrus freshness, floral notes and warm spice. Dasara Savari Gin, a more complex expression, incorporates 12 botanicals including Darjeeling black tea, offering added depth and complexity.
Both variants are distilled using a combination of traditional copper pot and column still methods and are designed to cater to a range of consumption occasions, from classic gin and tonic serves to martinis and contemporary cocktails.
Dasara Savari Gin has already received international recognition, winning accolades at the San Francisco International Spirits Competition, Bartender Spirits Awards, American Craft Spirits Awards, and the London Spirits Competition.
Beyond its spirits portfolio, the brand also carries a conservation message. The elephant featured on every bottle references not only the Mysuru Dasara procession but also Shankar’s long-standing involvement in wildlife conservation. Through the Wildlife Conservation Foundation, established nearly two decades ago, he has supported initiatives focused on the protection of Asian elephants.
Industry observers note that India’s premium gin category has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments within the spirits industry, supported by younger consumers seeking craft products, provenance-led brands and premium drinking experiences. Imported and premium gins have particularly benefited from the rise of cocktail-led consumption in urban markets.
With its combination of Indian storytelling, internationally awarded craftsmanship and premium positioning, Dasara Gin aims to carve a niche within the increasingly competitive premium gin landscape.
The Karnataka launch is particularly significant, given the brand’s roots in Mysuru, while Goa offers access to one of India’s most vibrant premium spirits markets. The company plans to leverage both markets as a springboard for wider expansion across the country.
