Distilled in Goa, Stranger & Sons has been impressing international juries this year with its sweet spice, ginger and citrus peel notes.
Stranger & Sons, a contemporary Indian gin, won the gold medal at the Gin Master 2021 after competing with 472 entries from 233 different companies. The judges were confident that it “would blend well into a gin and tonic.”
This is the latest of several gold medals won by this debutant spirit from Third Eye Distillery in Goa this year. Founded in 2018 by Rahul Mehra, Sakshi Sehgal and Vidur Gupta, Stranger & Sons was the first Indian to win a gold-excellent medal at the 2020 International Wine and Spirit Competition in London. It was one of only 8 commodities in the world to receive this award from the 800 participating brands last year. This was followed by several gold medals at The Drinks Business Asia Summer Tasting in Hong Kong (2021), followed by a few silver medals at the London Spirits Competition 2021 and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021.
Stranger and Sons A First Sense from Third Eye Distillery in Goa
Described as ‘bold and delicious’, the spirit has also won a master medal at The Asian Spirits Masters 2021. “The palate is amazing – smooth and silky mouthfeel without sharp edges or volatile alcohol,” said one judge, Brian Rodriguez. , wine and spirits buyer for Harvey Nichols.
Describing the botanicals, all of which are sourced from India, one of the founders, Sakshi says, “We use a unique citrus peel blend: Gondraj Lebu, a commonly found lemon, Indian bergamot and Nagpur oranges. Mix it with coriander seeds, angelica root, bay leaf, liquorice and hot spices like black pepper, mace and nutmeg. Adding that many tasting panels were fascinated by the aroma and tasting notes, he adds “Our gin goes beyond traditional juniper and plays up Indian botanicals and spices,” she says.
Looking at her prize graph, Sakshi adds, “We started making history by being the first Indian gin to be awarded the Gold-Excellent Medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2020. We were one of only 8 commodities in the world to receive this award, out of 800 brands that participated during the lockdown in 2020. ”
Perry Road Peru by Stranger and Sons
She describes how the founders wanted to create a stronger drink, and thereby reshape the notion of Indian spirits. “Gin is going through an extremely exciting phase and is making its way into the mainstream in India. Participating in world competitions has enabled the brand to connect with a global audience and have a sense of quality from India globally. Very proud.”
The founders say that they will continue to participate in international spirit competitions apart from launching in cities like Telangana, Pondicherry, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal and Punjab at the national level and “Internationally we are present in USA, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong. Will launch in Malaysia. , Taiwan, New Zealand and Italy.”
.