Shankar Distillers, the Michigan-based American craft distillery founded by entrepreneur Varchasvi Shankar, has brought its India-inspired Dasara Gin and Dasara Savari Gin to the Indian market. Distilled in Troy, Michigan, the premium craft gin range draws on Shankar’s childhood memories of Mysore Dasara, combining Indian botanicals and cultural heritage with American craft distilling.
For Shankar, the launch represents more than the entry of another premium gin into India. Having left Mysore more than 35 years ago, he has built his career in the United States while retaining a strong connection to the city and its annual Dasara celebrations. The illuminated Mysore Palace, the Jamboo Savari procession and its caparisoned elephants became lasting memories that eventually inspired the creation of the Dasara brand.
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Through Shankar Distillers, Shankar had already established a presence in the Indian spirits market, with the distillery becoming the first American craft distillery to export bourbon to India. Dasara Gin, however, was conceived as a more personal expression of his Indian roots.
“Dasara Gin is a tribute to the city and festival that shaped my childhood,” says Varchasvi Shankar, Founder & CEO, Shankar Distillers. “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 Indian Botanicals into the Gin
The Dasara range has been developed around a selection of botanicals that connect the spirit to its Indian inspiration.
Dasara Gin uses more than 11 botanicals originating from India, including turmeric, cardamom and orange zest. Its profile combines citrus freshness with subtle floral notes and warming spice, creating a contemporary expression designed for both classic and modern serves.
The second expression, Dasara Savari Gin, builds on the botanical character with 12 botanicals, including Darjeeling black tea. The expression has received recognition at competitions including the San Francisco International Spirits Competition, Bartenders Spirits Awards, American Craft Spirits Awards and London Spirits Competition.
At Shankar Distillers, both expressions are produced using traditional copper pot and column stills. The gins are positioned for a range of serves, from a classic Gin & Tonic and Martini to contemporary cocktails.
A Brand Rooted in Mysore
The connection to Mysore is also reflected in the brand’s visual identity. An elephant features on every Dasara bottle, referencing the Jamboo Savari procession that forms one of the defining traditions of Mysore Dasara.
The symbol also reflects Shankar’s longstanding interest in elephant conservation. Through the Wildlife Conservation Foundation, an organisation established by Shankar and his friends more than 19 years ago, he has supported efforts towards the protection of Asian elephants.
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This connection gives the brand’s heritage positioning a personal dimension, linking its identity not only to a festival but also to Shankar’s own experiences and conservation work.
Shankar Distillers Enters India’s Premium Gin Market
The India launch comes at a time when the country’s premium gin segment is seeing increased interest in craft production, distinctive botanicals and brands with a clear sense of provenance. Against this backdrop, Shankar Distillers is entering the market with a proposition that combines an American-made craft spirit with an identity rooted in Indian culture.
Dasara Gin and Dasara Savari Gin will initially launch in Karnataka and Goa, before expanding into other Indian markets.
For Shankar, beginning the brand’s Indian journey in Karnataka brings the story back to its source.
“Bringing it to Karnataka, where the story began, makes this launch especially meaningful,” he says.
From the celebrations of Mysore that shaped Shankar’s childhood to a craft distillery in Michigan, Dasara Gin represents a journey that has now come full circle, bringing an American-distilled spirit inspired by India back to the place that first inspired it.
