In a landmark moment for Northeast India, Cherrapunji Gin has secured a prestigious Double Gold Medal at the 2025 SIP (Spirits International Prestige) Awards, a globally respected competition judged exclusively by consumers.
With over 1,200 entries from more than 60 countries, fewer than 2 per cent of spirits earned this rare distinction, underscoring the exceptional quality and appeal of the gin.
What sets the SIP Awards apart from conventional spirits contests is its judging process. Unlike competitions led by critics and sommeliers, the SIP Awards are evaluated via double-blind tastings by over 300 everyday spirit enthusiasts. This consumer-only approach makes Cherrapunji Gin’s victory even more significant.
“This award is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the people who enjoy spirits in real life,” said Mayukh Hazarika, founder of Raincheck Earth Co., the brand behind Cherrapunji Gin.
“To have our gin — rooted in Meghalaya’s rain and local identity — resonate with everyday drinkers in California is a reminder that authenticity and craft can connect across cultures,” he added.
Cherrapunji Gin is India’s first premium craft gin made from harvested rainwater, sourced directly from Cherrapunji, one of the world’s wettest places. Produced in collaboration with a Dutch master distiller, the gin features an exquisite blend of native botanicals, including Khasi mandarin, Himalayan juniper, and smoked cardamom. The result is a bold, citrus-forward flavor profile layered with smoky and earthy notes, earning admiration far beyond the Indian subcontinent.
Symbol of regional emergence
This accolade is not only a win for the brand, but a powerful statement for the emerging craft beverage movement in Meghalaya and the greater Northeast. It marks the region’s debut on the global spirits stage and affirms its potential as a world-class hub for artisanal distilling.
With an ethos rooted in sustainability, authenticity, and local storytelling, Cherrapunji Gin offers more than a drink—it delivers a distilled narrative of its origin. Its Double Gold win at the SIP Awards 2025, held annually in Irvine, California, represents unanimous top ratings by the entire consumer judging panel—an honor reserved for only the most outstanding spirits.
As the Northeast toasts this victory, Cherrapunji Gin’s success stands as a beacon for indigenous craft, global connection, and the future of India’s premium spirit offerings.
