Cherrapunji: Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin, distilled in Meghalaya‘s rain-soaked hills, has been awarded the prestigious Double Gold Medal at the 2025 SIP Awards held in California, USA.
This win marks a significant moment for Northeast India, placing it firmly on the global spirits map.
The SIP (Spirits International Prestige) Awards stand out as the world’s only major spirits competition judged exclusively by consumers.
Unlike traditional awards that are decided by critics or sommeliers, the SIP (Spirits International Prestige) Awards are evaluated through double-blind tastings by over 300 everyday drinkers.
With more than 1,200 entries from over 60 countries, Cherrapunji Gin was among the less than 2% of spirits to achieve the coveted Double Gold, signifying its place in the top tier of global craft spirits.
“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 company behind Cherrapunji Gin.
He added, “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.”
Cherrapunji Gin is notably India’s first premium craft gin made using harvested rainwater from Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on Earth.
Developed in collaboration with a Dutch master distiller, the gin incorporates native botanicals like Khasi mandarin, Himalayan juniper, and smoked cardamom. This unique blend creates a citrus-forward, smoky-earthy profile that has now found appreciation far beyond the Indian subcontinent.
This Double Gold medal is more than just a win for the brand; it’s a powerful statement. It signals the emergence of Meghalaya and the broader Northeast as a burgeoning hub for world-class craft spirits.
Founded in 2009 and held annually in Irvine, California, the SIP Awards is a unique international spirits competition. Each entry is evaluated through blind tasting by actual consumers. A Double Gold Medal is reserved for the few spirits that receive unanimous top ratings from the entire consumer panel.
Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin is a premium, small-batch spirit crafted by Raincheck Earth Co. in the highlands of Meghalaya.
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By utilizing harvested rainwater and a carefully selected array of wild and native botanicals, the gin embodies the rich biodiversity and untouched beauty of Northeast India. Committed to sustainability and craft integrity, Cherrapunji Gin offers more than just a drink—it’s a distilled story of its place of origin.
