How Peak Spirits is Redefining Indian Craft Gin on the Global Stage With Jin Jiji

When Ansh Khanna was living abroad, he witnessed the gin category flourishing with spirits that reflected distinct regions, from Japanese botanicals to London dry styles. It struck him that India, with its rich biodiversity and deep botanical traditions, lacked a gin that truly reflected its heritage. That observation would eventually lead to the creation of Jin Jiji, a niche Indian gin that has carved a path entirely its own and was recently named Best Gin in the World and Spirit of the Year at the 2025 London Spirits Competition with a score of 98 points, making it the highest-rated gin globally this year.

An exquisite dry gin from the house of Peak Spirits, Jin Jiji is derived from the Hindi word "जिजीविषा" (Jijivisha), embodying a zest for life that permeates every facet of this exceptionally delicious gin. The award-winning expression is a nuanced, evocative blend of Himalayan juniper, tulsi (also known as holy basil), chamomile, and handpicked Indian botanicals. It is captivating with its layered complexity, impeccable balance, and unmistakable character rooted in India's rich botanical heritage.

A Vision Born from Global Observation

The idea for Jin Jiji crystallised when Ansh connected with Ken Fredrickson, a Master Sommelier who shared the same curiosity and passion for spirits. "Together, we set out to create a gin that wasn't just Indian in name, but deeply rooted in India's identity—from the Himalayas to its spice trails," explains Ansh. "We wanted every sip to capture the vibrancy, complexity, and soul of India."

The magic of Jin Jiji lies in its carefully curated botanical blend. The gin incorporates both Himalayan and Macedonian juniper—a rare combination that gives the spirit depth and complexity. From India, the distillers incorporate tulsi (holy basil), which adds a peppery, herbaceous note; Darjeeling black tea for its elegant tannins and floral undertone; coriander, fennel, angelica root, and cashew nut for richness and roundness; and chamomile for its soft, calming character.

"Each botanical is individually sourced and selected for its freshness, origin, and seasonal quality," Ansh explains. "The goal was never just to make a good gin—it was to make a gin that tastes like India feels."

Craftsmanship Rooted in Sustainability

Peak Spirits' approach to creating Jin Jiji is deeply rooted in both craftsmanship and sustainability. "Craftsmanship for us begins with the land," says Ansh. "We work closely with local communities and trusted foragers to harvest botanicals like Himalayan juniper and tulsi responsibly. These ingredients are sourced in small batches, often from high-altitude regions where the ecology is delicate, so sustainability is paramount."

The distillation process reflects this commitment to quality and environmental responsibility. "Our distillation happens in-house using traditional copper pot stills, which allow us to control each small batch precisely. We avoid industrial-scale methods, and instead focus on minimising waste and using eco-friendly processes wherever possible—from demineralised water in blending to recyclable packaging."

Jin Jiji is now widely available internationally, including in the US, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and across Europe. "Seeing Jin Jiji on shelves in New York, Sydney, Amsterdam, and now even Dubai—it's surreal. There's a deep sense of pride, not just for our team but for what it represents: India taking its rightful place in the global craft spirits conversation."

Balancing Heritage with Global Appeal

In an era where discerning consumers increasingly seek authenticity and provenance in their spirits, Jin Jiji offers both whilst maintaining broad appeal. "At its heart, Jin Jiji tells the story of India—its complexity, beauty, and spirit," explains Ansh. "We never compromise on authenticity, whether it's using Darjeeling tea or Himalayan botanicals."

Through Peak Spirits and Jin Jiji, Ansh Khanna is redefining Indian alcohol and alcohol brands with craft spirits and paving the way for other producers. His vision extends far beyond a single product. "With Peak Spirits, our goal is to showcase the biodiversity, craftsmanship, and potential of India as a spirits-producing nation."