Indian gin made from harvested rainwater wins double gold at SIP Awards 2025 in California

In a proud moment on the global scale, an Indian gin made from harvested rainwater in Cherrapunji has won the Double Gold medal at the SIP (Spirits International Prestige) Awards 2025 held in Irvine, California.The awards are the world's only major spirits competition judged exclusively by consumers, where the spirits are evaluated through double-blind tastings by over 300 everyday drinkers.The awards received over 1,200 entries from over 60 countries, and Cherrapunji Gin was among the less than 2% of spirits that achieved the coveted Double Gold, scoring a 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.“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.What makes the victory even more notable and memorable is the fact that the gin is made using harvest rainwater from Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on Earth. Crafted in collaboration with a Dutch master distiller, the drink also includes native botanicals such as Khasi mandarin, Himalayan juniper and smoked tea from Lushai hills and Kaji (aromatic lime) from the valleys of Assam. It delivers a citrusy, smokey and earthy flavour.Additionally, keeping the environment in mind, the gin is packaged in a military-grade stainless steel bottle that can be reused and recycled at home.Many on the internet have been raving about the gin's taste and crafting method, writing, "Got in Meghalaya, loved sipping it on the banks of Dawki river amidst rhe stargazing and bonfire 😍😍" and "Kudos to the makers👏👏 . We love the taste and feels at home"The win not only highlights the emerging craft beverage movement but also puts the creation on the global map. Previously, the gin also won an accolade at the Gin Masters London in 2023. Founded in 2009, the SIP Awards are held annually in Irvine, California and offer a true and global platform for spirits and beverage crafting.