malhar gin review (2026) — the monsoon-inspired craft gin from paul john's makers

tldr: i haven’t tried malhar personally, but it’s getting serious attention in the indian craft gin space. made by the same people behind paul john whisky, malhar uses individual botanical distillation (the same premium method as tanqueray no. 10). classic is spice-citrus balanced with cardamom and grapefruit. citrus is smoother with indian key lime stealing the show. priced at rs 2000-4500 depending on state. the classic is the better gin and tonic partner. the citrus is the more interesting sipping gin. both are legitimate competitors to jaisalmer and greater than. rating: 7.5/10 (based on expert reviews).

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full disclosure: i have not personally tried malhar gin. this review is research-backed, drawn from expert reviews, tasting videos, and competition results. i’ll be clear throughout about what’s expert opinion and what’s my analysis.

the indian craft gin scene has exploded in the last few years. jaisalmer, greater than, hapusa, jin jiji, stranger & sons. the market is getting crowded, and standing out requires either brilliant marketing or genuinely superior product.

malhar’s play is the product. specifically, the production method. while most gins throw all their botanicals into a pot still together, malhar distills each botanical separately. it’s the same approach used by tanqueray no. 10, one of the most respected gins in the world. it’s more expensive, more time-consuming, and gives the distiller precise control over each flavor component.

add to that the pedigree: malhar comes from john distilleries, the same company that makes paul john whisky and big banyan wines. these are people who know how to make spirits. the question isn’t whether they can make a good gin. it’s whether malhar is good enough to justify its price in an increasingly competitive market.

this review is part of liquor india, where i review every major alcohol brand available in india. no sponsors, no affiliate links.

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malhar gin at a glance

detail	malhar classic	malhar citrus
type	london dry style craft gin	citrus-forward craft gin
ABV	43%	43%
maker	john distilleries	john distilleries
distillery	goa	goa
botanicals	13 (juniper, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, clove, lemon, orange, grapefruit, etc.)	11 (indian key lime, grapefruit, lemon, orange, tea, etc.)
distillation	individual botanical distillation, copper pot still	individual botanical distillation, copper pot still
price (750ml)	rs 2000-4500	rs 2000-4500
best for	gin and tonic, negroni	sipping, gimlet, gin-soda-lime
rating	7.5/10	7.5/10

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malhar classic: the spice-citrus balancer

the name

malhar is named after raag malhar, the classical indian raga that’s said to bring rain when performed. the connection to goa’s monsoon is deliberate. this is meant to be the gin that captures the spirit of goan rainfall. a romantic concept, and the kind of indian storytelling that makes a brand memorable.

the botanicals

thirteen botanicals, each distilled separately. the spice side includes cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, and clove. the citrus side includes lemon peel, orange peel, and grapefruit. juniper is the base, as it must be for any gin.

from what reviewers describe, the spice-citrus balance is what defines malhar classic. it’s a london dry style gin, which means the botanical flavors are meant to be integrated and harmonious rather than dominated by any single ingredient.

tasting notes (from reviews)

nose: coriander, cinnamon, and cardamom are immediately present. there’s citrus underneath, with lemon and orange coming through clearly. reviewers describe it as a warm, inviting nose that smells distinctly “indian” without being gimmicky.

palate: the spices hit first. cardamom, coriander, and clove arrive immediately and stay through the mid-palate. then the citrus emerges, and the grapefruit bitterness becomes the lasting impression. reviewers note that the spices “stay on” for a while before gradually fading, and the grapefruit bitterness lingers even after the spice dissipates.

with water: adding a few drops of water wakes up the heavier botanicals. reviewers specifically note that cardamom “shines” after water is added. the water reduces the alcohol intensity and lets the individual botanical distillates express themselves more clearly.

finish: grapefruit-forward. the bitterness from the grapefruit outlasts the spice notes, giving the gin a dry, clean finish that works well in cocktails.

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malhar citrus: the smooth operator

the botanicals

eleven botanicals, skewed heavily toward citrus. the standout is indian key lime, a botanical that reviewers say they haven’t encountered in any other gin. alongside key lime, there’s grapefruit, lemon, and orange. tea is another unusual addition that adds earthy depth to the citrus brightness.

fewer spice botanicals means malhar citrus is a smoother, more approachable gin than the classic. it’s designed for people who want citrus freshness without the spice punch.

tasting notes (from reviews)

nose: citrus dominates. reviewers describe “lots and lots of citrus” with the key lime being the most distinctive element. it smells different from standard lemon or orange because key lime has a sweeter, more complex citrus character that’s hard to place if you haven’t encountered it before.

palate: smooth is the word every reviewer uses. without the heavy spice load, malhar citrus goes down easily. the key lime shines through as the dominant flavor. there’s minimal burn or harshness. one reviewer noted it “slips through the tongue” with ease.

with water: tea wakes up. the tea botanical, which is barely detectable neat, becomes present after water is added. the citrus intensifies and more complexity emerges. this is a gin that genuinely changes character with a few drops of water.

finish: clean and citrusy. shorter than the classic’s grapefruit-bitter finish, but refreshing and pleasant. this is a summer gin.

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how to drink malhar gin

malhar classic

gin and tonic (classic): the natural pairing. use a neutral tonic water (not flavored) to let the 13 botanicals speak. garnish with an orange peel or a lemon wedge. the spice-citrus balance was designed for this exact serve. use a 1:3 ratio of gin to tonic as a starting point.

negroni: malhar classic’s spice profile complements campari’s bitterness beautifully. the cardamom and cinnamon add an indian dimension to the classic italian cocktail.

spicy gin and tonic: muddle a green chilli in the glass before adding ice, gin, and tonic. the indian spice botanicals in malhar pair naturally with the heat of a fresh chilli. sounds unusual, works extremely well according to cocktail enthusiasts.

gin and tonic with star anise and apple: add a cinnamon stick, star anise, and a splash of apple juice (15ml) to your gin and tonic. the warm spices in malhar classic complement apple and cinnamon flavors particularly well, especially in cooler weather.

malhar citrus

neat with water: surprisingly good for a gin. the key lime and tea botanicals create enough complexity to sip without a mixer. add a few drops of water to wake up the tea.

gin, soda, and lime: the simplest possible serve. the citrus-forward profile means even a basic gin-soda-lime is flavorful without being overwhelming. a good low-calorie summer drink.

gimlet: equal parts malhar citrus and fresh lime juice with a touch of simple syrup. the key lime in the gin amplifies the lime juice, creating a double-citrus effect.

tom collins: malhar citrus, lemon juice, sugar, soda water. the smoothness of the citrus gin makes for an exceptionally refreshing collins.

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malhar gin price in india (2026)

malhar pricing varies dramatically by state due to india’s excise duty structure.

state	malhar classic 750ml	malhar citrus 750ml
haryana (gurgaon)	rs 2000-2200	rs 2000-2200
goa	rs 2000-2500	rs 2200-2700
delhi	rs 2200-2800	rs 2200-2800
maharashtra (mumbai)	rs 3500-4500	rs 3500-4500
karnataka (bangalore)	rs 3500-4000	rs 3500-4500

prices are approximate. check locally before purchasing.

cheapest states: haryana and goa offer the best prices. if you’re in gurgaon, you’re paying less than half what someone in mumbai pays for the exact same bottle.

availability: as of 2026, malhar is available in goa, mumbai, pune, haryana, delhi, and bangalore. it’s not yet pan-india. john distilleries is expanding distribution, but if you’re in a state not listed above, you might need to wait or pick it up while traveling.

the price gap problem: the difference between rs 2000 in haryana and rs 4500 in maharashtra is significant. in haryana, malhar is a no-brainer recommendation. in maharashtra, it’s competing directly with jaisalmer and premium international gins. the value proposition changes depending on where you live.

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malhar vs the competition

malhar classic vs jaisalmer gin: jaisalmer is india’s best-known craft gin, with a drier, more juniper-forward profile and subtle indian spice. malhar classic is spicier and more citrus-balanced. jaisalmer has better distribution and stronger brand recognition. malhar has the edge in production quality with individual botanical distillation. if you like spice, malhar. if you like dry and traditional, jaisalmer.

malhar citrus vs greater than gin: greater than is citrus-forward, affordable, and widely available. malhar citrus has more complexity thanks to the key lime and tea botanicals, but costs significantly more. greater than is the value pick. malhar citrus is the premium upgrade.

malhar vs hapusa: hapusa uses himalayan juniper and turmeric as its distinctive botanicals. it’s more earthy and herbal compared to malhar’s spice-citrus approach. different styles that appeal to different palates. hapusa has stronger brand positioning in the “proudly indian” space.

malhar vs stranger & sons: stranger & sons is spice-forward with black pepper, nutmeg, and mace. malhar classic has overlapping spice notes but adds more citrus balance. stranger & sons has better international recognition. both are excellent indian gins in different ways.

for the complete landscape, see my best gin brands in india guide and how gin is made in india.

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the john distilleries advantage

the fact that malhar comes from john distilleries matters. this is a company with serious craft credentials. paul john whisky is internationally acclaimed and exported to dozens of countries. big banyan wines are well-regarded in the indian wine market.

when you’re buying malhar, you’re buying from a distillery that has established production excellence. the individual botanical distillation isn’t a marketing gimmick. they have the equipment, the expertise, and the track record to execute it properly.

during a distillery visit, a reviewer noted that malhar’s distillation room had numerous separate tanks, each containing a different botanical distillate. this is the tangible proof that the “individual distillation” claim is real. it gives the brand flexibility to create new expressions in the future by simply adjusting the blend ratios of their existing distillates.

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verdict: malhar gin review

rating: 7.5/10 (based on expert consensus)

malhar is a legitimately well-made indian craft gin. the individual botanical distillation process delivers noticeable quality, and both expressions offer enough personality to stand out in an increasingly crowded market.

malhar classic is the better all-rounder. the spice-citrus balance works beautifully in gin and tonics and cocktails. it’s versatile, distinctive, and well-crafted. the grapefruit bitterness on the finish gives it character.

malhar citrus is the more interesting sipping gin. the indian key lime is a botanical that genuinely sets it apart from every other gin on the market. the tea adds an earthy dimension that grows on you with repeated tastings.

the main barriers are price (in high-tax states) and distribution (not yet available everywhere). in haryana and goa where it’s rs 2000-2500, malhar is an easy recommendation. in maharashtra at rs 4500, it’s a tougher sell against jaisalmer and imported options.

the bottom line: malhar is what happens when a serious distillery applies whisky-making care to gin. it’s not the cheapest option, and it’s not the most widely available, but it’s one of the best-made indian gins you can buy. the paul john pedigree shows.

if you like malhar, also try: jaisalmer gin for a drier indian craft gin, greater than gin for an affordable citrus option, best gin brands in india for the full landscape, or how gin is made in india for the production deep dive.

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malhar gin review: frequently asked questions

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drink responsibly. must be of legal drinking age in your state.