Bengaluru : More than three decades after leaving Mysore, entrepreneur Varchasvi Shankar is bringing a deeply personal story back home with the launch of Dasara Gin and Dasara Savari Gin in India. Inspired by Karnataka’s iconic Mysore Dasara and distilled by Shankar Distillers in Troy, Michigan, the premium craft gin brings together Indian heritage and American craft distilling in a spirit rooted in memory, culture and craftsmanship.
For Shankar, Dasara was more than a festival. Growing up in Mysore, the annual celebrations, from the illuminated palace to the centuries-old Jamboo Savari procession led by caparisoned elephants, became an enduring part of his childhood. Those memories now form the foundation of a brand that reflects his journey from Mysore to the United States and back again.
Having moved to the US over 35 years ago, Shankar established Shankar Distillers, becoming the first American craft distillery to export bourbon to India. Yet Dasara Gin remained the brand he always wanted to create, one that celebrated the place he came from while embracing the precision and innovation of American craft distilling.
Dasara Gin is crafted using a thoughtfully curated blend of botanicals that delivers a balanced profile of citrus freshness, subtle floral notes, and warming spice and has over 11 botanicals that originate from India such as Turmeric, Cardamom, Orange Zest, and more. Dasara Savari Gin offers an added layer of depth and complexity which has 12 botanicals including Darjeeling Black Tea. Distilled using traditional craft methods in both copper pot and column stills at Shankar Distillers, the range is equally suited to a classic Gin & Tonic, a Martini, or contemporary cocktails. Dasara Savari Gin has already won many awards such as San Franscisco International Spirits award, Bar Tenders Spirits Award, American Craft Spirits Award and London International Spirits Award.
“Dasara Gin is a tribute to the city and festival that shaped my childhood,” says Varchasvi Shankar, Founder & CEO, Shankar Distillers. “Although it’s distilled in the United States, every aspect of the brand is inspired by India. We wanted to create a gin that celebrates our heritage while delivering the quality and craftsmanship expected of a world-class spirit. Bringing it to Karnataka, where the story began, makes this launch especially meaningful.”
The elephant featured on every bottle is another deeply personal element of the brand. Beyond symbolising the Mysore Dasara procession, it also reflects Shankar’s long-standing commitment to wildlife conservation through his foundation, which has supported the protection of Asian elephants for nearly two decades through Wildlife Conservation Foundation, an organization he and his friends established over 19 years ago.
The launch comes as India’s premium gin category continues to grow, fuelled by evolving consumer preferences, a thriving cocktail culture and increasing interest in spirits with authentic stories. Positioned at the intersection of Indian inspiration and imported craft credentials, Dasara Gin offers a distinctive perspective within the category.
Launching first in Karnataka and Goa, the brand returns to the state that inspired its identity before expanding into one of India’s fastest-growing premium spirits markets. With this launch, Dasara introduces a story shaped by heritage, craftsmanship and a lifelong connection to home.