Baagh is not your traditional Gin. Oh no… don’t even think of that! It’s not any run-of-the-mill Gin that you find at every nook ‘n’ corner. In fact, unlike most gins which are juniper-forward, Baagh boasts a citrus-forward profile that combines the zesty tang of Nagpur oranges and the crispness of lime, complemented by subtle hints of spices. Launched by Chhota Hazri Spirits, Baagh is indeed a ‘Gin’ revelation. TheGlitz presents a gin like no other – Baagh gin.
But is it merely a gin with great taste? No! Its tagline is: “No Planet No Party.” The name Baagh, which means “garden” in Hindi, is a nod to the importance of preserving our natural world. To that end, a portion of the profits from Baagh is dedicated to agrobiodiversity and re-wilding initiatives in Assam, in partnership with The Balipara Foundation. The distillery also sources ingredients from local farmers, ensuring that the land and its people benefit from the production process.
With great taste underlined with a social cause, Baagh aims for higher grounds. High rollers love it, moreso urban yuppies who seek a delicious, responsibly made gin that is accessible and easy to enjoy. It also pairs well with simple tonic water or can be used to create a personalized DIY cocktail, without the need for specialty mixers or flavoured tonics. Baagh is also versatile enough to stand on its own… anybody for gin on the rocks?
CEO and Founder Jatin Dev Bobb along with his founding partners Mohamed Rizwan and Manu Chandra established Chhota Hazri Spirits in a post-Covid world. The name takes inspiration from the traditional refreshment consumed by troops stationed in Northern India during the 19th century, as well as the morning rituals followed in certain army regiments and boarding schools to this day.
Commenting on the launch, Jatin Dev Bobb said, ” We are excited to introduce Baagh to the Indian market, aiming to craft a contemporary Indian gin that not only delivers exceptional taste but also prioritizes purpose beyond profit. In today’s world, creating a great product alone is no longer sufficient. At Chhota Hazri, we’ve always aspired to make a positive impact, regardless of scale. Our collaboration with The Balipara Foundation is an excellent example, but our commitment extends far beyond that. By promoting agrobiodiversity and rewilding initiatives, we hope to catalyse meaningful conversations and bring attention to programs like ‘No Planet No Party’. Our initial launch of Baagh will be in Mumbai, the ‘taste’ cconnoisseur capital of India, with plans to expand to five additional markets in the upcoming quarter.”
Founding partner and creative maven, Mohamed Rizwan spoke on the positioning of Baagh, “We started out knowing perfectly well that that the world doesn’t need another gin. But we also realised that it was a great way to have a bigger point of view and purpose. So, we set out to create a brand that is fun, and honest, and has real depth. That balance is hopefully something people will pick up on and choose to be a part of.”
Manu Chandra, one of India’s most renowned chefs and a founding partner, shared his thoughts on Baagh’s taste and place in the bar scene, stating, “Think of Baagh as the first sip of your weekend brunch, or the early drink at a cosy bar, not a 3 am round at an unfamiliar club. It’s a gin that is easy to drink, even on its own and is perfectly suited for the Indian palate. It’s fresh citrus taste and smooth finish is best savoured with tonic and soda along with a slice of Nagpur Orange.” Baagh is available in select retail outlets, restaurants, and bars in Mumbai at a recommended retail price of Rs 1950.
So go ahead, join Baagh in raising a glass to the planet while sipping blissfully a great-tasting gin. Cheers to Baagh!
