Mahua: India’s Only Flower-Based Heritage Spirit

Do you know that Mahua is one of the few Indian spirits that does not fit into any conventional international category?

Unlike brandy, which is made from fruit, gin, which is driven by botanicals like juniper, or vodka, which is distilled from a neutral base, Mahua comes from the fermented flowers of the Madhuca longifolia tree. This gives the spirit its recognisable earthy and floral character and places it in a category of its own as a traditional Indian heritage liquor.

In recent years, several Indian producers have begun bottling Mahua for wider markets while working with the regions and communities that have historically prepared it:

• DesmondJi – A contemporary interpretation of Mahua.

• MAH Spirit – An Indo French collaboration aimed at bringing Mahua to international audiences.

• Six Brothers Mahua – A distilled Mahua expression positioned for modern retail.

• Mond and Mohulo – Spirits produced by tribal self help groups in Madhya Pradesh, maintaining community involvement in the process.