Indian agave spirit lands in UK
Maharaja Drinks, a retailer of exclusively Indian drinks, will distribute Indian spirit Ayam Agave in the UK, described as a ‘category first’.
Ayam Agave is produced at a craft distillery founded by Desmond Nazareth, who has worked in the Indian beverage scene for more than 23 years.
The spirit is made with 100% Agave americana, which is sourced from India’s semi-arid Deccan Plateau and distilled in small batches.
The process began when Nazareth saw photos of the Blue agave used in Mexico to produce Tequila and recognised the plants from childhood travels. He later learned that the Deccan Plateau shares a latitude with the agave regions of Mexico, as well as a similar terroir.
The liquid is made at the same site as Maya Pistola – the ‘first’ agave distillery in Asia.
Ayam Agave aims to be a sustainable brand, and uses the fibrous waste from agave as fuel in the distillery’s boilers. An effluent treatment facility cleanses the distillery wastewater, making it suitable for ferti-irrigation, and the site is fully powered by solar panels.
Ipe Jacob, co-founder of Maharaja Drinks, said: “We have been thinking about this category for some time now. With agave spirits like Tequila, mezcal, raicilla, and sotol gaining interest for 2025, it felt right to help give Indian agave a global stage this year.
“However, it was important to find a person and product that signified artisan craftsmanship while also embodying Maharaja Drinks’ core values of sustainability, pioneering spirit, and incredible taste. Desmond Nazareth’s product does just that – we are thrilled to bring Ayam Agave to the UK market.”
Maharaja Drinks has recently brought two new Indian spirits to the UK: Pipa Rum and Terai Gin.
Nazareth added: “At DesmondJi, we craft innovative Indian alcoholic beverages. As India’s first craft distillery and the only manufacturer in Asia to distill Agave spirits, we see strong synergies in collaborating with Maharaja Drinks to bring unique Indian beverages to customers in the UK.
“We’re excited that through Maharaja Drinks Emporium, the Indian diaspora, Indophiles, and other beverage enthusiasts will have access to our uniquely Indian spirits.”
Agave spirits made outside of Mexico are growing, with notable examples including Australia’s Act of Treason.
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