In a proud moment for the country, India wins gold at Spiritz Awards 2025 as ANIMAL, India’s first 15% apple cider, clinched the Gold Medal in the Blind Tasting Category at the Spiritz Conclave & Achievers’ Awards held in Gurgaon, Haryana. The recognition marks a major achievement for India’s growing beverage industry and highlights the rise of homegrown premium brands competing on an international level.
ANIMAL is crafted by the Indian Wine Company (IWC) and made entirely from fresh Himalayan apples, known for their natural sweetness and crisp flavor. Unlike many alcoholic beverages, ANIMAL contains no added Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) and has no expiry date, which makes it stand out for its purity and long-lasting quality.
The Spiritz Awards are among India’s most respected industry recognitions. They celebrate innovation, craftsmanship, and taste in the alcoholic beverage sector. Winners are decided through blind tastings, ensuring complete fairness and credibility. Judges evaluate each drink based solely on aroma, taste, and finish, without knowing the brand names. ANIMAL’s victory in this category shows that its flavor and craftsmanship can compete with top global beverages.
Each bottle of ANIMAL carries the authentic taste of Himachal Pradesh’s apple orchards. The region is one of India’s largest apple producers and is globally known for its fruit quality. The apples used in ANIMAL undergo a natural fermentation process, producing a rich and aromatic cider with a smooth finish.
Moksh Rajpal, Chief of Staff at the Indian Wine Company, expressed pride in the win. He said, “ANIMAL is not just a drink, it’s a promise of purity and craftsmanship. We wanted to create something honest, real, and proudly Indian.” His words capture the brand’s vision of combining tradition with innovation while keeping the product truly Indian at its core.
ANIMAL’s success also reflects a broader shift in India’s beverage market. Consumers today are moving towards natural, handcrafted, and locally sourced products. This cider’s unique formula and commitment to authenticity appeal to health-conscious consumers who prefer beverages without artificial ingredients or additives.
The drink’s 15% alcohol content makes it one of the strongest ciders available in India, yet it maintains a smooth, refreshing flavor profile. ANIMAL’s competitive pricing ensures that even a premium-quality beverage remains accessible to a wide audience. Whether for celebrations, home gatherings, or casual evenings, it offers a refreshing alternative to mass-produced drinks.
Industry experts view ANIMAL’s recognition as a sign of India’s evolving beverage scene. Over the past few years, Indian brands have started gaining international attention for their creativity, use of indigenous ingredients, and sustainable production methods. This win demonstrates that Indian producers can deliver world-class quality while supporting local agriculture and artisans.
ANIMAL’s natural approach to cider-making also aligns with global sustainability trends. Its production process minimizes waste and supports local apple farmers, strengthening the connection between Indian agriculture and modern consumer tastes.
The Indian Wine Company now plans to expand ANIMAL’s availability across major Indian cities and export it to international markets. By doing so, they aim to showcase India’s capability in creating world-class beverages that combine tradition, innovation, and purity.
In conclusion, India wins gold at Spiritz Awards 2025 through ANIMAL’s remarkable achievement, symbolizing a turning point for India’s premium beverage industry. This homegrown cider is more than a drink, it’s a celebration of nature, craftsmanship, and Indian pride. As local brands rise on the global stage, ANIMAL stands tall as proof that Indian beverages can truly match international standards in both quality and taste.
