Flower Considered a ‘Dangerous Intoxicant’ in Colonial India is Now Being Distilled and Sold for $1,000 Per Bottle
An Indian spirits company is distilling a spirit from a flower that was once considered “dangerous.” (AP Photo/Gurinder Osan)
The Hindustan Times reported on Saturday that South Seas Distilleries, an Indian spirits company, is creating the “world’s first” premium-tier spirit derived from the Mahua flower.
Nicknamed the “Tree of Life,” the Mahua flower was distilled and consumed by royalty. Wine Enthusiast reported in May 2023 that during the mid-1800s to 1900s, when India was colonized by the British, Mahua was labeled as a “dangerous intoxicant” that was consumed by barbarians.
To further tighten their colonial grip, the British Raj passed the Mhowra Act of 1892, making the distillation of Mahua illegal. Wine Enthusiast explained the government-enforced prohibition was a “scheme to line the pockets of the British Crown.”
By restricting or eliminating Mahua consumption, the British could curb alcohol consumption in India towards more expensive foreign imports.
The Indian spirits company, South Seas Distilleries unveiled Six Brothers 1922 Resurrection, the oldest Mauha spirit. (Photo: South Seas Distilleries)
Yet South Seas Distilleries intends to change the narrative about the Mahua plant. The brand released two expressions: Six Brothers 1922 Resurrection Mahura and Six Brothers Small Batch Mahura, the brand’s flagship expression.
Six Brother’s Small Batch is double-distilled in copper pot stills and filtered through platinum for a smooth texture, according to The Hindustan Times. South Seas Distilleries says the Mahua possesses a sweet yet earthy nose with aromas of dried fruit. The palate is smooth and savory, with a clean — yet spicy — finish. The brand shared that the bottle was designed as a tribute to the Chinoy family. This expression hosts a more affordable price of $29.81 or 2,492 INR.
The brand’s premium expression, Six Brothers 1922 Resurrection hosts a price of 1,02,000 INR or $1,219.97. The spirit is described as the “world’s oldest matured Mahua flower spirit.” South Seas Distilleries shared it aged the Mahua spirit in oak casks for decades, and the 750 ml bottles are available via allocation only. Just 102 bottles exist.
This groundbreaking release might serve as a turning point for Mahua, as the liquor derived from the flower continues to face more than its fair share of uphill battles. Wine Enthusiast reported that even after British colonial rule ended in the country, Indian governments still taxed and punished those who consumed the flower-derived spirit. The outlet reported that the majority of production areas for Mahua are in Maoist Insurgency Regions, which have been fighting the government to create a communist society. Four thousand lives have been lost in the conflict.
Yet it’s possible there might be international demand for this spirit which is described as “smoky” and “floral” according to the BBC, and Wine Enthusiast reported that it appears Mahua distillery founders like Desmond Nazareth believe it is more likely their Mahua spirit will be sold in Britain before India.
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