Our Story

INSPIRED BY OUR RICH FAMILY HISTORY

Rutland Square Gin is inspired by a rich family story and history. Our founder’s Great Grandfather Tej Ram Bawa, was an Indian spirit entrepreneur and visionary. Tej started his journey in Assam, India, the land of tea farms. In his early days, he worked in the forest department until his entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own business blending and creating spirits.

Tej would buy single malt whisky from the British officers stationed in Assam and blended it with his local whisky, obsessively mixing and layering tastes and aromas. He cultivated his skills as a craftsman of spirits, creating a complex blend adapted to the subtle Indian palate. His enterprise was at its peak when Britain left India which resulted in changes to the licencing act which forced him to shut his doors.

Rutland Square pays Homage to Tej Ram Bawa, taking inspiration from his vision, reviving his legacy and the family enterprise.

A Timeless Legacy: The Rutland Square Gin Story

1940

In the heart of Assam, India, a young man named Tej Ram Bawa ignited a family tradition that would span generations. Driven by an unyielding passion for spirits, he began blending exquisite flavors, laying the foundation for the legacy of Rutland Square Gin.

1985

Life, like the finest spirits, often takes unexpected turns. In 1985, government regulations temporarily halted Tej Ram's endeavors. Yet, the spirit of his craftsmanship remained, passed down through the generations like a cherished heirloom.

2015

Decades later, amidst the warm glow of a cigar club in India, a new chapter began. As a family sipped gin, a shared dream took shape: to honor their heritage and craft a spirit worthy of Tej Ram's legacy.

2017

The dream ignited a journey of exploration. In 2017, a dedicated team embarked on a quest to source the finest botanicals, blending time-honored traditions with innovative techniques.

2020

From a shared dream to a tangible reality, Rutland Square Gin was born in 2020. Each bottle carries the essence of a family's passion, a testament to the enduring power of heritage and the art of crafting exceptional spirits.

Empowered Craft

“Choose more than just a premium drink; choose empowerment, one sip at a time.”

Rutland Square Gin is a testament to excellence and empowerment, intricately woven into every bottle we produce. Sourced from the picturesque landscapes of Dibrugarh, Assam, in India, our gin is uniquely infused with Oolong white tea. This ingredient is not just a flavor; it’s a commitment to quality and ethical practice.

At the heart of our production is a partnership with a remarkable team of 14 women, chosen for their unparalleled skill and gentle precision in handling the delicate Oolong leaves. These leaves, demanding gentle care, are carefully hand-plucked and hand-rolled during the first flush to encapsulate their sublime flavor.

This endeavor serves a twofold purpose: it celebrates the exceptional talents of these women, vital in ensuring our gin’s distinguished quality, and actively addresses the gender and wage disparities that cast a shadow over Eastern Assam’s natural splendor. Despite the beauty of the region, its women often face unjust conditions — a challenge Rutland Square Gin meets head-on, committed to fostering change.

With each purchase, you do more than enjoy an exquisite gin; you honor the dedication of these incredible women and contribute to building a fairer world. Our initiatives guarantee equitable wages, enabling them to enhance their own and their families’ well-being.

Our ethos, “Choose more than just a premium drink; choose empowerment, one sip at a time,” embodies our dedication to not only excellence in taste but also in purpose.

We extend our impact further through contributions to community projects, focusing on education and opportunity, ensuring a sustainable and brighter future for these families. We invite you to be part of this meaningful journey, transforming lives one bottle at a time.

This refined version removes specific mentions of foundations while emphasizing the brand’s commitment to social responsibility and quality, ensuring the message of empowerment and ethical practice shines through every aspect of Rutland Square Gin.

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