India, June 7 -- The rains have arrived early this year - and with them, a sharp new crop of spirits. A legendary Nepali rum has entered the Indian market, there's a pink vodka that leans into fruit and florals, and homegrown distillers continue to push boundaries with aged malts and layered gins. From limited-edition whiskies to additive-free tequilas, here are some recent launches that have caught our attention.

Earlier this year, in an interview with this newspaper, Bacardi India MD Vinay Golikeri noted strong traction in the super-premium tequila segment. The Patron El Cielo - Bacardi owns Patron - sold out almost instantly, he said. A similar reception is likely for El Alto, which is set to launch later this week. Endorsed by Punjab...