NV Group, one of India’s larger distillers, and Smoke Lab, the company’s new lifestyle endeavor, have announced the U.S. debut of Smoke Lab Vodka.

Smoke Lab Vodka is made with locally sourced Basmati rice, a crop indigenous to the brand’s native country. India accounts for 70% of the world’s Basmati rice production, the company says. This grain originates from the foothills of Himalayas in the North of India, and the name comes from the Sanskrit word for “Fragrant.”

Smoke Lab Vodka Classic and Smoke Lab Vodka Aniseed are both now available in New York, New Jersey and California, with further expansion planned in 2021. 

“We chose Basmati rice as the spirit base for Smoke Lab Vodka because of its distinctive nutty flavor and unique floral aroma and because Basmati is intrinsically linked with our homeland of India,” says Smoke Lab Founder Varun Jain. “The Basmati selected for Smoke Lab Vodka is cultivated in close proximity to the distillery to ensure freshness.” 

Smoke Lab Vodka Classic is 40% ABV. It opens with nutty aromas and hints of citrus fruits, the company says, before a finish of citrus fruits with hints of nutty characters.

Smoke Lab Vodka Aniseed, 37.5% ABV, has notes of fennel and licorice, the company reports, along with a creamy sweetness on the palate and fennel-blossom finish.

“U.S. consumers seek to discover new brands with authentic quality stories,” says Jain. “We believe our unique story and the passion of our mission to introduce our spirits of India to the world is evident in every drop of Smoke Lab LAB Vodka. We are excited for U.S. retailers, on-premise operators and ultimately consumers to embrace the realization of our dream.”

Smoke Lab Vodka Classic and Aniseed both retail for a suggested price of $19.99 per 750-ml. bottle.