tldr: desmondji is a genuinely fascinating indian spirit. it’s made from blue weber agave grown in andhra pradesh, making it asia’s only agave distillery. the blanco (rs 1200-1800) is a solid agave spirit that works for margaritas and shots, with a flavor profile that’s recognizably in the tequila family but distinctly indian. it’s not trying to be tequila - it’s doing its own thing with agave, and that’s what makes it interesting. if you like tequila and want to try something homegrown, it’s absolutely worth a bottle.
here’s something most people don’t know: india grows agave. specifically, blue weber agave, the same plant used to make tequila in mexico. and one company - desmondji, based in andhra pradesh - has been quietly making agave spirits that rival entry-level tequilas at a fraction of the import price.
desmondji is one of those brands that spirit nerds love to talk about but most casual drinkers haven’t heard of. it’s not in every liquor store, it doesn’t have massive advertising, and it can’t call itself tequila (more on that later). but it represents something genuinely unique in indian alcohol: a spirit that’s not whisky, rum, beer, or vodka, made from a plant most people associate exclusively with mexico.
this is a full review of desmondji’s agave spirits - the brand story, what it tastes like, how it compares to actual tequila, whether the price makes sense, and who should buy it. for more on tequila options available in india, check the best tequila in india guide and the tequila and mezcal guide.
the brand story
desmondji was founded by desmond nazareth, a goan entrepreneur who originally made his name with feni - the traditional cashew spirit of goa. he saw an opportunity that nobody else in asia was pursuing: growing agave commercially and distilling it into spirit.
the agave operation is based in andhra pradesh, where the climate turned out to be surprisingly well-suited for blue weber agave cultivation. the plants take 6-8 years to mature (same as in mexico), and the piñas (the heart of the agave plant) are harvested, roasted, fermented, and distilled following processes similar to traditional tequila production.
the key legal detail: this spirit cannot be called tequila. the name “tequila” is a protected denomination of origin under mexican law and international trade agreements. only agave spirits produced in specific regions of mexico (primarily jalisco and parts of a few other states) can use the name. so desmondji labels its products as “agave spirit” - which is exactly what it is. this is the same reason indian whisky makers can’t call their products scotch, even if they use similar methods.
desmond nazareth has been open about the fact that he’s not trying to replicate mexican tequila. the terroir - soil, climate, water, altitude - in andhra pradesh is different from jalisco. the agave plants absorb different minerals, deal with different weather patterns, and produce juice with a different character. the result is a spirit that’s recognizably in the agave family but has its own personality. think of it like how amrut single malt is clearly whisky but doesn’t taste like scotch. same idea.
the range
desmondji produces several agave expressions. here’s what’s currently available:
| expression | type | price (750ml) | ABV | notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| agave blanco | unaged | rs 1200-1800 | 40% | clean, vegetal, agave-forward |
| agave reposado | lightly aged | rs 1600-2200 | 40% | softer, some oak influence |
| agave gold | blended | rs 1400-2000 | 40% | blend of aged and unaged |
prices vary significantly by state. goa is typically the cheapest. andhra pradesh and telangana also have good availability. metropolitan cities like delhi, mumbai, and bangalore stock it in select stores.
taste review: agave blanco
the blanco is desmondji’s flagship and the one most people will try first.
nose: sweet agave, a bit of green pepper, slight earthiness. it smells like agave spirit, no question. there’s a vegetal quality that’s recognizably from the plant, though it’s less sharp than a mexican blanco like olmeca or patron silver.
palate: smooth entry, sweeter than most mexican blancos. you get cooked agave (roasted, slightly caramelized), some citrus notes, a mild peppery warmth. the body is medium - it’s not watery but it’s not as thick as some premium tequilas. there’s an earthy undertone that i’d attribute to the indian terroir.
finish: medium length, warm, slightly sweet. a lingering agave note with a touch of white pepper.
overall impression: this is a legitimate agave spirit. it’s not replicating tequila - it has its own character. the sweetness is more pronounced than most mexican blancos, and the vegetal notes are softer. if you’ve only had jose cuervo especial gold (which is a mixto, not 100% agave), desmondji actually has more authentic agave character.
rating: 7/10 - a genuinely interesting spirit that proves agave works in indian terroir.
taste review: agave reposado
the reposado is aged for a few months in oak, which rounds out some of the blanco’s rougher edges.
nose: vanilla, light caramel, agave sweetness with a woody note.
palate: smoother than the blanco, with more warmth and less vegetal sharpness. the oak aging adds vanilla and a subtle spice. the agave character is still present but more integrated.
finish: longer than the blanco, with oak and vanilla lingering. pleasant warmth.
overall impression: a better sipping spirit than the blanco. if you want to drink desmondji neat, this is the one to get. the oak aging complements the agave well.
rating: 7.5/10 - the more refined option, good for sipping.
desmondji vs mexican tequila
let’s address the obvious question: how does it compare?
| factor | desmondji | entry mexican tequila (jose cuervo, sauza) | premium mexican tequila (patron, don julio) |
|---|---|---|---|
| price (india) | rs 1200-2200 | rs 2200-3200 | rs 4500-7000 |
| made from | 100% blue weber agave | often mixto (51% agave) | 100% blue weber agave |
| taste profile | sweet, earthy, mild vegetal | caramel-heavy, sometimes harsh | clean, complex, refined agave |
| availability | expanding, goa + metros | most metro liquor stores | premium stores, metros |
| for cocktails | works well | works well | overkill |
| for sipping | reposado is decent | not recommended | designed for it |
the honest comparison: desmondji punches above its price class. at rs 1200-1800 for the blanco, you’re getting a 100% agave spirit for less than jose cuervo especial gold (which is a mixto, meaning it’s only 51% agave with the rest being other sugars). in terms of agave authenticity, desmondji actually wins at the budget level.
against premium mexican tequilas like patron silver or don julio blanco, desmondji is clearly a step below in refinement and complexity. but those bottles cost 3-4x more in india, so that’s an unfair comparison.
how to drink it
desmondji works in any context where you’d use tequila:
- margarita: desmondji blanco + fresh lime juice + triple sec/cointreau. shake with ice, strain. works beautifully and saves you rs 1000+ over using imported tequila.
- paloma: desmondji + fresh grapefruit juice (or grapefruit soda) + lime + salt rim. refreshing and underrated.
- neat: the reposado, room temperature or slightly chilled. sip slowly.
- shots: the blanco with salt and lime. classic. no different from how you’d do tequila shots.
- ranch water: desmondji + lime + sparkling water. perfect for hot weather, and india has plenty of that.
who should buy this?
buy desmondji if:
- you like tequila but hate paying import prices in india
- you’re curious about the indian craft spirits scene beyond gin and whisky
- you want to make margaritas at home without spending rs 2500+ on jose cuervo
- you appreciate the concept of indian terroir producing something different
- you’re in goa (easiest availability and cheapest prices)
skip desmondji if:
- you’ve had premium mexican tequila and expect that same level of refinement
- you can’t find it in your city and would have to pay premium shipping
- you don’t like agave spirits in general (the flavor is distinctive)
where to buy
desmondji is available at:
- goa: widely stocked in wine shops and supermarkets. cheapest prices.
- andhra pradesh & telangana: good availability, it’s made here.
- karnataka: select premium stores in bangalore.
- maharashtra: select stores in mumbai and pune.
- delhi: select premium liquor stores.
- online: depending on your state’s alcohol delivery laws, some platforms stock it.
availability is still expanding. if you can’t find it locally, goa remains the best bet for stocking up. the prices there are the lowest anyway.
final thoughts
desmondji is proof that india’s alcohol story is more interesting than whisky and rum. the fact that someone grew agave in andhra pradesh, built a distillery, and is producing legitimate agave spirits that hold up against entry-level mexican tequila is remarkable. is it going to replace patron or don julio? no. but it’s not trying to. it’s carving its own lane as an indian agave spirit, and it’s doing it at a price point that makes experimentation easy.
at rs 1200-1800 for the blanco, the downside risk is minimal. if you like tequila, you’ll find this interesting. if you’re curious about what indian terroir does to agave, you’ll find this educational. either way, it’s a bottle worth trying at least once.
for other tequila options in india, check the best tequila brands in india guide and the tequila and mezcal guide for the full agave picture.
drink responsibly. must be of legal drinking age in your state.
🥂 enjoying this?
new reviews & price updates, straight to your inbox. no spam, ever.
want to keep reading?
drop your email and unlock every guide on liquorr. free, no spam.
frequently asked questions
what is desmondji agave spirit?
desmondji is an agave spirit made in andhra pradesh, india, by asia's only agave distillery. it's made from blue weber agave grown in india, similar to how tequila is made in mexico. it can't legally be called tequila because that name is protected for mexican spirits only.
does desmondji taste like tequila?
it's in the same family but not identical. desmondji has agave sweetness and some vegetal notes, but the terroir is different - indian soil and climate produce a slightly different flavor profile than jalisco, mexico. think of it like indian single malt vs scotch - same idea, different character.
how much does desmondji cost in india?
desmondji agave spirits range from rs 1200-2500 depending on the expression and state. the blanco is the cheapest, with aged versions costing more. this is significantly cheaper than imported tequila which starts at rs 1800-2400.
where can i buy desmondji?
desmondji is available in goa, andhra pradesh, telangana, karnataka, maharashtra, and delhi. availability is still expanding. goa is the easiest place to find it. online ordering depends on your state's alcohol delivery laws.
is desmondji actually made from agave?
yes. desmondji grows blue weber agave plants on their estate in andhra pradesh. the plants take 6-8 years to mature before harvesting, just like in mexico. they roast the agave hearts (piñas) and ferment and distill the juice.
why can't desmondji call itself tequila?
tequila is a denomination of origin protected by mexican law and international trade agreements. only agave spirits made in specific regions of mexico (primarily jalisco) can be called tequila. desmondji calls itself an 'agave spirit' instead.
how should i drink desmondji?
the blanco works well for margaritas, palomas, and shots just like tequila. sip it neat to appreciate the differences from mexican tequila. the reposado is better for sipping. use it anywhere you'd use tequila in cocktails.
is desmondji better than jose cuervo?
different, not necessarily better or worse. desmondji blanco has more character than jose cuervo especial gold (which is a mixto, not 100% agave). for margaritas, both work. for sipping, desmondji is more interesting. jose cuervo is more familiar.
who founded desmondji?
desmondji was founded by desmond nazareth, a goa-born entrepreneur who started by making feni and then expanded into agave spirits. he planted agave in andhra pradesh and built what became asia's only agave distillery.
does desmondji make other spirits besides agave?
yes. desmondji is also known for their feni (cashew and coconut), which was their original product. they also produce other spirits. the agave line is their most distinctive offering.