At Lonetusker, our journey began with Vijith, a visionary with a profound passion for distilled spirits. Hailing from the lush landscapes of Kerala, India, Vijith was captivated by the locally made spirits known as "nadan vattu," revered by locals near the serene Paniyeli Poru.
After his studies, he started his experimental journey in New Zealand and moved to Australia, where he met Princy, who later became his beloved wife. At times it was difficult to find the perfect opportunity, however, Vijith never lost hope in pursuing his dream of producing the best spirits. With Princy's continuous support, he continued experimenting with different raw materials and tried different techniques.
Driven by a desire to contribute to the world of spirits, Vijith played a pivotal role in introducing the Manavatti brand to the Australian market under Royal Travancore Spirits. However, he harboured a longing to create a product that would pay homage to India's rich heritage while pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Inspired by the rustic charm of "nadan vattu" and the blend of modern distillation techniques prevalent in Australia, Vijith envisioned a botanical rum that would redefine the spirit landscape. Thus, Lonetusker was born – a name derived from Malayalam "ഒറ്റക്കൊമ്പൻ," symbolising strength, resilience, and independence.
Teaming up with a renowned distillery in Goa, Vijith set out on a mission to craft India's first botanical rum using imported ingredients and locally collected spices, resulting in an Indo-Australian botanical rum. By harnessing the pure spring waters of Goa and drawing inspiration from Kerala's vibrant flora, each batch of Lonetusker encapsulates the essence of two distinct cultures.
For Vijith and the team at Indoaussie Beverages Pvt Ltd, Lonetusker represents more than just a rum – it's a labour of love, a tribute to tradition, and a symbol of innovation. This journey has reshaped their approach to rum-making, deepened their connection to their roots, and solidified their role within the community. The company is now expanding its product range to include premium brandy Strivers Reserve, Nakedfuel vodka, and premium whiskey, with Jamaican rum set to join the product line.
Join us as we raise a glass to the spirit of Lonetusker – a celebration of tradition, innovation, and the untamed beauty that surrounds us. Experience the wilderness of a Lonetusker.
