Londonderry entrepreneur Lee Jagota blends an original vodka of rich Irish and Indian cultures

Lee, 32, has launched Rooh Vodka, describing it as “a remarkable fusion, seamlessly blending the essence of Indian and Irish heritage into a single spirit”.

The vodka, he says, is “carefully made from a selection of eight botanicals, each selected due their own significance in both Indian and Irish cultures”.

Lee handcrafted Rooh - Punjabi for spirit - from a recipe that dates back 80 years and passed down from his late grandmother, Pushpa, who came to the UK with husband Jogindar from a village in the Punjab.

Lee’s family, which has roots in clothing, has been in Londonderry for over 60 years. He grew up there, studying business and accounting at university.

“There are eight botanicals, Irish wheat and hints of potatoes from Donegal,” Lee explains.

The smooth and aromatic vodka recipe dates back 80 years and was originally created by Lee’s grandmother.

“We are keeping the recipe a secret as my late grandmother developed it and never disclosed her recipes to anyone, so it would only be true to her to keep these a secret,” Lee says.

Now married to Megan, a local girl, Lee is quick to say that “the city that has been so good to us for over 60 years. I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do for the area.”

Lee brings to the new vodka extensive background in business that includes the fitness, clothing and automotive industries. He draws inspiration from the achievements in Londonderry of his grandparents, now both dead.

He has benefited from advice from James Huey of Walled City Brewery and Distillery in Derry, then by James Richardson and Martha Garbe of Giant’s Basalt Rock in Bushmills and Sandra Wylie of North West Enterprise.

Lee plans to export the new vodka, now on sale in the North West, to local, national and international markets.