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Ashwin Balivada with Honorable Goa Industries Minister Shri. Mauvin Godinho
Imagine a drink that offers an exhilarating experience without the after effects of a hangover. Enter ‘Feni’, Goa’s 500-year-old signature spirit. Specifically, ‘Cashew Feni’, a drink produced exclusively in Goa and nowhere else in the world. Goa's Feni barrel finished 'Balivada Single-malt whisky' triumphs as epitome of elegance: wins 2024 National Award.
Honorable Goa Industries Minister Shri. Mauvin Godinho lauded and congratulated Cheers group for bagging National award for it’s innovative product and making Goa proud.
In a bold move to redefine this heritage beverage, Cheers Group offers ‘Balivada Single-malt whisky’, priced at ₹1,650 for a 750ml bottle in Goa and can vary upto ₹3600 in other States depending on levies. This exquisite creation marks a significant shift in the perception of Feni. Once relegated to the status of country liquor, Feni is now set to shine as a super-premium spirit on the global stage in 'Single-malt' avtar.
Single-malt whisky finishing opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to flavour innovation. Balivada single-malt whisky is finished in unique 'Heritage Feni casks - world’s first’ to produce ever smoother complex and appealing spirit. This variety of finished expressions gives enthusiasts many new experiences to explore.
"We're thrilled to announce that Balivada Single-malt whisky has once again soared to the zenith of distinction, clinching the coveted 2024 National Award (Initiated by Government India). This prestigious honour not only celebrates the exquisite craftsmanship and timeless allure of Balivada Single-malt but also reaffirms our unwavering commitment to sustainability and luxury"
Ashwin Balivada CEO of Cheers group who mastered Business Management from Cambridge University UK.
World over, master distillers have been maturing whisky in oak barrels for centuries. While it is generally accepted that “the cask is king” and “the wood makes the whisky better”, cask finishing or second maturation is a relatively new and fashionable trend.
Balivada Indian Single Malt whisky is a combination of passion and a dream to redefine Indian whisky. Aged very leisurely, this 100% malted barley whisky is matured in former Sherry and American Bourbon casks in the first maturation stage and later finished in exquisite used Feni barrels. The extra maturation allows Balivada Single-malt whisky to extract new aromas and taste profiles from the freshly emptied Heritage Feni barrels, adding a unique spin to the original aged premium Single-malt whisky.
"As we raise a glass to celebrate this momentous achievement, we appreciate that Balivada Single-malt whisky is more than just a Single-malt —it's a work of art, a symbol of sophistication, and a testament to the power of imagination -- 'World’s first and only Feni barrel finished' Single-malt whisky"
Dr Mohan Krishna Balivada founder of Cheers group and World’s first alco-bev marketing Doctorate.
Cheers Group has made Goa proud earlier too by bagging many international gold medals for it's products including Balivada that won Gold medal for it's exquisite packaging with 96% rating and a Silver medal for liquid tasting with 93% rating. Also, during Covid-19 Cheers group made a quick and novel decision: they stopped producing Liquor and instead started producing large-batch hand sanitiser – dubbed 'Labrodog’ sanitizer – to aid in the battle against Covid-19 and supplied Free-of-cost to all the Goa Government departments and others.
"Corporate social responsibility has always been a priority for us, we know what it means to take care of a community in need. We’ve endured our share of challenging times and have learned that resilience, optimism and community are what will help us come out stronger" adds Ashwin.
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https://hospibuz.com/listicles/beverage-listicle/worlds-first-best-of-best-feni-barrel-toated-balivada-single-malt-goes-global-7585693