Panaji: 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 fashionable trend.
“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 to produce ever more complex and appealing spirit. This variety of finished expressions gives enthusiasts many new experiences to explore” says Dr. Mohan Krishna, founder of Cheers group and World’s first alco-bev marketing Doctorate.
The trend for transferring whisky from one barrel to another is relatively a modern phenomenon. Cask finishing, wood-finishing, secondary, double or consecutive maturation are all names given to this process, whereby matured whisky is aged for an additional length of time in a second, different cask.
“The extra maturation allows our 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 Single-malt whisky” states Ashwin Balivada CEO of Cheers group, who mastered Business Management from Cambridge University UK.
Many of the world’s leading whisky distilleries have embraced the trend of cask finishing processes to achieve better flavour profiles: ‘The Balvenie’ Tun series is aged in sherry, rum, and bourbon casks. ‘Glenmorangie’ special releases often feature extra maturation in port, sauternes, and madeira barrels. ‘Crown Royal’ offers whiskies finished in apple cider and red wine barrels. ‘The Yamazaki’ Distillery implements specialised wood finishes like Japanese Mizunara oak.
Under the leadership of visionary founder Dr. Mohan Krishna and CEO Ashwin Balivada, Cheers Group has become synonymous with luxury in the beverage alcohol industry. Known for crafting iconic brands, the group has won over 200 National and International awards across its broad portfolio of ultra-premium spirits, placing its value at an impressive INR 650 crore. With international capital equity funds eyeing stakes in this innovative successful conglomerate–poised for global expansion.
“The second stint maturation of Balivada Single-malt whisky in Heritage Feni barrels is intended to introduce new flavours that complement and enhance rather than dominate and overpower the spirit’s inherent character” adds Dr. Krishna.
Balivada Indian single malt with flavors and aromas of nuts, almonds, vanilla, chocolate and oak on the nose and palate with a smooth texture and long finish has won gold medal for its exquisite Decanter packaging with 95.73% rating and a silver medal for liquid tasting with 92.67% rating.
Balivada Indian Single Malt whisky is a combination of passion and a dream to redefine Indian whisky. Aged leisurely, this 100% malted barley whisky is matured in former Sherry and American Bourbon casks in the first maturation.
National award winning Balivada Single malt whisky–cask finishing in Heritage Feni barrels is one of the rarest barrels in the world. This whisky encapsulates the charm of a well-balanced flavor profile. It’s absolutely magical, along the way of secondary maturation it acquires antique notes and an abundance of rich Heritage of Feni. Cheers!
