Goa: Imagine a drink that offers an exhilarating experience without the aftereffects of a hangover. Enter ‘Feni’, Goa’s 500-year-old signature spirit. Specifically, ‘Cashew Feni’, is a drink produced exclusively in Goa and nowhere else in the world. Goa’s Feni barrel finished ‘Balivada Single-malt whisky’ triumphs as the 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 the heritage beverage Feni, Cheers Group offers ‘Balivada Single-malt whisky’, priced at ₹1,650 for a 750ml bottle in Goa and can vary up to ₹3600 in other States depending on levies. Balivada single-malt whisky is finished in unique ‘Heritage Feni casks – the world’s first’ to produce ever smoother complex and appealing spirit.
“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” says Ashwin Balivada CEO of Cheers group who mastered Business Management from Cambridge University UK.
Under the leadership of visionary founder Dr. Mohan Krishna Balivada 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 750 crore. International select capital equity funds are eyeing a stake in this innovative successful luxury conglomerate–poised for global expansion.
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” states 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 which won a Gold medal for its exquisite packaging with 96% rating and a Silver medal for liquid tasting with a 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 sanitizer – 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.
