Panjim: The modern whisky boom has demonstrated time and again that world-class examples of the liquid can hail from all corners of the globe. If you want exceptional single malt, for example, you no longer need to rely on Scotland. Notable offerings now flow out from every corner of the world, including Goa, India. Kadamba Indian single-malt has recently bagged ‘Gold’ at the 2025 ASCOT Awards—a yearly competition in America.
“We’re ecstatic to receive the Gold award from an organization as highly regarded as the ASCOT Awards,” says Dr. Mohan Krishna Balivada, founder of Cheers group and the World’s first alco-bev marketing Doctorate.
ASCOT (American Spirits Council of Tasters) Award judges are trained, experienced, long-time spirits professionals. Entries are blind-tested and graded based on a series of criteria relating to appearance, aroma, taste, and finish. By receiving the ‘Gold’ winner distinction from the judges, Kadamba Single-malt whisky has advanced towards globally recognized whisky, once again.
“This recognition inspires our team to continue creating innovative Single-malt whiskies that top the exceptional spirits globally. We believe that creating world-class single-malt whiskies is as much an art as a science,” says Ashwin Balivada, CEO of Cheers group, who mastered Business Management from Cambridge University, UK.
Valued at Rs 850 crore, Cheers Group has won over 250 national and international awards for its luxury spirits portfolio, including the acclaimed Kadamba Single Malt series and Scotch offerings, such as Labrodog 12-Year-Old and Labrodog Decade Scotch whisky.
Cheers group is currently exporting its products to the USA, Europe, the UAE, and other continents. The single-malt category is the fastest-growing segment for exports and is expanding its capacity. Once the full production of the upgraded Goa distillery commences, Cheers Group will explore new markets for exports besides expanding its pan-India footprint for its single-malt whiskies.
Kadamba’s success is rooted in craftsmanship and innovation. Aged in a combination of bourbon, sherry, and virgin American oak casks, its Signature Expression offers a velvety, full-bodied flavour with notes of oak, vanilla, and sherry trifle. This exquisite blend is enhanced by Goa’s unique ‘humidity aging process,’ which imparts complexity and balance.
The ASCOT Awards honor distillers and marketers globally whose work is truly exceptional and deserving of industry recognition. The awards are divided into Marketing + Design and Taste Competitions. Kadamba Indian single-malt whisky was hugely praised by the judging panel at the ASCOT Awards 2025, and many of the judges chose this as their favorite. Hence, Kadamba was crowned the Gold winner!
