There's a new cashew feni in Goa, and here's all you need to know about it

Goa needs no introduction not only to Indians but also travellers across the world who visit the sunshine state to take a break and enjoy the good food and drink to help them unwindAmid the craze for different types of alcohol Goas local spirit feni is becoming more popular than before Now there is a new entrant into the market with Kantala Spirits launching Gracia Seacuteculo XVI a premium cashew feni that aims to celebrate Goarsquos history craft and cultureGracia Seacuteculo XVI which translates to ldquo16th Centuryrdquo in Portuguese is named after the century when cashew trees were introduced to Goa and feni was first created The brand draws inspiration from this era which was also Portugalrsquos golden age of exploration trade and cultural exchange which is a period that shaped the statersquos history and culture in many waysThe cashew feni they say is crafted in Goa using traditional distillation methods that date back over 450 years and produced in small batches to preserve authenticity and character The cashew apples used for the feni are sourced from the Pernem region in North Goa known for producing some of the best cashewsHistory of cashew feniCashew feni itself has a fascinating origin story Cashew trees were introduced to Goa by the Portuguese in the 16th century originally to prevent soil erosion along Goarsquos hillsides Over time locals discovered that the cashew apple which could not be easily eaten could be fermented and distilled into a strong aromatic spirit Families began producing feni in small local distilleries called bhattis and the process became a community activity involving neighbours family members and friends a tradition that continues even todayCashew apples are harvested only once a year typically between February and May and their quality depends heavily on monsoon patterns rainfall and sunshine These factors influence the sweetness of the fruit the fermentation process and ultimately the aroma and character of the spiritGracia Seacuteculo XVI is doubledistilled in copper pot stills in small batches to ensure clarity depth of flavour and consistency The feni is then aged in traditional earthenware and garrafaos glass bottles a longstanding practice that contributes to its earthy and woody undertones while giving the spirit a smooth rounded finishFounderdirector Suzann Homan says I always wished I could preserve my Goa summer holiday memories in a bottle As kids we spent our vacations in our ancestral village cycling through orchards plucking mangoes cashews jamun and wild berries The cashew fruits would be taken to local villagers who ran small bhattis and when we left Goa they would gift us bottles of freshly brewed feni Those memories stayed with me for years and creating Gracia Seacuteculo XVI felt like bringing a part of those summers back to lifeThe feni is bottled in a distinctive tinted blue bottle designed to protect the spirit from UV light and improve shelf life The bottle also pays homage to old Goan glass bottles while giving the product a modern premium identityFlavours of the feniThe premium cashew feni opens with expressive notes of tropical fruit ripe pineapple pear green apple freshness and the distinctive aroma of cashew apple On the palate the feni is smooth rounded and wellbalanced bringing together fruity notes gentle spice earthy depth and a subtle warmth that lingers beautifully Doubledistilled in copper pot stills the spirit retains the authenticity of traditional cashew feni while offering a more polished and contemporary drinking experience suited for both sipping and cocktails It pairs especially well with spicy and tangy foods Goan dishes fried seafood barbeque and even simple snacks like spiced guava roasted cashews or spicy sandwichesWith Gracia Seacuteculo XVI Kantala Spirits aims to present feni not just as a local drink but as a cultural ambassador of GoaIt is currently available across select outlets in Goa and will soon be available in select metro cities across IndiaGracia Seacuteculo XVI at 750 ml with ABV 428 per cent is priced at Rs 1950