Beyond its culture, parties, and beaches, Goa is a treasure trove for fantastic booze that you can even take home! Whether you're a gin enthusiast or keen to taste the local Feni, Goa's liquor scene has something for everyone. The best part? Many of these gems come from homegrown brands and won't break the bank. So, here's the lowdown on the top 10 alcohol brands to try when in Goa.
Get ready for a Feni experience like never before – introducing Moji Feni! This Goan gem reimagines the traditional Feni with a milder aroma, making it a must-try for both enthusiasts and newbies. Did you know Feni is a Goa-exclusive delight? Moji Feni stands out by deriving its magic from cashews and undergoing extended distillation, ensuring a contemporary and mild twist to the classic. Say goodbye to the pungent vibes and hello to a uniquely Goan taste. Don't leave Goa without sipping on this heritage drink with a modern edge – it's a taste of tradition and innovation!
Price: INR 1000 for 750ml
Type: Feni
Have you heard of Port Wine? Well, you can’t be in Goa and not sip some. But skip the cheap ones for the premium Vinho Fontainhas. This port wine strikes the perfect balance between semi-dry and sweet, ensuring no sugar rush, unlike its plastic-bottled counterparts. Packaged in a glass bottle with sturdy outer packaging, it's also a travel-friendly gem. The artistic bottle design oozes Fontainhas vibes, evoking nostalgia for the vibrant spirit of Goa. Sip on a bit of Portugal and Goa with every drop, as this local delight pays homage to its Portuguese roots. This Vinho Fontainhas also makes an awesome sou-vinho-er – a tasteful, artful, and truly Goan memento!
Price: INR 250 for 375ml
Type: Wine
Forget the cliché of beach beers in Goa for once and ride into a brew experience at Seven Rivers Microbrewery! Swap your regular brew for locally inspired variants like Poi Lager, Kokum Gose, and the Belgian Witbier infused with tepphal – all on tap and fresh as ever! Weekends here are a vibe featuring live music, board games, and killer deals. Break the routine, enjoy unique brews, and soak in the lively atmosphere at Seven Rivers!
Price: INR 200++ for 330ml
Type: Beer
Looking for a gin made in Goa? Don't miss out on Stranger & Sons, the debut spirit from Third Eye Distillery. This gin is not just a drink; it's an ode to India's rich tapestry of spices of India. Infused with 9 Indian botanicals from the Malabar and Konkan Coast, this gin is a celebration of contemporary India. Embracing the chaos and colours, Stranger & Sons is a tribute to Indian strangeness, cultural diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit. The bold and aromatic essence that defines the soul of this extraordinary gin will leave you wanting more.
Price: INR 2112 for 750ml
Type: Gin
Well, for the ultimate susegado time at the beach or in your room, Susegado beer is your go-to! Crafted by the beer maestro Aditya Challa, a true Goa lover who's trotted the globe and even set up Singapore’s first microbrewery. Now, he's brought that beer magic back to Goa! Immerse yourself in the laid-back charm with beers like Vanila Porter, Kokum Gose, English Ale, Tropical Wit, American IPA, or Dortmund Lager. Join the Susegado ride, soak in the chill vibes, and let each beer narrate a tale of Goa's relaxed allure.
Price: INR 140 for 330ml
Type: Beer
Tired of the usual Feni or just craving a change? Well, get ready to shout "Aani Ek!" – Konkani for 'one more,' and we are pretty sure you'll be chanting it! Aani Ek transforms local Feni, giving it a kick with chili or limon or honey and cinnamon flavour, creating a taste explosion. Choose your preferred size with a bonus recipe catalogue for killer Feni cocktails. So, if you're up for a twist in your Feni game, Aani Ek is the way to go!
Price: INR 730 for 750ml
Type: Feni
Have you seen the People's Lager around or heard of the famous Eight Finger Eddie? They are all by the Goa Brewing Co. You absolutely can't miss their epic brews! Start with their Eight Finger Eddie IPA – seriously, it's a game-changer. Then check out their latest - Dikra, a tribute to the Raspberry Soda. They've also got Pineapple, Saint & Sinner, Breakfast Cereal, Wheat Ale, and the popular People's Lager with Japanese rice. The epic designs of their bottle make for great souvenirs.
Price: INR 70 for 330ml
Type: Beer
Feeling the FOMO from all those Japan trips your friends are taking? Fear not, Doja, the Indo-Japanese gin, has got your back! This award-winning gin is your mental teleportation ticket to Japan. Picture bursts of yuzu, a hint of cedar, sansho, and hinoki, harmonizing with Indian spices like cardamom, fennel, peppermint, and coriander – all distilled in sunny South Goa. It's the perfect combo! And if you're curious to sink a little deeper into the gin wonderland, get tickets to their distillery tour led by the head distiller. Cheers to the spirit of Japan right here in Goa!
Price: INR 2050 for 700ml
Type: Gin
For the whisky enthusiasts in Goa, Woodburns is a must-try. It's the go-to rich Indian malt whisky. Crafted in the finest handcrafted barrels by top-notch coopers, this elixir meets matured oak wood, perfectly charred for flavours that awaken curiosity and set your senses on fire. Dark, distinct, and downright dignified – it's a homegrown gem that deserves a spot in your glass. Distilled with passion at the family-run Fullarton Distilleries, Woodburns proudly boasts 100% Indian essence – no scotch or foreign malts. So, get ready for a whisky adventure!
Price: INR 1500 for 750ml
Type: Whisky
In the sunny vibes of the sunshine state, don't miss out on Samsara – a must-try Indian craft gin! Distilled using the classic London Dry method, it boasts eleven handpicked botanicals, including hemp seeds, rose petals, vetiver grass, and juniper berries. Think of a floral, citrusy delight with a spicy, earthy twist – it's pure magic in a glass. Samsara goes beyond taste, championing sustainability with local botanicals and a women-centric production approach. Watch out for their series – from The Vale of Paradise to The City of Pink and The Secret Orchard's fruity wonders. Raise your glass to discover India's hidden tales!
Price: INR 1850 for 750ml
Type: Gin
