When you’re in Goa, you know you’re in for a good time. After all, this coastal state is known as the party paradise of India. But what makes it so? Pristine beaches, a happening nightlife, and of course, a wide variety of alcohol!
It’s a well-known fact that if you’re in Goa, you’ll get a lot of booze on the cheap. Sure, you can have the usual Kingfisher or Budweiser when you’re stretched out on a beach shack. But did you know this state is home to a lot of homegrown alcohol brands and spirits? Whether you’re planning to relish some of them or bring them back as souvenirs, here are some of the best Goan alcohol brands that you must buy.
Best Goan Alcohol Brands
1. Cabo
2. Satiwa
3. Woodburns Whisky
4. Samsara
5. DesmondJi
6. Pistola
1. Cabo
Get beached with the tropical flavor of coconut and white rum. Whether you’re having a party or just want to enjoy your solo trip, choose Cabo to match your mood. Cabo is exclusively brewed in Goa and much like the state, it gives away a tropical, fruity vibe. Against all expectations you may have from rum, Cabo tastes sweet with the aroma of coconut.
For the best experience, you can have Cabo with pineapple juice, a Pina Colada, or just on the rocks. Affordability and high quality – you can get both with Cabo white rum. Even when you’ve returned from Goa, a sip of Cabo is sure to take you right back to the Sunshine State of India.
ABV: 37.5%
Manufacturer: Adinco Distilleries
Price: Starts at INR 520 (750 ml)
Also Read: Goa’s Best Kept Secret – The Segredo Aldeia
2. Satiwa
Along with gin brands like Hapusa, Tanqueray, and Hendricks that are available in the market, Satiwa from Goa is slowly making its way to the list of the best gins. It’s known as the happy high gin, which makes sense considering it’s made out of a unique ingredient – hemp! But don’t worry about getting a bad trip after indulging in Satiwa as the hemp seeds have a THC content of 0.3% or lower. So, along with a happy high, you also get to relish the distinctively nutty and spicy flavor.
That’s not all what Satiwa gin has to offer, though. It’s imbued with 10 botanical herbs like cinnamon, black pepper, orange, juniper, and much more from across India. The herbs contribute to Satiwa’s earthy flavor and leave a very light and fruity aroma. Satiwa blends well with chilled soda or tonic water. You can keep your hopes high with Satiwa; it won’t disappoint you.
ABV: 38%
Manufacturer: Naveen Distilleries
Price: Starts at INR 1650 (750 ml)
3. Woodburns Whisky
Yet another good news for whiskey lovers is this 100% home-grown Goan brand. Woodburns Whisky is an Indian contemporary whiskey exquisitely curated using only local ingredients. Aged in oak wood barrels and for a time of over 6 years, Woodburns Whisky has a subtle and smooth aftertaste.
This whisky gives a very smoky, dark chocolate feel, and a well-rounded peated malt finish. Depending on your mood and preference, you can either have it neat or on the rocks. While returning home from Goa, make sure you reserve a place for an elegant bottle of Woodburns Whisky in your bag. Enjoy the age-old whiskey because, the older the whiskey, the better its taste!
Also read: WoodBurns – A Contemporary Indian Whisky
ABV: 43%
Manufacturer: Fullarton Distilleries
Price: Starts at INR 3000 (750 ml)
4. Samsara
If you’re in Goa and looking for an exquisite gin brand, Samsara is a perfect fit. Manufactured in Goa, Samsara is an Indian craft gin that is distilled in the London Dry Style. It’s curated with 11 handpicked botanicals such as hemp seeds, rose petals, green cardamom, and juniper berries, just to name a few. With its floral and citrusy taste, Samsara gives a spicy aftertaste. It’s enjoyed best when you have it on the rocks, with sparkling water, or in any classic cocktail.
Another reason to feel good about getting a bottle of Samsara is that the brand aims to reduce pollution by using organic packaging materials. They even source all their ingredients from the local botanicals. So the buzz you feel after having Samsara might also be the feeling of elation that you’ve bought from an eco-conscious brand.
ABV: 43%
Manufacturer: Spaceman & Company
Price: Starts at INR 1450 (750 ml)
5. DesmondJi
The house of DesmondJi or just DJ is yet another spirit expert curating liqueurs, spirits, and cocktail blends. Originally crafted in Goa, the spirits are distilled in small batches to give a unique experience with every bottle. The primary ingredient in the spirits is the Agave plant, grown in the rich volcanic soils of the Deccan Plateau.
Amongst the varieties of liqueurs that DesmondJi offers, the Wild Mahua Spirit is really popular for its honey flavors. If you’ve got a sweet tooth for alcohol as well, try the sugarcane spirit and orange liqueurs. Sip the DesmondJi spirits in a local tavern or take it home with you, the choice is yours. But make sure you don’t miss out on the tropical brand.
ABV: 51%
Manufacturer: Agave India
Price: Starts at INR 850 – 1050 (750 ml)
6. Pistola
You may associate tequila with that all-too-familiar burn as you gulp down shots and the hangover that follows it. But, if you want to down a smooth agave spirit and you’re in Goa, you have to try the Pistola. It’s the second agave-based spirit brand that launched Maya Pistola Agavepura, which is claimed as India’s first 100% agave spirit.
Pistola is pot-distilled twice and rested for 70 days in ex-bourbon barrels before arriving at the local stores and restaurants. It has a very intense aroma of butterscotch and vanilla. The tasting notes can remind you of orange marmalade and black pepper which gives a smooth yet spicy feeling. So, down your Pistola shots and double your excitement.
PS: You may notice that we haven’t used ‘tequila’ and ‘agave spirit’ interchangeably. It’s because the Geographical Indication laws prevent an agave spirit ‘tequila’ unless it’s made with blue agave in Jalisco, Mexico.
Also read: Hits Like A Bullet: Pistola Agavepura, India’s Homegrown Agave
ABV: 43%
Manufacturer: Pass Code Spirits Co.
Price: Starts at INR 3200 (750 ml)
Summing Up
Goa stories are incomplete without getting drunk and trying every other alcohol that you’re already aware of. But, in doing so, you might miss out on some of the unique local Goan brands. Goans have used all their booze knowledge to craft some of the best spirits out there. Just one sip and you’ll know they take it very seriously.
If you’re visiting Goa or your friends are, make sure you add a Goan alcohol brand to the souvenir list. Some of these spirits are exclusively available in Goa and it’s not worth missing. Make sure you prioritize these alcohol brands over the regular ones. You won’t be disappointed, that’s for sure!
FAQs
Which Is the Best Alcohol Drink In Goa?
When you’re in Goa, you have to try the feni. It’s a local liquor made out of cashew apples which is best had with Limca, chili, and a dash of lemon.
Which Whiskey To Bring From Goa?
Woodburns Whisky is undoubtedly the best whiskey that you can bring from Goa. Originally crafted in Goa, it has a hint of dark chocolate sweetness to it which will make your drinking experience memorable.
What Liquor Is Popular In The State Of Goa?
Included in the Goan tradition for over 400 years, feni is the most popular drink in Goa. It comes in two flavors- cashew feni with a fruity taste and coconut feni with a sweet taste.
Why Is Booze Cheap In Goa?
The taxes on booze in the state of Goa are very low compared to other states. That’s why you can get the same liquor at a much more affordable price when you are in Goa.
Is Liquor Tax-Free In India?
Although liquor doesn’t come under the purview of GST, it is still taxable in India. The taxes may vary from 18-28% and from state to state as well.
How Many Liquor Bottles Can You Carry From Goa?
You’re allowed to bring 2 bottles per person via any transport mode from Goa.
