Balivada Malt de Goa is more than a premium Indian single malt—it’s a statement of craftsmanship and cultural pride. Distilled with the finest malted barley, matured in oak, and uniquely finished in 500-year-old Heritage Feni barrels, this whiskey captures the essence of Goa while appealing to an international audience. With rich notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice, a smooth chocolatey palate, and a lingering finish, Balivada Malt de Goa exemplifies how Indian malts are redefining global whiskey standards. Securing the top honor of Single Malt Whiskey of the Year at the 2025 USA Spirits Ratings, Ashwin Balivada, CEO of Cheers Group, talks to us about the position of Indian Single Malt in the global market and how Balivada Malt de Goa aims to position itself in this growing niche.

Congratulations on Balivada Malt de Goa being named Single Malt Whiskey of the Year and Best Spirit by Package. What does this recognition mean for your company and team?

Thank you. These awards are a tremendous validation of our vision and hard work. For the team at Imperial Distillers and Vintners, it reaffirms that a whiskey born in Goa—crafted with passion and rooted in heritage—can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s best. It inspires us to keep innovating while staying true to authenticity.

Packaging plays a huge role in consumer decision-making, especially in off-premise. What elements of the Balivada packaging do you feel resonated with the judges and trade audience?

Balivada’s design reflects both Goa’s heritage and its global appeal. The premium glass, hand-detailed label, and the story behind the “Heritage Feni” finish are all embedded in the packaging. It’s not just a bottle—it’s a statement piece that captures the spirit of Goa. That combination of authenticity and premium cues likely resonated strongly with judges and the trade.

What inspired you to launch Balivada Malt de Goa—particularly with its unique “500-Year-Old Heritage Feni” barrel finish, a world-first in single malts?

The inspiration came from a desire to create something distinctly Goan yet globally iconic. Feni is a 500-year-old heritage spirit of Goa, and by using its barrels we’ve married tradition with innovation. The result is a whiskey that celebrates Indian terroir, history, and craftsmanship, while being truly unique in the global single malt landscape.

Do you currently have a presence in the US market, and if so, where can Balivada Malt de Goa be found? If not yet fully present in the US, what does your roadmap for market entry and expansion look like in the near future?

We’ve begun seeding Balivada in select US markets through partnerships with premium distributors. Our full-scale launch will roll out over the next 12–18 months, starting with whiskey-forward cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. Our initial focus is on building strong on-trade visibility, followed by expansion into premium retail.

Outside the US, which international markets are you prioritizing for Balivada, and why?

We are focusing on the UK, EU, and Dubai—markets with discerning whiskey consumers who are open to exploring new world malts. These regions also have strong Indian diaspora communities, who take pride in seeing premium Indian brands succeed on the global stage.

What kind of marketing, education, or activation support do you extend to your distributors and retail partners to help drive sales?

We believe education and storytelling are key. Our support includes guided tastings, bartender training, immersive brand experiences, and digital storytelling assets. We also co-invest in activities such as whiskey festivals, in-store theatre, and masterclasses to ensure our partners can bring Balivada’s story to life.

Indian single malts have been gaining global attention in recent years. What trends are you observing in this category, both in India and internationally? How is Imperial Distillers and Vintners positioning itself to align with and capitalize on these trends?

Globally, consumers are looking for authenticity, provenance, and new taste experiences—and Indian single malts deliver all three. In India, premiumization is driving consumers to trade up from blends to malts. At Imperial Distillers and Vintners, we’re aligning with these trends by innovating with cask finishes, investing in sustainability, and building global storytelling around our whiskies.

Beyond Balivada, are there any new product launches, innovations, or initiatives in the pipeline that you can share?

Yes, we’re working on limited-edition cask expressions of Balivada and expanding our premium whiskey portfolio with craft-focused brands. We’re also developing immersive visitor experiences at our distillery, so global whiskey enthusiasts can experience Indian whiskey-making firsthand.

Looking ahead, what is Imperial Distillers and Vintners’ long-term vision for building its reputation as a leading producer of premium Indian single malts on the global stage?

Our long-term vision is to firmly position Goa and India on the global whiskey map. We want Balivada and our future brands to be benchmarks of quality and innovation—symbols of Indian craftsmanship celebrated worldwide. Ultimately, our goal is to build a house of iconic Indian malts that whiskey enthusiasts across the globe actively seek out and treasure.