Restaurant India News: Kantala Spirits Launches Premium Cashew Feni Brand Gracia Século XVI

Kantala Spirits has entered the premium heritage spirits segment with the launch of Gracia Século XVI, a small-batch cashew feni positioned around Goa’s cultural and distillation legacy.

The launch reflects the growing interest in regional Indian craft spirits, with brands increasingly focusing on provenance, traditional production methods, and premium positioning to appeal to younger consumers and urban markets.

Feni has long been associated with Goa’s food and beverage culture, with its origins tracing back to the 16th century when cashew trees were introduced to Goa by the Portuguese. Over time, local communities began fermenting and distilling cashew apples into feni through small-scale local distilleries known as bhattis, turning the spirit into an important part of Goan social and cultural life.

The new brand takes its name from the 16th century, the period when cashew cultivation and feni production first emerged in Goa. Produced in small batches using traditional methods dating back over 450 years, the spirit is crafted using cashew apples sourced from the Pernem region in North Goa.

The production process includes double distillation in copper pot stills, followed by ageing in earthenware and garrafaos, or glass bottles, to develop flavour depth and texture. The company said the product is designed to retain the authenticity of traditional feni while offering a more contemporary drinking experience for premium consumers and cocktail-focused hospitality venues.

Founder-Director Suzann Homan said, "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 Século XVI felt like bringing a part of those summers back to life."

The product is packaged in a tinted blue bottle aimed at improving shelf life by protecting the spirit from UV exposure, while also referencing traditional Goan glass bottle designs.

The company describes the spirit as a double-distilled feni with tropical fruit notes, earthy undertones, and a smoother finish designed for both sipping and cocktails. It is positioned as a pairing option for spicy cuisine, Goan dishes, seafood, barbeque, and bar snacks.

Gracia Século XVI is currently available across select retail outlets in Goa and is expected to expand into select metro markets across India in the coming months. The product is available in a 750 ml format with 42.8 percent ABV at an MRP of Rs 1950.