Feni is a typical local spirit from Goa. It is produced either from cashew or toddy palm. As feni is normally produced in small-size distilleries, its taste varies greatly depending on the producer. In 2009, feni finally got its GI tag and now it gets its first cellar with a brand new tasting room 'Beco das Garrafas', meaning 'the alley of bottles'. As the room is tucked in the very centre of a spice plantation, the ambiance is perfect for tasting and – well – imbibibg into the feni mood.
There are over 1200 garrafas of different colours around the place, all sourced by the owner of the place, Hansel Vaz, from old traditional Goan homes what contributes to a very artistic yet authentic vibe of the cellar.
It is a long lasting tradition of Goans to stock up on a couple of garrafas of feni for own consumption. But now, in an effort to contemporise this famous spirit, tasting sessions are offered at the celler to let visitors appreciate its subtle aroma. So while in Goa, be one of the first to visit a feni cellar!
While in Goa Visit Feni Cellar
News in Asia
World's first and by now – the only – feni cellar is set to open in Goa before the end of January. It will be located amid cashew orchards of Cansaulim, South Goa, on the territory of an old distillery.