Feni is the heritage spirit of Goa — a small, tropical, coastal state in southwest India. Feni has been traditionally made in small, family stills for centuries, but was only officially recognized in 2016, elevating its status and allowing it to be exported for the first time outside of Goa. There are 2 types of Feni: the historic Coconut Feni made from the sap collected by ‘Toddy Tappers’ who climb the tall palms every day, and the more popular and aromatic Cashew Feni made from the ‘apple’ that grows the seed, harvested every Spring.

Êk Matientli, Êk Mollbaveli one from the earth, one from the sky

The word ‘Feni’ comes from the local Konkani language meaning ‘froth’ in reference to the lacy, dancing bubbles the spirit makes while being distilled. References of toddy tapping in South India and Sri Lanka as ‘palm honey’ or ‘palm wine’ go back over 2,000 years. This sap ferments quickly and has been used for centuries for medicine, cuisine, and to slake the thirst of seafaring explorers. By the time Portuguese merchants came to Goa’s shore, distillation of toddy was widespread, having learned how to distill from the Arabs centuries before their arrival. This Feni was infused with different spices, herbs, and other botanicals for medicinal use, some of which are still used today.

The Portuguese brought cashew trees from Brazil to Goa, originally to fix the soil against erosion during the Monsoon season. The cashews took well to Goa’s rich, clay soil and when the juice from the crushed cashew apple (called neero) fermented just like their toddy, the locals applied the same distillation techniques to this new 'fruit'. Cashews are grown in many places of the world, but only Goa makes a spirit from the fragrant juice of the cashew apple.

With effusive tropical aromas and flavors, Feni can be enjoyed on its own, but it shines as a versatile ingredient mixed into cocktails. Whether a twist on a classic or mixed with tropical juices, Feni’s signature flavor complements citrus, bitter, and herbaceous mixers. With flavors of jackfruit, guava, kiwi, and ripe berries rooted by a dusty earth minerality, Feni is an artisanal spirit that is complex, balanced, and unique on the world stage.