Kadamba Single-malt Wins Gold Medal at America’s Top World Spirits Competition
The Kadamba Indian single-malt whisky XR sherry cask collection expression, was recognized with a Gold Medal earning 91 points, from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) America’s most respected international spirits competition. According to the SFWSC, “Products awarded a Gold medal are exceptional. They are the pinnacle of achievement in their particular category that set the standard for all others of their type.”
“We are particularly thrilled to receive Gold medal for our signature Kadamba Single-malt whisky and are grateful to be honored at the most esteemed competition in the world alongside brands we greatly respect,” says Dr. Mohan Krishna Balivada, founder of Cheers group and World’s first alco-bev marketing Doctorate.
The 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) was the largest since its inception in 2000 receiving around 5,500 entries this year. Perhaps the most interesting winner this year is Cheers group’s Kadamba Indian Single-malt whisky. The whisky is first aged in charred oak barrels, then transferred to sherry casks for further aging. Cheers group is becoming better known in the luxury spirits industry globally with over 120 portfolios of world-class brands having bagged nearly 250 awards all from the prestigious global spirits competitions is pegged at a value of Rs. 850 crores.
“These accolades are not just awards; they are affirmations of our relentless pursuit of distilling perfection. They embody the spirit and pride of Goa, showcasing our commitment to delivering exceptional Single-malt whiskies to our consumers – in the country and beyond our borders,” says Ashwin Balivada CEO of Cheers group who mastered Business Management from Cambridge University UK.
Cheers group in a significant move to further leverage the strong growth of its premium Indian Single-malt whiskies portfolio, is expanding it’s distillery operations to build a state-of-the-art, carbon neutral distillery and aging warehouses in Goa, especially for its fast-growing Kadamba Single-malt series of brands. The investment will also include to build a world class visitor center facility that will welcome whisky aficionados to the party capital Goa.
“Indian single-malt whisky is an extremely vibrant spirit category, and our strategic investments over the last few years have proven successful and we are on expansion spree marked by a flurry of new initiatives. This new investment will allow us to grow our share of category sales not only pan India, but in the international markets” adds Dr. Krishna.
Increasing production capacity while retaining high standards is tricky for any Single-malt Distillery. Cheers group is however increasing their production as global and local demand increases for their flagship brand Kadamba Single-malt whisky editions, yet maintaining their high international standards.
“International travel has also opened up the spirit tourism exposing to Indian single-malt whiskies. Hence, the general acceptance of the beverage is on the rise. As Kadamba Single-malt continue to expand into more international markets including USA, taking advantage of digital platforms, expected to grow steadily in volumes,” adds Ashwin.
Indian single-malt whiskies are more story-telling-based, heritage-driven, and culturally important, thereby setting up deeper brand connections. In this context, Kadamba Single-malt whisky has crossed many borders driven by the rising wave of experiential consumption wherein consumers do not buy merely products but seek immersion experiences of the heritage origins.
