6 minute read
Dudhsagar Breweries & Distilleries
The Legacy of a Passion
For Mr. Gopalkrishna Ganesh Gaunker, the founder of Dudhsagar Breweries & Distilleries, the art of distilling isn’t just a profession — it’s an inheritance. Coming from a lineage that crafted traditional Cashew Feni using age-old earthen pots called bhann, he grew up watching his grandfather transform fermented cashew juice into crystal-clear spirit. These early memories sparked his fascination for distillation — and laid the foundation for what would later become his life’s calling.
After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Padre Conceicao College Of Engineering. Mr. Gaunker began his career at Gravity Infrastructures, a mining company, where he honed his technical expertise working with advanced mobile plants and heavy machinery. The demanding environment tested his problem-solving skills and resilience. However, when the mining sector in Goa faced instability, he turned his focus toward a different kind of craft — one rooted in heritage and innovation.
His next role at Tetra Queens Distilleries & Breweries Pvt. Ltd. in 2017 marked the true beginning of his journey into the world of spirits. Under the mentorship of a master blender, he learned the fundamentals of distilling and blending Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL).
Encouraged to pursue higher education in the field, he went on to earn an M.Sc. in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot-Watt University, Scotland, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions for brewing sciences.
His master’s research focused on enhancing cashew distillates by reforming traditional production techniques — an idea that would eventually shape his vision for Dudhsagar Breweries & Distilleries. Armed with both ancestral knowledge and scientific precision, Mr. Gaunker returned home to Goa to bring his dream to life: establishing a modern distillery dedicated to reimagining Feni.
Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Nestled in the tranquil village of Kirlapal Dabal, Goa, Dudhsagar Breweries & Distilleries embodies the perfect blend of Goan heritage and modern craftsmanship. The brand’s mission is clear — to elevate Feni to global recognition, positioning it alongside the world’s finest spirits like tequila, gin, and whisky.
Every step of their process — from fermenting in clay amphoras to aging in oak barrels — is meticulously designed to achieve exceptional quality while preserving Feni’s authentic character. Their approach honors the traditional methods passed down through generations, while their scientific rigor ensures consistency, purity, and refinement.
The distillery also works closely with local Kazcar communities, ensuring that every bottle of Feni supports Goan livelihoods and sustains cultural heritage.
A Vision of Purity and Progress
At Dudhsagar Breweries & Distilleries, innovation and precision form the heart of their operation. The team has developed a proprietary hygienic process to extract Caju Niro (cashew apple juice). Only fully ripened cashew apples are handpicked, disinfected, and cold-pressed using a specialized hydraulic system. The result is 100% pure, crystal-clear cashew apple juice, naturally sweet, free of added sugars or dilution, and with an extended shelf life of up to 2–3 weeks.
This breakthrough enables the distillery to bring more seasonal freshness of caju niro to more homes across the state something that was once with limited shelf life upto (24hrs).
But the innovation doesn’t stop there. Dudhsagar Breweries & Distilleries is the first in Goa to introduce bold botanical infusions in Feni — including Strawberry & Hibiscus, Blueberry & Blue Pea, and Watermelon. Inspired by gin-making techniques, these natural infusions lend a refreshing modernity to a centuries-old drink, appealing to both connoisseurs and new-age spirit enthusiasts alike.
A New Chapter: Cajequila — Goa’s Answer to Tequila
Carrying forward its spirit of innovation, the distillery is now preparing to launch Cajequila, a first-of-itskind Goan take on tequila — crafted from cashew apples, aged in oak casks for a minimum of one year. Much like Añejo Tequila, Cajequila develops a smooth, complex profile with notes of oak, caramel, and vanilla, representing the elegance of Goan craftsmanship fused with global finesse. Born from cashew, raised in Goan tradition, and refined through modern science — Cajequila promises to redefine how the world experiences Goan spirits.
The Collection
Classic Feni: A timeless Goan spirit, doubledistilled to perfection, embodying purity and soul.
Urrak: The first distillate of cashew — light, fresh, and best enjoyed chilled.
Oak Aged Feni (Aged 1 Year): Aged in charred oak barrels, revealing warm vanilla and caramel undertones — a bold sipping experience.
Strawberry & Hibiscus Feni: Fruity and floral, offering a sweet-tart burst of natural flavor, ideal for refreshing cocktails.
Blueberry & Blue Pea Feni: Smooth and subtly sweet, transforming from blue to purple when mixed with citrus — a visual and sensory delight.
Watermelon Feni: Bright, tropical, and cooling — a perfect summer indulgence.
Lemongrass Feni: Vapour-infused with fresh local lemongrass for a zesty, aromatic, and citrusforward finish.
Caju Niro: Pure, cold-pressed cashew apple juice — 100% natural, rich in antioxidants, and with three times more Vitamin C than oranges.
22 Grau: Under the umbrella of brand 22 grau Cajequila will make its debut alongside a curated lineup of other premium creations.
Defining the USP
What truly sets Dudhsagar Breweries & Distilleries apart is its artisanal approach to Feni, crafting unique botanical infusions never seen before in the Goan spirits scene. With their upcoming Cajequila, they are poised to put India on the global spirits map, combining heritage, innovation, and craftsmanship into every bottle.
Connect and Experience
For those looking to experience the true spirit of Goa, Dudhsagar Breweries & Distilleries offers a modern taste of tradition — one that bridges the gap between the past and the future, between local essence and international standard.
Visit: FS-1, Antanasia Building, near Café Bhosle, above PNB Bank, Ponda-Goa 403401 Call: +91 7666210289 Email: dbdgoa@gmail.comInstagram: @dbdgoa
