The American Spirits Council of Tasters—also known as the ASCOT Awards—convenes annually to judge the best in booze, across all categories. The council is comprised of 43 industry professionals who blind-taste over 1,100 entries through several days. They’ve just revealed their Best. Goa based luxury spirits producer– Cheers Group’s Kadamba Indian single-malt whisky– Agave Barrel finished edition bagged Platinum.
“We are ecstatic to receive again ASCOT awards, this time Platinum and would like to thank the American Spirits Council of Tasters for the recognition for Kadamba Indian Single-malt whisky for all to enjoy.” says Dr Mohan Krishna Balivada founder of Cheers group and World’s first alco-bev marketing Doctorate.
At the ASCOT Awards, the designation is reserved for entries receiving top marks across the judging panel, making it one of the industry competition’s highest distinctions. Top-scoring entries advance into a championship round where finalists are discussed and evaluated collaboratively before final distinctions are awarded.
“Receiving a Platinum Medal is a strong commendation from a panel of judges that evaluated hundreds of spirits across all categories, and a further confirmation that Kadamba Indian Single-malt whisky consistently performs at the highest level of American whiskey craft” says Ashwin Balivada CEO of Cheers group who mastered Business Management from Cambridge University UK.
Kadamba made waves by releasing the world’s first agave barrel-finished single malt, alongside rum and sherry cask finishes, catering to modern global whisky enthusiasts.
To keep up with soaring international demand, Cheers Group, valued at around Rs 1,250 crore is constructing a new state-of-the-art, carbon-neutral distillery and maturation warehouses in Goa, alongside a brand-new experience center for tourists.
Kadamba Single Malt pays tribute to the legacy of the Kadamba dynasty, which ruled Goa for over 300 years during the region’s golden age. Expertly distilled at Imperial Distillers, a unit of Cheers Group located in the Kadamba region of Goa, this whisky combines centuries-old Scottish techniques with the region’s pure waters to create an unparalleled spirit.
With more entries than ever before, an exciting mix of legendary staple brands and rising newcomers, and the world’s premier Council of Tasters leading the judging, the 2026 ASCOT Awards delivered some of the most competitive and talked-about results in the competition’s history.