Kantala Spirits captures the spirit of Goa with Portuguese-influenced flavours and a diverse portfolio

Kantala Spirits is an artisinal spirits company that is designed, distilled, and packaged in Goa. Drawing from the region’s Portuguese-influenced drinking culture, the brand creates flavour-forward beverages that cater to multiple drinking occasions, ranging from premium agave spirits and rum to a non-alcoholic agave drink and an upcoming heritage feni.

Operating across alcoholic, non-alcoholic, and traditional Indian spirits under one umbrella, Kantala Spirits represents a rare and evolving approach within the Indian spirits landscape.

Our offerings are targeted at discerning premium and mid-range drinkers, says Suzann Homan, a corporate lawyer, entrepreneur, organic farmer, and artisanal baker, in an interaction with Bizz Buzz

How the Kantala Spirits evolved over time?

Designed, distilled and packaged in Goa, Kantala Spirits brings together traditional recipes, locally sourced ingredients and contemporary sensibilities to craft a distinctly new-age Indian spirits portfolio rooted in provenance and culture.

While the company is proudly Goan in identity, its journey began at Philomena Cottage in Bandra, where the foundation of its agave story first took shape.

The brand was born out of a deeply personal legacy. Suzann, Grace Fernandes’ favourite daughter, decided to honour her mother’s legacy by making her handcrafted agave-based drink commercially available. What began as a family recipe, shared among close circles, evolved into a larger vision — one that sought to preserve memory through craftsmanship.

Suzann named the spirit Gracia, the Spanish word for “Grace,” as a tribute to her mother. Thus, Gracia Viva Agave was born, marking the beginning of Kantala Spirits’ foray into the Indian agave segment.

Founded on the belief that drinking is best enjoyed in moderation, Kantala Spirits reflects Goa’s long-standing and nuanced relationship with alcohol — a history that predates much of India’s modern drinking culture by more than three centuries.

Goa’s distillation traditions, shaped by colonial trade routes and indigenous knowledge systems, have fostered a culture where spirits are intertwined with celebration, community and heritage. Kantala Spirits draws inspiration from this legacy while presenting it through a modern, responsible lens.

Through a thoughtfully curated range of products, the company aims to encourage mindful consumption while celebrating flavour, craftsmanship and experience. Each offering is positioned not merely as a beverage but as a reflection of place and story.

The company also places strong emphasis on supporting the local ecosystem, working closely with Goan distilleries, bartenders and mixologists. By investing in regional talent and infrastructure, Kantala Spirits seeks to contribute to Goa’s evolving craft spirits landscape while maintaining authenticity and quality.

What are the details of the company’s portfolio?

Kantala Spirits’ expanding portfolio spans agave spirits, non-alcoholic agave beverages, rum, whisky and feni — categories that together allow the company to address diverse consumer preferences and drinking occasions.

Its flagship brand, Gracia Viva Agave, anchors the portfolio in the agave category, while Gracia Cero offers a non-alcoholic alternative designed for mindful and alcohol-free choices.

The portfolio also includes Rakshas Cinnamon Honey Whisky and Rum Bharosey Spiced Rum, both positioned within the premium flavoured spirits segment. In addition, the company is developing a heritage feni in small batches, underscoring its commitment to preserving and elevating Goa’s traditional spirit-making practices.

Collectively, these offerings position Kantala Spirits among the few Indian companies operating across alcoholic, non-alcoholic and traditional Indian spirits under a single umbrella.

By balancing innovation with heritage, and modern consumption patterns with cultural continuity, the company aims to carve out a distinctive space within India’s rapidly evolving beverage industry.

The portfolio includes:

Gracia Cero – Zero-alcohol agave drink: Gracia Cero is India’s first premium zero-alcohol agave drink, designed as a flavour-forward alternative to conventional soft beverages.

It is sugar-free, low-calorie, and crafted to offer a spirit-inspired drinking experience suited for social occasions and mindful consumption. It is available in the Raw ‘n’ Wild Mango and Pineapple Piñata variants.

Gracia Viva Agave – Premium agave spirit: Crafted in Goa, Gracia Viva Agave is a contemporary, flavour-forward agave spirit designed for cocktail experimentation and sipping experiences.

The range includes variants such as Wildly Raw, Passion Fruit, Yuzzu, and Blueberry, offering a modern interpretation of agave tailored to evolving Indian palates. It is available across select retail outlets and on-trade establishments in Goa and Karnataka.

Rakshas Cinnamon & Honey Whisky: Rakshas is a distinctive Indian whisky infused with cinnamon and honey notes, delivering a bold yet balanced flavour profile. Designed to stand apart from conventional whisky expressions, it is suited for slow sipping or chilled serves. It is available across select retail outlets and on-trade establishments in Goa.

Rum Bharosey Spiced Rum: Rum Bharosey is an approachable spiced rum crafted with warm, balanced spice notes. Designed for versatility, it can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails, making it suitable for both casual and premium drinking occasions.

How did the company evolve?

Rooted in Made-in-India innovation, Kantala Spirits brings together modern branding, flavour-forward products, and a deep interest in India’s evolving drinking culture.

The brand positions itself at the intersection of innovation, inclusivity, and heritage, catering to consumers seeking both choice and quality while remaining grounded in authenticity.

Who are the founders of Kantala Spirits?

At the core of Kantala Spirits is a founding team with diverse professional backgrounds. The company was co-founded by Suzann Homan, a corporate lawyer, entrepreneur, organic farmer, and artisanal baker with a long-standing passion for fine drinking.

She is also the founder of TwoBandraGirls and Sivako Patisserie, and her personal connection to agave-inspired drinks played a key role in shaping the brand’s direction.

Kiran Ullal, a finance professional with over three decades of experience in the insurance and financial services sector, brings strategic and operational depth to the business.

Keith Fernandes leads advertising, marketing, and distribution, drawing on over 25 years of experience across brands such as Pepsi, Bisleri, and JWT.

How has Kantala Spirits fared in the marketplace?

Kantala Spirits has been recognised for its contribution to the Indian spirits landscape, including being awarded Spirits Brand of the Year by Business Goa.

As a small, artisanal brand, the company remains focused on a long-term vision, prioritising quality, consumer understanding, and steady expansion over aggressive scaling.

Is Gracia a tequila or a mezcal?

Gracia Viva Agave is distilled from the Agave Americana plant that grows on the Deccan Plateau, near Andhra Pradesh.

You may be aware that India and Mexico fall on similar latitudes; therefore, our two countries share comparable vegetation and temperatures.

Gracia Viva Agave is a flavoured blanco. However, we cannot call it “tequila” because Mexico declared the term its intellectual property in 1974 in order to protect ownership of the name.

They have also secured a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for it (like champagne, scotch, and feni).

Therefore, only tequila made from Blue Weber agave in five states of Mexico can be called “tequila.”

Gracia Viva Agave is India’s (and possibly the world’s) only agave drink that offers a “Carnival of Flavours.”

Our five flavours (with a sixth to be launched soon) have been carefully crafted by experienced mixologists after intensive tasting sessions conducted with controlled research groups. Each flavour bursts forth in an explosion of aromas and tastes.