Kadamba Indian single-malt whisky from Goa-based luxury spirits conglomerate valued at Rs1,200 crore Cheers group led by Dr Mohan Krishna Balivada, received 2026 Monde Selection Gold Medal recently. And, receiving Monde Selection Gold medals continuously year on year is a significant achievement that serves as a powerful testament to ‘Kadamba Indian Single-malt’ brand’s commitment to sustained quality and excellence. Since 1961, the Brussels-based International Institute for Quality Selections has provided this independent, expert-driven evaluation, often referred to as the “Olympics of Food Products”.

The 65 year-old Monde Selection is one of the oldest and most respected international quality institute, that evaluates products using over 120 independent experts - including Michelin-starred chefs, chemists, and oenologists - across over 30 criteria, including sensory evaluation, taste, packaging, and composition. A yearly, consecutive award means the product has repeatedly passed these strict international standards. It is a powerful “360° Quality” validation, indeed.

“We are thrilled to announce a monumental milestone for Kadamba Single-malt whisky, team and for our dedicated community of consumers and Single-malt global enthusiasts. Our flagship Kadamba has been officially granted the prestigious Gold Quality Award at the 2026 World Selection by Monde Selection” says Ashwin Balivada CEO of Cheers Group and alumnus of Cambridge University Business Management graduate school.

Kadamba Indian Single Malt whisky continues its winning streak, earning the prestigious 2026 Monde Selection Gold Medal and being crowned “Best World Whisky” at the 2026 John Barleycorn Awards in the USA. It has Pan-India presence and expanding internationally to USA, Canada, Europe, UAE, Asia, and is currently expanding on high demand its Goa distillery into a carbon-neutral facility with international visitor centre to pop up Goa tourism.

Indian single malt whiskies are rapidly transforming India from a historical whisky consumer into a premium global exporter. Premium liquor exports generate over $400 million. By earning foreign exchange and beating global giants, distilleries are proving that “Made in India” premium spirits hold commanding power internationally, the company said.