Goa, which is known for its locally brewed drink ‘Feni’, has got the gift of the first of its kind alcohol museum which is called ‘All about Alcohol’. This museum has hundreds of exhibits related to feni, including large vessels known as ‘vats’ which were used to store the local drink centuries ago; and narrates the tales of the cashew-based drink’s origin in the state. ‘All about Alcohol’ has been developed by Nandan Kudchadkar, a local businessman who is deeply interested in collecting antiques.
Through its collection of artefacts that hold immense historical importance, this one of its kind museum situated at Candolim gives its visitors an insight into Goa’s rich heritage and culture. Kudchadkar told The Daily Guardian how the museum was built by him to make the world aware of Goa’s rich heritage, the story of feni and the historical trail of the local liquor from Brazil to Goa. Cashew was first brought into India by the Portuguese from Brazil in the 1700s. Since then, cashew itself and feni have gained immense popularity and value among the people of Goa.
Kudchadkar said that the museum preserves alcohol-making paraphernalia such as utensils, glasses, bottles and more from the past when Goa was believed to be the ‘Rome of East’.
He added how he had travelled to 89 different countries across the globe and visited more than 100 places to be seen which were related to alcohol but realized that there was not a single alcohol museum per se. “I just wanted to show that India has a lot to offer to the world”, added Kudchadkar talking about the aim of building ‘All about Alcohol’.