Tequila from Mexico, Scotch from Scotland.
Cashew Feni is considered one of the chief products of Goa by locals and tourists alike. The intoxicating drink is consumed both as a social drink as well as a medicine for various illnesses including sore throats etc.
In spite of the popularity of the drink, not much is known about the process involved. The traditional feni distillers are found in places like Pernem and Colvale in the north and Quepem, Canacona in the south. These people sweat it out from March to May. It is a labourous job. Yet it is not these people who really make the money. While they sell their product for about Rs 25 per bottle (less than a dollar), the middle men in shops hike the price to even over Rs 100 per bottle (over two dollars).
This photo documentary is dedicated to the hard workers who strive to put the famous Goan Elixir into bars and homes all across the state.
Today efforts are on to acquire a global patent for the drink, much like tequila in mexico.