Unless you have been living under a rock, you would know that Goa has become quite the hotspot for small, local and artisanal liquor brands.
The latest is Maka Zai - the name translates to &lsquoI Want&rsquo in Konkani. The brand has both a white rum - the Bartender&rsquos Edition, and India&rsquos first gold rum - the Tribute Edition. Both variants are made from locally sourced sugarcane from various parts of the country, blended on Indian soil and nourished by the sweet waters of Goa.
Each edition of Maka Zai has unique characteristics, right from the process to the flavour profiles
Bartender&rsquos Edition A homage to the often unsung efforts and talents of bartenders, this edition is a crystal-clear, medium-bodied white rum with creamy and elegant aromas. The floral, sweet, spicy and herbaceous nature of the rum gives it a unique tropical note. This arises from the sugarcane grown in the rich, red soil around the Panchaganga river in Maharashtra that is used to make the rum.
Tribute Edition The high-quality, two-and-a-half-years old matured gold rum has a silky character that gives one the feeling of a late, sunny afternoon. The spirit is aged in oak barrels in Punjab and blended on the shores of Goa. It makes for a perfect sipping rum with hints of praline, dry dates, figs, caramel, cinnamon and honey along with a well-rounded vanilla accent.
They are available in three states in India &ndash Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
This festive season, they are bringing in the Christmas cheer in a few different ways.
One, they have partnered with Vaum Tonics to create a limited edition Christmas Cocktail Kit for the season. These kits are available in Maharashtra and Goa and align with the December theme.
Two, they have also collaborated with music maestro - Carlton Braganza for a three-city 'Music and Maka Zai' tour.
Lastly, they have curated a really fun list of festive cocktails that you can make at home.
Limited Edition Cocktail Kit by Maka Zai
The Cocktail Kit will consist of a bottle of the Maka Zai White, along with two of the Vaum botanical waters, a cocktail recipe, as well as garnish. This will be available in Goa and Maharashtra from the 22nd of December.
Three-City Music and Maka Zai Tour
In line with the theme of the season, Maka Zai is doing live music and Maka Zai nights at various locations in Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka all through December.
You can catch up information on their events on their Instagram page.