ICYMI, India gets its first alcohol museum! Say hello to All About Alcohol, which is nestled in North Goa’s Candolim village and dedicated to the state’s local drink, feni. Isn’t this just another convincing reason to make a Goa plan?
It houses hundreds of artefacts including large, traditional glass vats in which the local cashew-based alcohol was stored centuries ago. Spread across a vast expanse of 13,000 square feet, the museum also features a Goan-style tavern with antique storage vessels from Portugal, and a feni cellar with bottles of cashew and coconut feni dating back to 1946. All this isn’t just for viewing pleasure. You can take part in feni tasting and pairing sessions. Fun, right?
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Set up by local businessman Nandan Kudchadkar, the idea behind the museum was to make the world aware of Goa’s rich heritage, especially the story of feni. So if you’re visiting Goa anytime soon, make sure you add this museum to your itinerary.
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While this is the first alcohol museum in India, there are so many others spread across the world. And now with the ease of travel restrictions overseas, you can certainly head to these places if you’re an alcohol connoisseur. From a cocktail museum in New Orleans to beer storehouses in Dublin, here are five alcohol museums to add to your bucket list!
1. Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, Ireland
A beer that needs no introduction, you can experience the history, heart and soul of Ireland’s most iconic beer at its seven-storey museum. Each floor has an enriching experience to offer. Step through black and gold lettered Guinness gate and learn how the popular beer was born 260 years ago. Then head upstairs to learn all about the man who founded this beer, Arthur Guinness. Understand the science behind tasting your Guinness at this this multi-sensory tasting journey. Go through Guinness’ creative ads throughout the years. Learn to pour the perfect pint at the Guiness Academy. And once that’s done, head to the building’s Gravity Bar to drink beer whilst enjoying the stunning view of the city.
2. Museum of the American Cocktail, New Orleans, Louisiana
This museum is situated in the most apt location–New Orleans, the only city in the nation to have its own legalised cocktail, the Sazerac. Located within Southern Food & Beverage Museum, MOTAC is dedicated to cocktails. From housing age old recipes and antique bottles to educational resources for professionals keen to learn the art of mixology, this is the place to be if you want to know all about cocktails. And after taking in all that information, you can go ahead and try various drinks.
3. Cite du Vin, Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux’s new high tech wine museum established only in 2016 is not only an architectural wonder on the outside but also beautifully crafted inside with multi-sensory experiences. You can learn all about the art of wine-making, indulge in an experience that teaches you the correct way to taste wine, understand the kinds of wine and get all your questions answered from wine experts–truly an all-encompassing experience. Wouldn’t you agree?
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3. Museum Of The History Of Vodka, Moscow, Russia
In most cases, a few vodka cocktails lead to bad decisions or unintentionally sharing TMI. But in Russia, vodka is a pillar of their culture and social life! So it’s no surprise that there’s a whole museum dedicated to this alcohol. Housing around 1000 varieties of vodka (most of which are on display), along with exhibits of its 500-year history, and recipes from the 18th-century, be rest assured you’ll leave the museum understanding the difference between good and bad vodka. You’ll not only learn about the distillation and production processes of Russian vodka but also treat your palette to a tasting session afterwards.
5. Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History, Bardstown, Kentucky
Love whiskey? Then explore its boozy history in all its glory at the bourbon capital’s museum. The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History displays a 50 year collection of rare artefacts and documents dating from Colonial days modern American cocktail culture. In addition, it also has exhibits on President Washington, Abraham Lincoln, authentic moonshine stills, antique bottles and jugs, medicinal whiskey bottles, and much more.
