Awards & Distillery Map: Recognizing Goa’s Best Urrak Distillers
Urrak production in Goa has historically been an unorganized, community-driven craft, with countless small-scale distillers operating in the villages and hinterlands. While this has preserved traditional knowledge, it has also meant a lack of standardization, recognition, and visibility for some of Goa’s most talented distillers.

We are working to build the first comprehensive database of Urrak distilleries, mapping producers across the state and identifying the finest batches. This initiative will help highlight the best distillers, bring transparency to the sector, and celebrate the craftsmanship behind this unique spirit.

MAP COMING SOON

Our digital Distillery Map will serve as a live database, showcasing traditional Urrak producers from across Goa. It will feature:

Profiles of distilleries, including their history, production methods, and specialties.
An interactive map, allowing users to explore and locate Urrak makers.
Community-driven reviews, enabling consumers to rate and recommend distillers based on taste, quality, and authenticity.
Recognition badges, awarded to standout producers based on public votes, expert tasting panels, and on-ground research.
Annual Urrak Distillery Awards

To bring visibility and prestige to Goa’s best Urrak distillers, we will launch an annual Urrak Distillery Awards, where the most exceptional Urraks will be recognized in categories such as:
🏆 Best Urrak of the Year – The most outstanding Urrak based on expert tastings and public ratings.
🍃 Most Authentic & Traditional Urrak – For distillers who adhere to time-honored methods.
🌱 Best Organic or Sustainable Urrak – Recognizing producers using eco-friendly and ethical practices.
🎉 People’s Choice Award – Voted by the community, based on popular opinion and crowd-sourced reviews.

These awards will not only give small-scale distillers a platform but also help promote Urrak as a premium craft spirit. By recognizing the best, we aim to elevate the status of Urrak, drive interest in artisanal production, and support Goa’s heritage spirit industry.

How to Get Involved
This initiative will be community-driven, relying on contributions from distillers, enthusiasts, and consumers who love Urrak. If you know an amazing distiller or produce Urrak yourself, reach out to get listed!

Stay tuned for our first official awards ceremony at the end of this Urrak season, where we will unveil the best distillers and celebrate Goa’s rich heritage of cashew spirit craftsmanship.

Each parameter not only quantifies Urrak’s sensory layers but also invites you to embark on a poetic exploration of its heritage—a drink as intricate and vibrant as Goa itself. Whether you’re meticulously charting its complexities or simply savoring its refreshing allure, this rating system transforms every sip into a story of art, science, and enduring tradition.

Tasting Parameters (1–10 Rating System)

Embrace the art and science of Urrak tasting by evaluating its essence through a poetic yet technical lens. Use this 1–10 rating system to capture the spirit’s intricate sensory profile:

Sweetness
Measures the lingering, natural sugars of the cashew apple.

• 1: Bone-dry, as unyielding as a desert wine.
• 10: Lusciously sweet, nearly liqueur-like.
  A well-crafted Urrak typically falls between 3 and 5—just a gentle kiss of sugar that hints at its fruit origins. A higher score may suggest early fermentation or exceptionally sugary apples, while a lower score speaks of a more complete, dry finish.

Acidity (Sourness)
Captures the tang of natural fruit acids.

• 1: Barely a whisper of sourness.
• 10: A bold, mouth-watering zest reminiscent of freshly squeezed lemon.
  Usually, Urrak boasts a balanced acidity between 4 and 6—a crisp, refreshing bite that complements its sweetness without overwhelming the palate.

Bitterness
Reflects the influence of cashew tannins and subtle distillation nuances.

• 1: No bitterness detected.
• 10: Overpowering and sharp.
  A gentle bitterness (around 2 or 3) enhances complexity, while scores above 5 may hint at excessive extraction or over-fermentation, leaving an undesirable, quinine-like edge.

Astringency (Mouthfeel Dryness)
Describes the tactile, drying sensation that cleanses the palate.

• 1: Silky smooth, with no dryness.
• 10: Harsh and puckering, akin to an overly tannic red wine.
  A moderate astringency (about 3–4) is ideal—enough to refresh without robbing the spirit of its softness. Higher scores suggest an overabundance of sediment or residual compounds.

Aroma (Intensity & Quality)
The soul of Urrak, a fragrant bouquet of fresh cashew and tropical vibrance.

• 1: Faint, nearly imperceptible aroma.
• 10: Potently aromatic, filling the room with its inviting allure.
  Top-notch Urrak typically radiates between 7 and 9, releasing lush, complex notes that enchant the senses. Off-aromas, like a sharp alcohol sting, lower the score and betray compromised quality.

Fruitiness (Flavor Character)
Measures the extent to which Urrak echoes its cashew and tropical fruit heritage.

• 1: Bland and neutral, lacking character.
• 10: Bursting with vibrant, dominant fruit flavors.
  A fresh Urrak should dazzle with high fruitiness—an 8 or 9—so that every sip transports you to a sun-drenched cashew orchard.

Body (Mouthfeel/Weight)
Describes the tactile texture and weight on the palate.

• 1: Ethereal and watery.
• 10: Full-bodied and viscous, almost enveloping the senses.
  Typically, Urrak is light (around 4–5), offering a refreshing quality. Variations in production can create a richer, fuller mouthfeel, adding another layer of complexity.

Smoothness (Harshness vs. Silkiness)
Assesses how gently Urrak caresses the throat.

• 1: Harsh and burning.
• 10: Silky smooth, gliding down like liquid silk.
  A well-distilled Urrak, with its lower alcohol content, should feel almost velvety—scoring an 8 or 9—to welcome newcomers and seasoned connoisseurs alike.

Finish (Aftertaste/Length)
Captures the lingering echo of flavor after swallowing.

• 1: Fleeting, as if the taste vanished instantly.
• 10: A long, evolving symphony that resonates for minutes.
  Usually, Urrak leaves a short, clean finish (around 3–4), a delicate whisper of its cashew essence. A balanced finish should invite one more sip without overstaying its welcome, while any off-notes will detract from its purity.

Smokiness/Earthiness
Encompasses any underlying smoky, earthy, or woody nuances.

• 1: Pristine, with no trace of smoke or earth.
• 10: Dominated by robust, smoky or rustic flavors.
  Traditionally, Urrak is nearly devoid of smokiness (scoring between 1 and 3), preserving its fresh, fruit-forward character. Modern variations or experimental aging may introduce subtle hints that merit a higher score if present.