WHAT IS CACHAÇA?

Cachaça is Brazil's national spirit, a distinctive sugarcane-based distillate that predates rum and carries centuries of Brazilian culture and tradition in every bottle. Unlike most rums, which are made from molasses, cachaça is distilled directly from fresh sugarcane juice, giving it a unique grassy, vegetal character.

The production of cachaça dates back to the early 16th century, making it one of the oldest distilled spirits in the Americas. Portuguese colonists established sugarcane plantations and began fermenting and distilling the juice, initially for local consumption by enslaved workers.

Modern cachaça production is regulated by Brazilian law, which stipulates that it must contain between 38% and 48% alcohol by volume. The spirit can be aged in various types of wood indigenous to Brazil, including amburana, balsam, and jequitibá, each imparting distinctive flavors and colors to the final product.

Cachaça is most famously known as the essential ingredient in the Caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail. However, craft distillers and mixologists are discovering its potential in a wide range of applications, from sipping neat to complex cocktail creations.

The category encompasses both industrial and artisanal expressions, with small-batch producers emphasizing terroir, traditional fermentation methods, and careful distillation techniques that showcase the quality and variety of Brazilian sugarcane.