Contents
About the drink
Cachas is a traditional strong alcohol, which is also known as Brazilian rum.
This drink has the same weight for Brazilians as for us, for example, vodka.
According to legend, the invention of cachaça is the work of slaves who discovered a liquid in huge animal feeders that had an invigorating and cheerful effect. This mash was the first progenitor of cachaça, because they fed cattle mainly with sugar cane, from which juice was subsequently released.
September 13 is cachaça day in Brazil
Is cachaca rum?
The main difference between cachaca and rum is that rum is usually made from molasses, a by-product of cane juice, while cachaca is made from fresh sugarcane juice, fermented and distilled.
How is cachaca made?
Harvesting sugarcane and extracting juice
The cane must be fully ripe, as a poisonous liquid, methanol, is obtained from unripe raw materials.
fermentation
Cachaca is fermented by interacting with natural yeast and bacteria, or by adding old mash. In industrial production, the drink is fermented under the influence of artificial catalysts.
Distillation
At its initial stage, the first fraction contains methanol, and at the end of the distillation, the alcohol is not strong enough and has a yeasty aroma. During distillation, the most valuable product is selected, and the first and last fractions are removed. In accordance with the legislation, cachaca must contain ethyl alcohol in the amount of 34 – 54%.
How to drink cachaca?
It is customary to mix cheap cachaça in cocktails, the most famous of which is caipirinha.
Cachaça in the above-average segment is worth a pure taste, usually it is an aged version of alcohol.
Craft or as it is also called artisanal is worth drinking clean.
Types of cachaça
Fresh, unaged and pure
Bottled immediately after distillation. Sometimes producers experiment with a drink, aging it in barrels like cognac or whiskey, adding dyes or vegetable crops.
Aged
This status can only have cachaca that has been aged in a wooden container for at least 1 year. If the aging period reaches 7 years, alcohol is considered premium, 15 years – an ultra-premium drink.
Tinted – yellow cachaca
Produced without aging by adding caramel or wood extract. It has a sweeter taste and aroma.
Who is an artisan and is it worth buying?
This is a local manufacturer of cachaça using classical technology. Artisans practice adding cornmeal, wheat bran, rice, soy and other ingredients to the original drink recipe.
This cachaca is usually very specific and that is why it is worth trying.
It is worth noting that cachaca of industrial production is usually exported, which undoubtedly affects the quality of alcohol not in the best way.
11 popular brands of cachaça
Pirassununga 51 Cachaca
Since 1543, the most popular distilled alcoholic drink from Brazil (Santos, Sao Paulo).
Leblon Cachaca
Luxurious alcohol that captures the spirit of Brazil. Alcohol received a gold medal “Top Cachaca” at the World Spirits Competition in San Francisco in 2007.
Pitu Brazilian Cachaca
Made from freshly cut sugarcane juice and spring water. Suitable for classic cocktails.
Ypioca Cachaca Gold
The drink has a rich golden-amber color. Aroma of roasted nuts, cedar, honey and dried fruits. Mild taste with a dry aftertaste with notes of fruit and sweet vanilla pods, tobacco, raisins and spices. Finish with a long sweet mineral and tobacco taste. Very good.
New Fire Silver Cachaca
Aged for one year in the Brazilian rainforests. Characterized by banana and floral aromas that blend closely with notes of sea salt and chocolate to create a tropical feel.
Water Luca Cachaca
Produced from the juice of fresh sugar cane within 24 hours of harvest, using artisan methods and traditions that have been perfected for over 450 years. Unique in its 12x distillation for a smooth and lively finish.
New Fire Gold Cachaca
Brazil is a handmade pot, distilled and aged in small oak barrels for at least 2 years. Light honey color with aromas of toffee and vanilla. Smooth texture of honey, cinnamon and fruits, followed by a persistent finish of oak and vanilla.
Old Barreiro Cachaca
Excellent traditional cachaça from Velho Barreiro. It is obtained by double distillation of sugarcane juice, followed by aging in a large oak vat to enhance the complex vegetal flavors. Suitable for cocktails.
Ypioca Cachaca Crystal
Aged for one year in special Brazilian wooden barrels. This crystal clear cachaca has a wonderful characteristic taste and a wonderful bouquet.
Velho Barreiro Gold Cachaca
Double distilled from pure cane juice and aged in Jequitiba Rosa (Cariniana legalis) wood barrel, which gives it a delicate aroma and taste.
Pirassununga 21 Cachaca
Originally named as Pirrassunga 21 to commemorate the year and place of origin, it is one of the oldest and most traditional brands on the market. Distilled from sugarcane juice (garapa). Indispensable for making the perfect caipirinha.
Interesting facts about Cachaca
Do a lot
As of 2020, there are more than 40 small cachaca producers in Brazil, this is in addition to large-scale industrial production. Such mass production is due to the fact that obtaining a distillate from fermented cane juice is a fairly easy process compared to processing other raw materials. Ample opportunities for alcohol production are also due to the mass cultivation of sugar cane.
Cane
Each region has its own varieties of cane, which are selected according to the ripening period so that raw materials are at hand in any month of production.
Barrels for cachaça
For their manufacture, almost any local wood is used, in total 46 species: oak, chestnut, almond, fruit trees, etc.
Cachaca should only be from Brazil
Everything is logical, you see another country, do not buy.
Cachaca for $800
Someone bought an exclusive version of Cachaça Vale Verde for a huge amount of money and, perhaps, did not lose.
Relevance: 30.11.2020
Tags: vodka, mash, moonshine