Cachaca

Today is Brazil's Independence Day. In honor of that day, I thought I would talk a little about Cachaça, the most popular distilled alcohol in Brazil. In addition, I actually tried Cachaça last night for the first time.

Cachaça is distilled from fermented sugarcane juice. Though rum is also made from sugarcane, rum is usually made from molasses rather than the straight sugarcane juice. Cachaça's alcohol content ranges from 38-48% so it is a potent drink. This would translate into 76-96 proof, on average more potent than standard rums and vodkas. Though there are thousands of brands of Cachaça made in Brazil, very little is exported. Thus it is not easily found in the U.S. unless you go to regions frequented by Brazilians. Though this may be changing, especially with the popularity of artisanal liquors now.

Cachaça may be either "white" or "dark." The white variety is unaged and it looks white, like a vodka. The dark variety has a gold or caramel color and has been aged in wood barrels. This is supposed to make it smoother and is often seen as the higher quality. Cachaça may be drank straight or in mixed drinks. The most famous drink made from Cachaça is the Caipirinha. This is made from Cachaça, limes, and sugar.

Most Brazilians commonly refer to Cachaça as pinga, though there are many other names for it as well. Brazilians who drink straight Cachaça will often spill a few drops for the saints before drinking. The first shot of Cachaça may be referred to as the"guide" as it is the "one that clears the path and leads the way for all the shots that will certainly follow."

Last evening, while dining at the Churrascaria Rodeo in Woburn, I tried a shot the Dona Beja Cachaça. It comes in a plastic container that resembles several sugar canes tied together. It was a white Cachaça. You definitely notice its power but it tasted very smooth, and a bit sweet. There was no bitter aftertaste or burning. It is definitely something that you could enjoy as long as you remembered its potency. My other friends, who also had shots, enjoyed it as well. Everyone commented on its smoothness.

So, now I will have to keep an eye out for more Cachaça.