cachaças

Cachaça is a distilled spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice, produced exclusively in Brazil. It is the national spirit of Brazil and a key ingredient in the caipirinha cocktail. Cachaça is one of the oldest distilled spirits in the Americas, with its origins dating back to the 16th century.

The production of cachaça begins with the harvesting of sugarcane. The juice is extracted from the stalks and then fermented, typically using wild yeasts found in the environment. After fermentation, the liquid is distilled, often in copper pot stills. The resulting spirit can be unaged, known as cachaça branca or prata, which is clear and sharp, or aged, referred to as cachaça amarela or ouro. Aging occurs in wooden barrels, which impart color and complex flavors. Common woods used for aging include oak, jequitibá, and amburana, each contributing unique characteristics to the final product.

There are hundreds of brands and styles of cachaça, ranging from mass-produced industrial varieties to artisanal, small-batch productions. The flavor profile can vary significantly depending on the sugarcane variety, fermentation process, distillation method, and aging process. It is often described as having grassy, fruity, and sometimes slightly vegetal notes. Cachaça can be enjoyed neat, in cocktails, or used in cooking.