The Intoxicating Flavors of Cachaca: What It Is and Why Brazilians Love It So Much
The Allure of a Brazilian Spirit
Make your way down to Brazil, and you will quickly come across an array of alcohols. But one, in particular, steals the show: cachaca. This sugarcane spirit is ubiquitous in Brazil, where it’s not only an essential ingredient in many cocktails but also a cultural icon. So what exactly is cachaca, and why do Brazilians love it so much?
Let’s get down to it!
Cachaca has been around for centuries, with its origins traced back to the early 16th century when Portuguese colonizers introduced sugarcane to Brazil. Distilled from the fermented juice of sugar cane, cachaca is similar to rum. But while rum is distilled from molasses, cachaca is made with fresh sugarcane juice. It is then aged in oak barrels or bottled immediately.
There are two categories of cachaca: artisanal and industrial. Industrial cachaca dominates the market, and it is cheaper, while artisanal cachaca is produced using traditional methods, which makes it pricier. The processes involved, however, give artisanal cachaca a more complex taste than its…
