Cachaca

Question 1

How popular is Cachaca?

Answer 1

Incredibly popular. It is the world’s second largest category after Soju. There is more Cachaca made in Brazil than there is vodka made IN THE WORLD.

Question 2

Who makes Cachaca?

Answer 2

95% of production is made by only 5 big brands. The vast majority is also consumed locally in Brazil.

Question 3

How is cachaca made?

Answer 3

In a similar way to rhum agricole. The sugar cane is crush and washed to rehydrate its sugars. Yeast can be either cultured, commercial or even wild ferment. A mix of pot and column stills are used. Pot stills over produce a more vegetal spirit whilst column distillation results in a lighter product.

Question 4

What percentage of alcohol must a cachaca be?

Answer 4

Between 38 and 48%.

Question 5

Can sugar be added to the final distillate of Cachaca?

Answer 5

Yes, 6 g/l is allowed and many producers do. Up to 30g/l can be added if the bottle is labelled as sweetened.

Question 6

What is the classic Cachaca cocktail?

Answer 6

It is a Caipirinha which is made with sugar and lime. It has become popular world wide.