History & Timeline of Cachaça
Cachaça is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage that is made from fermented sugarcane juice. It is the national spirit of Brazil and it is an integral part of the country's culture and history.
The process of distilling cachaça begins with the production of sugarcane juice. The process is very similar to the distillation of rum but with some slight differences. Sugarcane is harvested and then crushed to extract the juice, which is then collected. Breaking the cane uses revolving knives, shredders, crushers, or a combination of these processes. For the milling, or grinding, of the crushed cane, they use multiple sets of three-roller mills, in either four, five, or six rollers in multiple sets. The fermentation process for cachaça can vary depending on the producer and the desired flavor profile, but it typically lasts between 24 to 72 hours. During this time, the sugarcane juice or molasses is mixed with yeast to convert the sugar into alcohol. The fermentation time can affect the final flavor and aroma of the cachaça, with longer fermentation periods generally resulting in a more complex and fruity flavor. The resulting liquid is called "aguardente," or "firewater." Once the aguardente has been produced, it is ready for distillation. There are a few different methods that can be used to distill cachaça, including the pot still method and the column still method. The pot still method involves heating the aguardente in a pot-shaped still and collecting the vapor as it rises. The column still method involves heating the aguardente in a series of columns and collecting the vapor as it passes through the columns. The vapor is then collected, cooled and condensed back into a liquid form, which is what we know as cachaça.
After the cachaça has been distilled it is typically aged in oak barrels for a period of time. The length of time that the cachaça is aged can vary and it can be aged for as little as a few months or as long as several years. The aging process helps to develop the flavor and character of the cachaça and it is an important step in the production process. Some cachaça brands such as Avuá use Brazilian native woods for aging, such as; Tapinoa, Amburana & Balsamo. This gives it a truly unique flavor that cannot be mimmicked or replicated by other brands.
Cachaça is an important part of Brazil's cultural and culinary heritage. It is enjoyed by people all over the world and used in a variety of cocktails. The most popular cocktail being the Caipirinha, but it is also enjoyed neat or on the rocks. It is having a revival in the tropical cocktail world and a proper daiquiri with cachaça is exactly what you didn’t know you needed. With its rich and complex flavor, it is no wonder that cachaça has become such a beloved and widely enjoyed beverage.
History & Timeline of Cachaça Production
1532 - The Portuguese first bring sugarcane to Brazil.
1550s - The production of cachaça begins in Brazil, likely starting in the state of São Paulo.
1600s - Cachaça becomes a popular drink among Brazilian slaves.
1700s - Cachaça production increases with the expansion of sugarcane plantations.
1822 - Brazil gains independence from Portugal, and cachaça becomes a symbol of national identity.
1920s-1930s - The Brazilian government begins to regulate cachaça production and sales.
1938 - The Instituto Brasileiro da Cachaça (IBRAC) is founded to promote and regulate cachaça.
1950s-1960s - The popularity of cachaça declines as other spirits such as whisky and vodka become more widely available in Brazil.
1990s - The artisanal production of cachaça begins to gain popularity in Brazil.
2003 - Cachaça is officially recognized as a distinct product of Brazil by the Brazilian government.
2009 - The United States recognizes cachaça as a distinct spirit and agrees to recognize it as a product of Brazil.
2013 - Cachaça becomes a protected designation of origin (PDO) product within the European Union.
Today, cachaça remains a popular drink in Brazil and is gaining popularity in other countries as well. Artisanal and premium cachaças are increasingly sought after by consumers looking for high-quality spirits with unique flavors and production methods.
