Expert: Paul Wagner - 12/4/2006

Question
What are recommendable cachacas?

Also, how would I find out which ones are good? (I'm not a rum or cachaca connoisseur at this point in time.)  

Answer
Hi Thomas:

I won't recommend specific brands...but here are some thoughts:

Most Cachaca is used for making Caipirinhas--and for those, you want something that is relatively neutral. While good Cachaca should have a viscous quality to it, it should also be quite clear--gin clear, if you will forgive the comparison.  This is young, un-aged cachaca.

But if you want to try something really different, try an artisanal Cachaca that has been aged in  barrel.  Some spend more than a year or two in barrels ( mahogany! ) and come out with a lovely toasted, golden color.  These will be smoother and more elegant than the young ones...but that elegance may be wasted in a Caipirinha.

In the end, it all boils down to personal taste.  I know it sounds daunting, but the best way to pick your favorite is to taste through a few of them and decided.  But be careful.  These are quite alcoholic, and I think that there are now more than 40 Cachacas that are imported into the US--out of the hundreds that are made in Brazil!

Paul Wagner