Bite of the Best

Ok.. So sorry for the delay in this reporting, my timing is a bit off as you’ll see. I unfortunately caught this story too late to get everyone out on the streets, but maybe you can take up the cause next year.

This past month a special date was recognized, that is at least amongst a few hardcore spirit supporters.

June 12th apparently marks the anniversary of a historic liquor tragedy, committed 265 years ago. In 1744, the Portuguese Crown declared that the production, distribution, and sale of Cachaça, Brazil’s noble spirit, would be illegal within the Colony of Brazil. Fortunately for us all, the Brazilian people rebelled and the virtues of Cachaça won the day (alcohol always wins against no alcohol, doesn’t it?!)

Here we are 265 years later, and despite the legalization of trade of the spirit (you can buy it in anywhere in Brazil and in many boutique U.S. liquor stores), the supporters of Brazil’s noble spirit are still upset… and this time it’s a name thing.

Though invented in the early 1500′s (100 years before its Caribbean cousin, Rum), Cachaça is still officially recognized as ‘Brazilian Rum’ in most countries (including the United States), not as Cachaça. What is most interesting (in true ‘grape nuts’ fashion) is that Cachaça is not actually Rum – though it is Brazilian. Cachaça is made from fresh cane juice while rum is produced from molasses. Additionally, like Champagne, Cachaça is a strictly controlled name… the spirit can only come from Brazil.

Supporters note that Cachaca is one of the most consumed spirits in the world (3rd by some numbers) and is the key ingredient to Brazil’s National Cocktail, the Caipirinha. They believe that Cachaça deserves to be recognized as just that: Cachaça, and not Brazilian Rum. So, International Cachaça Day was on June 12th. (Sorry, missed that one on my calendar!)  Join Caipirinha-lovers next year in cities around the world to show your support to recognize Cachaça; Brazil’s Noble Spirit.

A rose by any other name I guess… but not a spirit!

The Caipirinha

* 2 oz. Cachaça
* 1/2 Lime
* 2 tsp. Superfine sugar or 1 oz Simple Syrup
* Glass-Rocks

Cut the lime into four wedges. Muddle the lime and sugar in a shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and add Cachaça. Shake vigorously. Serve in a rocks glass. Garnish with a slice of lime.

For more information, contact supporters at legalizecachaca@liveloveleblon.com

-bryan