Cachaçagora - Cachaça, Caipirinha, And Cocktails

Wrap-up: Brazil-In-Chicago Cachaça Tasting

Photo Credit: Leticia Gomes

It was a night to remember, at least for those of us who didn't sample that much cachaça. Those of us who might've given up alcohol for lent would have taken solace in the fact that, well, at least it was already Sunday in Jerusalem by the time we got started. 

Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of working with Marcelo Jarmendia of Brazil in Chicago to put together a tasting of some of the best cachaças around. Locally available and otherwise, the products tasted by the intimate, capacity gathering provided a well-rounded survey of the state of artesanal cachaças today.

The evening started with a discussion of the Confraria de Cachaça do Copo Furado (Rio's cachaça appreciation society) by my mother-in-law, Cláudia Fernandes, who once served as its president. My father-in-law, José Alberto Kede, then went into detail about the history and production of cachaça.

After my schpiel about my experience with cachaça and building this site (even sharing the Maria Izabel feature), we went straight to the tasting. Details after the jump.

Tasting Event with Brazil-In-Chicago This Saturday

I'm proud to be working with Marcelo Jarmendia of Brazil In Chicago to put together what will be an incredible tasting event featuring world-class cachaças.

Here's the scoop:

• Saturday, April 23, 2011
• 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
• Brazil in Chicago
• 2212 W. Sunnyside Ave. (Basement)
• $30 / RSVP [email protected]

The evening will start with my in-laws Cláudia Fernándes and José Alberto Kede, talking about the significance of cachaça, how it's made, and how to appreciate the finer specimens. I'll then talk a little bit about the experience of building this site, what I've learned about cachaça, and what I think it would take for cachaça to succeed in North America. 

All told, we're going to taste about eight cachaças from at least five brands, but this could expand in the next few days. Some of the cachaças to be sampled can only be had in Brazil. Fear not, though: at least three have been selected for their current (or, at least, imminent) broad U.S. availability.

As to those available in the U.S., these distillers have generously contributed product to the event, for which they've earned a hearty "saúde!" from your humble editor:

• Cabana Cachaça
• Copa Cachaça
• Novo Fogo

Also thrilled to be sampling Werneck (a high-quality cachaça, from the former president of Volvo Penta Brasil no less, and one of the highlights of my most recent trip) as well as a longtime personal favorite, Monte Alvão. 

The event will be in both Portuguese and English, but we'll do our best to make it meaningful for all. We'll also be serving appetizers. 

Admission is $30, with proceeds going to furthering Brazil In Chicago's mission to be the midwest's center for evangelism of Brazilian culture. Attendance is strictly capped at 20. RSVP at [email protected].

Blind Tasting, Aged Cachaças

As longtime readers know, things get slow around here in the springtime as my attention goes to helping out with the Flourish! Conference. This has been the longest time between drinks, I realize. 

Thing is, I'm now almost literally drowning in cachaça-related content. I'd rather keep the quality up than hit you with low-value news more frequently. Just comes down to finding/making time for posting.

Shortly after the new year, I held a blind tasting here at the Gomecile. I was fortunate in that, in addition to enjoying good cachaça with friends, one of them happens to be a professional sommelier: Michael "Windy City Wine Guy" Bottigliero. 

"It's about time someone who knows what he's doing helps Phil out!" I hear you say. Fair 'nuff. Our collective palate was also helped by Mananya Soobhawan of Mananya Cooks.

Keep in mind that I would never serve bad cachaça. This tasting was about sampling some of the best of the best.

There were three cachaças offered to our panel:

• A: Marketed in the U.S. under a different brand name
• B: Organic
• C: Not available in the U.S. yet

 The jury's opinion, in the above order:

• A: Sweet brown sugar and clove. Smooth with a kick at the end. 
• B: Goes down easiest. Honey aroma. Citrus notes.
• C: Slightly sweet aroma. Strong with lots of "heat." Noticeable astringency. 

Find out the jury's choice after the jump.

Drink Spirits Reviews Novo Fogo

The folks at Novo Fogo were kind enough to send me some samples. Once things quiet down here at the Gomecile, I'll be doing a proper review. In the meantime, check out what Drink Spirits had to say:

Novo Fogo Cachaça is a brand which is clearly aimed at the American drinker. From its hand-made recycled glass bottles, recipe hanger tag on each bottle, and USDA Organic stamp, Novo Fogo Cachaça Organica is an extremely strong contender to be the cachaça that turns Americans onto the spirit category.