Brazil
Brazil is the world's leading producer of sugar cane, with production approaching 569 million tonnes. Brazil uses it to produce an alcohol called cachaça, which is actually a rum subject to special legislation. Sugar cane cultivation is concentrated in the southern and north-eastern regions of Brazil.
According to Brazilian legislation, cachaça is the exclusive name for cane brandy produced in Brazil. This drink has an alcohol content that can range from 38° to 48°.
This product with particular sensory characteristics comes from the distillation of fermented cane sugar juice.
White cachaça is bottled immediately after distillation, unlike some cachaças, such as Pitú Gold or Ypióca Ouro, which stand out from their competitors by offering a product aged in barrels.
Today, there are almost 40,000 Cachaça producers in Brazil! It really is a cultural product, with Brazilians estimated to consume an average of 8 liters per person per year.
The main cachaça brands are Agua Luca (ultra-premium), Beija (hand-picked), Cana & Lua (aged 3 years in European oak casks), Leblon and Ypioca. Read less
