Bahama Bob's Rumstyles
Thursday, July 28, 2011
There is some discussion about whether or not Cachaca is really an rhum agricole. Cachaca is made from the crushing of sugar cane, fermented, and distilled, but only to a 38 to 54% alcohol and bottled at 38 to 48%, this is one of the primary difference. Better Cachaca still has much of the sugar cane flavor due to the special distillation process involved. Brazilian Law requires that Cachaca be aged for at least 1 year in order for it to be called "aged" Cachaca. One other difference is the addition of corn meal, corn flower, or rice brand during the fermentation process. These grains also add some flavor to the end product.
Both of these spirits have similar qualities, but they really are different . It is my feeling that just because something is made from the same raw materials, doesn't really make the end product the same. I also understand that because of importation laws that it is important that cachaca be considered a rum. Politics again instead of being able to call these spirits just what they are. ;o)