The Science & Art of Cachaça Aging

Ever wondered what actually happens inside a barrel of cachaça?

Aging is much more than leaving the spirit in wood. The type of wood, barrel preparation, oxygen, temperature and time all influence how the cachaça develops its color, aromas, texture and flavor.

I put together a deep dive into the chemistry and craftsmanship behind the process, including the techniques master distillers use to shape the final spirit.

What’s your favorite aged cachaça, and which Brazilian wood do you think makes the biggest difference?

https://whop.com/cachaca-club/the-science-art-of-cachaca-aging/?a=rodbueno

A shot of cachaça is more than a quick sip—it’s a little taste of Brazil. Smooth, bold, and full of character, cachaça brings Brazilian spirit straight to the glass. Sometimes, the best way to enjoy Brazil is one shot at a time. 🇧🇷🥃

Friday Is Calling!

The week is officially over — time to put the spreadsheets away and bring out the shaker! 😎

Friday is for good drinks, good conversations, and trying something new behind the home bar.

So here’s your weekend challenge:

🥃 Pick a Brazilian spirit
🍋 Add something fresh
🍹 Shake, stir or mix
🎉 And most importantly… have fun!

No need to be a professional bartender. Sometimes the best cocktail is the one you create while experimenting.

What are you pouring tonight?

Brazilian Beer Is Winning on the World Stage

Most people outside Brazil know the country for cachaça, Caipirinha and tropical cocktails.

But Brazil has another drinks story worth discovering: craft beer.

At the World Beer Awards 2026, Brazilian breweries took home seven world titles across several categories. And the results show something interesting about Brazil's beverage culture: local producers are increasingly creating products that can compete at the highest international level.

The Big Winner: Atrás do Bloco

The biggest Brazilian success came from Cervejaria Landel in Campinas, São Paulo.

Atrás do Bloco was named World's Best IPA 2026 and also won World's Best Milkshake IPA / New England IPA.

At 7.5% ABV and 30 IBU, it represents the modern, aromatic side of Brazilian craft brewing.

For members of a Cachaça Club, this is worth paying attention to.

Why?

Because the same idea we see in premium cachaça is happening in Brazilian beer: producers are moving beyond simply making a beverage and are developing distinctive products based on ingredients, techniques, experimentation and regional identity.

Brazil's Other World Champion IPAs

Brazil also won major titles with two other IPAs.

Jade, from Therezópolis Brewery in Rio de Janeiro state, was named World's Best English Style IPA.

Orange Kush, from Cervejaria Unika in Santa Catarina, won World's Best Speciality IPA.

Three very different IPA achievements — all coming from Brazilian breweries.

Coffee Dry Stout

Brazil also made an impression in the no- and low-alcohol category.

Coffee Dry Stout, from Sim! Cerveja Sem Álcool in Campinas, was named World's Best No & Low Alcohol Stout & Porter.

The combination of stout and coffee is particularly interesting in Brazil, a country with a huge coffee culture.

It's another example of how Brazilian producers can connect local ingredients and traditions with international beer styles.

Catharina Sour: Brazil's Own Beer Style

For me, one of the most important awards is the one given to Jane MF Sour, from Faroeste Beer in Itajaí, Santa Catarina.

It was named World's Best Catharina Sour.

Catharina Sour is particularly significant because it is a beer style developed in Brazil.

The style is generally tart, refreshing and fruit-forward, and has become an important part of Brazil's craft beer identity.

This is similar to what makes cachaça so interesting internationally.

Brazil isn't simply producing its own version of something created elsewhere.

It is creating something that can become part of the global drinks conversation.

Kaptain Lisa

The Kaptain Lisa, from Stannis Brewery in Jaraguá do Sul, Santa Catarina, was named World's Best Heritage Beer.

Its recognition demonstrates another side of Brazilian brewing: the connection between beer, history and traditional brewing techniques.

Why Should Cachaça Lovers Care?

Beer and cachaça may seem like completely different worlds.

But they share an important story.

Both are becoming increasingly sophisticated Brazilian categories with producers experimenting with:

• Local ingredients

• Different fermentation techniques

• Aging and maturation

• Regional identity

• New interpretations of traditional styles

• International competition

Cachaça already has something that Brazilian craft beer is increasingly developing: a strong sense of place.

From sugarcane and native woods to fruits, spices and regional traditions, Brazilian producers have an enormous palette to work with.

Beer is discovering the same potential.

And that's exciting.

The Bigger Brazilian Drinks Story

The international recognition of these beers doesn't diminish cachaça.

Quite the opposite.

It shows that Brazil has a much broader beverage culture than many people outside the country realize.

Cachaça is one part of the story.

Brazilian beer is another.

Coffee, tropical fruits, sugarcane, native ingredients and centuries of cultural influences give Brazilian producers an extraordinary foundation for creating distinctive drinks.

For members of the Cachaça Club, exploring Brazilian beer is another way to understand the country behind the spirit.

Have you tried Brazilian craft beer before?