AGUARDENTE DE CANA RAINHA

This is a sugar cane spirit (Aguardente de Cana), not Cachaça, as Brazilian law mandates Cachaça contain between 38% and 48% alcohol, while Aguardente Rainha is at 50% ABV. Some Brazilian websites incorrectly refer to this spirit as "Rainha Paraibana" referencing the state of Paraíba where it's made. The correct name is simply "Rainha" (meaning "Queen"). This still has been producing this spirit since 1877 in Bananeiras, Paraíba. Despite its 50% ABV and powerful nature, it's a pleasant and smooth spirit with character, as the alcohol is well-integrated from aging in large Freijó wood barrels (dornas), a neutral Brazilian wood used to mellow young spirits. Tasting notes: clear, translucent, with floral and herbal notes, sweetness from the sugar cane, good body, and a lingering finish.