Cachaça Sagatiba Cristalina

The name SAGATIBA combines the Nordic word SAGA ('search') and the TUPI indigenous word TIBA ('infinite'). Established in São Paulo in 2004 by Marcos de Moraes, son of the former soy magnate Olacyr de Moraes, it was promoted internationally by the advertising firm Saatchi & Saatchi in publications like Vanity Fair and Esquire, and in European venues. Initially available in England, Holland, and Italy, it achieved sales of 800,000 bottles within two years, with half destined for the European market. It is exclusively offered on all 15 Princess Cruise ships globally. In 2016, the renowned Italian company Campari acquired it for US$26 million. While not an artisanal cachaça (copper still), it is industrially produced (stainless steel columns) through multi-distillation, resulting in a light spirit with mild aromas and flavors (38% ABV), sweet and adaptable for cocktails like the caipirinha. SAGATIBA CRISTALINA also features water added at the start of distillation to maintain product density, unlike the typical industry practice of adding it at the end. The indirect steam heating system during distillation preserves the sugarcane's original characteristics, including aroma and flavor. At the Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) in Chicago, a leading spirits evaluation body, SAGATIBA PRECIOSA was the sole cachaça globally to receive a platinum medal and be recognized in its highest tier, the Superlative Category, earning 96 points out of 100.