Novo Fogo Barrel-Aged Cachaça

Rating: 13/23 This is my first time trying Cachaça and I'm curious to experience it. Appearance: It presents as a very pale straw color. Actually, it's a bit duller, almost grayish. I imagine it hasn't been aged for a very long time (which is likely beneficial for preserving its inherent character). Aroma: It has a light funkiness that immediately brings to mind an añejo tequila. Upon further investigation, it strongly resembles rhum agricole. As expected. I detect notes of straw and some very green banana. There's a subtle chalky, grainy scent reminiscent of oats, accompanied by light brown sugar. Perhaps a sprinkle of baking spices (allspice and cinnamon) as well. A touch of smoky fireworks blends well with the hogo. The aroma is quite delicate, though. It offers abundant tropical fruits. Banana, orange, possibly a hint of lime. If I'm not mistaken, there's a faint trace of vanilla merging into the slightest hint of spearmint. It's similar to a less intensely sharp Plantation Xaymaca aroma - complex and sharp. Palate: It's light. It certainly evokes a lightly aged rhum agricole. I get that smooth, grainy oat quality, combined with a lot of vegetal notes characteristic of rhum agricole, although the squash note is less prominent here. Green banana is abundant, mixed with a bit of vanilla. I truly don't detect the fireworks I thought I sensed in the aroma, but I do perceive some hogo and a certain bitterness. There's also a slight alcoholic bite. It has plenty of fruit, though less than anticipated (besides the green banana), and it's somewhat challenging to discern the individual fruits. I do get the green banana, along with some citrus. Perhaps pineapple? The baking spices are present here too, with clove joining the allspice and cinnamon. I'm uncertain if I truly taste any brown sugar on the palate, maybe just a trace. There's also a slightly nutty element that complements the green banana. Finish: The typical vegetal rhum agricole flavor and the oatiness persist for a while, with a subtle fruit layer gradually emerging from beneath. The green banana remains, but it's less appealing now. I do get a bit more brown sugar. The finish is mostly light fruit with a dusting of mild funk that reminds me a bit of sweet potato with some baking spices (allspice, cinnamon, clove). I've never been a significant fan of rhum agricole, and I can't claim to be a fan of this either. However, it has been an enjoyable experience to try, and I'm glad to have a clearer understanding of what cachaça is. The flavors are all somewhat softer than I anticipated. I believe the barrel aging is largely responsible, though that's not entirely negative as it also moderated the alcohol somewhat. The barrel doesn't contribute much distinct character here, but conversely, it allows the natural rum flavor to be prominent. To begin establishing a rating, I don't see this falling below a 10 (more likely an 11), but I also don't see it exceeding a 14. I had to make a cross-category comparison to determine this range. I found this to be no worse than Sir Edward's 12, but no better than Plantation Xaymaca. Both of those had a more noticeable alcohol bite, which put the bite I thought I detected in this into perspective. I do wish this had been diluted less, as its flavor is a bit too subdued. More vibrancy would be welcome. Realistically, I believe this will end up in the 12 to 13 range. I'm inclined to rate it higher, but I strongly prefer Plantation Xaymaca's flavor explosion, which limits the rating. I think this means I should settle on a 13. It's a low 13, but a 13 nonetheless.

Aroma: grass, lemon, tangerine, banana, caramel, vanilla, sweet floral scents, mushroom, cinnamon, and a mild ethanol burn. Flavor: grass, tart apple, lemon zest, coconut, cherry, sweet floral and vegetal notes, caramel, unripe banana, pineapple, vanilla, ginger, cinnamon, with a mild to moderate alcohol bite. The finish is medium-short, featuring sweet grass, tart citrus, and ginger. The nose presents grassy and floral notes with various fruits, caramels, and vanillas. There's a subtle vegetal, earthy funk reminiscent of fresh mushrooms. The palate is a mix of sweet, sour, and grassy flavors, including unripe banana and pineapple. A zesty, gingery sensation emerges in the middle of the palate and persists through the relatively brief finish. I've included this cachaça in my rum series because it closely resembles an aged rhum agricole. The barrel aging has imparted welcome sweetness, mellowing some of the harsher aspects. While I don't love it, it's less disappointing than the Clement I reviewed previously. I rate this as upper-average, but still average.

Cachaça is my go-to for caipirinhas, though my selection is limited. Its distinct funk is unmatched by other spirits. Novo Fogo is a brand I really like. The aged expression smooths out the funky, overly ripe tropical fruit and grassy notes, introducing cinnamon and vanilla. While I favor the un-aged variety for caipirinhas, this one is still excellent. The only drawback is the cost, around $50 locally, and I wouldn't be shocked if it increases.

Slightly sweet and funky, with oak and bourbon contributing a somewhat fruity and nutty character to the spirit. It remains light and recognizable as a cachaça, and this version will enhance your cocktails with more character, much like an aged rum. It offers more body, depth, and flavor. Try it in an Old-Fashioned or as the foundation for a faux-tropical drink. Novo Fogo demonstrates considerable expertise.

A potent, aged Cachaça from Brazil, made from sugar cane juice instead of molasses, distilled in pot stills and aged in small oak casks for at least 2 years. It greets you with aromas of toffee, honey, cinnamon, and fruits, leading to a full and complex character that concludes with notes of oak and vanilla. June 2017

Sampling cachaça with friends. This is my initial try of this lovely spirit. I attempted to jot down my thoughts while sipping. Initially, it was bitter and somewhat rough. A small amount of water greatly improved it. Notes of vanilla, banana bread, and spices, with a hint of wood and a gentle, brief conclusion.