Brazilian Invasion at Miami Rum Festival

The spirit producers of Brazil are planning a Miami invasion. The DoubleTree by Hilton Miami Airport Convention Center is the focus of this invasion scheduled for April 15-17 to celebrate the national cane spirit of Brazil: Cachaça.

Don't call it rum. It's not made from molasses. Cachaça (pronounced kah-SHAH-sah) is fermented and distilled fresh cane juice. Like other Brazilians, it's a bit sassy and wild, built for fun and easily accessible to those that appreciate the true spirit of cane.

While most rums are distilled to 85 to 95% pure alcohol, Cachaça is typically distiled to only 38 to 48%, leaving behind more of the natural flavors of cane in the distillate. The United States officially recognizes the category of Cachaça as a product unique to Brazil.

Although there are no precise records as to the actual site where Cachaça was first distilled, historians and researchers believe it was distilled at a sugar mill located on the coast of Brazil sometime between 1516 and 1532.

With a robust campaign entitled "Taste The New Cachaça Taste Brasil," ten brands are teaming up to "invade America" by showing American rum enthusiasts and professionals their best cane spirits at the upcoming Miami Rum Renaissance Festival and Trade Expo.

Carlos Lima is the Executive Director of the Brazilian Institute of Cachaça (IBRAC). "With more than a thousand producers in Brasil, many of which are small, regional artisan operations, the world is discovering Cachaça as a fascinating spirit unique to Brasil. We're coming to Miami to share our enthusiasm, our passion and our skill in producing the very best cane spirits."

Among the brands and expressions participating are Destom 1000 Montes Amendoim, Dona Beja Sarau Reserva Especial, Germana Desde 1912, Meia Lua Azul, Middas, Novo Fogo Barrel Aged, Sebastiana Double Barrel, Velho Barreiro Diamond, Weber Haus Premium Black and Werneck Ouro.

The Miami Rum Renaissance Festival and Trade Expo is a global gathering of rum professionals and consumers held for three days in mid-April at the DoubleTree Airport Convention Center. Tickets are available online in advance, but not at the door.

In addition to exhibiting products to consumers and the trade, Mr. Carlos Lima will be presenting a seminar entitled: "Cachaça: Brasil In A Bottle" at 3pm Saturday and Sunday, April 16 and 17.

For more information, visit the web site at http://www.MiamiRumFest.com