Cachaça Velho Barreiro Tradicional

Pretty good considering how cheap it is. I've tried a number of agricoles by now, but this is my first cachaca, and basically all my impressions of it are relative to agricole rum. The nose is sugarcane. To me it's pretty much just sugar. It's more syrupy, if that makes sense, than an agricole aroma, and it's also softer, more rounded, kind of creamy. It's also not as punchy as most agricoles, and lacks the second layer of tropical-fruit notes I get from those. It does have a faint second layer, almost of plastic, or an artificial sugar like vanilla frosting on store-bought cupcakes. That's not to say it's bad. Overall it's very nice. But it's not exactly the nature-in-a-glass feel I get from agricole. Likewise the palate is kind of a toned-down agricole. The overall impression is of sugar-water. Later there's a bit of honey and something almost grainy, like a smooth and gentle Irish whiskey. Towards the end that artificial/plastic note comes back and lends a bit of bitterness to the finish. It's not complex but it's very pleasant. Overall, like the aroma, the taste is less packed with bursting, popping flavors than agricole, but the base sugarcane flavor is there. I made some caipirinhas but I enjoy it just as much in a "cachaca punch" (like a ti punch with cachaca instead of agricole). On its own, that plasticky bit tempers the enjoyment a bit, but it's still quite drinkable. With some lime and sugar it's totally solid. If I had tasted this without knowing what it was, I surely would have thought it was agricole blanc, and even now given some time away from it I might think the same. All in all I wouldn't say it's as good as any of the agricoles I've had, but let's not forget this cost $16 for a liter. That's a solid 30% less than the cheapest agricole I know of. For making caipirinhas or fake ti punches, that is worth it. I may buy again. I'm also interested in trying out other cachacas to see how they differ.

Rich fresh sweet taste in this cachaca, together with reasonable price tag, makes this one almost unbeatable binge drinking Caipirinha master. If you need great Caipirinha mixer, this is your guy.

This has became the official liquor for my boat. Like a margarita all grown up. A little lime, some sugar…. Shake until too cold to hold and pour. Amazing.

I can't help it, but I love this cachaça, absolutely lovely, just stunning on the nose, and simply the best value at this price.

Works for drinks. Too sweet, some floral, a little bit spice at the end

For the price, recommended. Funky, in a good way.