Leblon Cachaça Hosts “Legalize Cachaça” Campaign at The Doheny

 

Ever heard of Mexican whiskey or French brandy? Actually you might not recognize them by their past nicknames, but after campaigning for a legal distinct name, you know them today as tequila and cognac. Today, cachaça (pronounced ka-SHAH-sa) makers are working to remove the Brazilian rum moniker to replace it with the accurate name of cachaça. One of the world’s largest distributors of cachaca, Leblon Cachaça, has launched their “Legalize Cachaça” campaign with their first stop in the U.S in Los Angeles at Cedd Moses’ downtown Doheny Bar.

Master Distiller, Gilles Merlet

During the “Legalize Cachaça” event, Leblon Cachaça’s Master Distiller, Gilles Merlet met on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 with industry professionals and media to discuss and further educate about Leblon Cachaça by showcasing the Maison Leblon replica of their Brazil distillery. He walked the attendees through the process of distilling Leblon cachaça with a mini, portable Maison Leblon.  Merlet expertly demonstrated the cutting and pressing of fresh cut sugarcane to the fermentation process, the Alambic distillation and finally the bottling of Leblon cachaça from a copper pot still.  The guest sampled freshly distilled cachaça and were delighted by the taste.

“We are excited to have Gilles in the U.S. With Rio on the mind, and the legalization of  cachaça close to becoming its own appellation in the US, Gilles’ visit could not be more timely,” said Daniel K. Nelson from the Doheny.

Taking Cachaça to New Heights

Master mixologist, Daniel K. Nelson of the Doheny, kept the Leblon flowing with four different kinds of cocktails to demonstrate its versatility.  The Flor de Coco, Guava Lava, the classic Caipirinha (pronounced kai-pur-EEN-ya), and Ode to Jazz drinks kept the media and bar industry happily chatting and signing petitions to legalize cachaça. Riviera Restaurant served hors d’oeuvres of cocktail shrimp, ham and dessert flan.

Here are Nelson’s recipes for your own Legalize Cachaca party:

Flor De Coco

2 Large table spoons of Coconut puree , 1/2 of a fresh squeezed Lime, 1.5 oz. Leblon, top with Champagne

Leblon Caip

1.5 oz of Sugar cane juice, 1.5 oz Leblon, 1/2 of a fresh squeezed Lime

Guava Lava

2 Large Table spoons of Guava puree, 1/2 fresh squeezed Lime, 1 oz Taylor’s Velvet Falernum, 1.5 oz. Leblon, Black pepper garnish

Ode to Jazz

1.5 oz. of Leblon, top with Thai Coffee, shred White chocolate to top cocktail

 

Hollywood Loves Leblon

Not only is Leblon making a splash with mixologists in the most trendy bars and restaurants on both coasts, Hollywood celebrities are happily becoming fans as well. It was most recently found in the hands of Kat Von D and Michael Madsen at the movie premiere of The Bleeding last week.  A host of celebrities and up and coming actors in attendance at the premiere and after-party at Hyde Lounge enjoyed spicy Leblon caipirinhas throughout the night.

Here is the recipe for the cocktail Kat Von D was sipping on:

Bell Pepper and Jalapeno Caipirinha

2 1/2  oz Leblon
1 oz  oz Agave
1 slice of Red Bell Pepper
1 slice of Yellow Pepper
1 slice of Jalapeno (seeds removed)

Sliced pieces of Red and Yellow Bell Pepper, one slice each, sliced Long ways, Agave syrup, small slice of jalapeño, Leblon.  Muddle peppers, jalapeño and Agave, add ice, and Leblon and strain into a highball glass with a slice of each red and yellow pepper as garnish.

 

About Leblon Cachaça

Leblon is an ultra-premium cachaça produced at the Maison Leblon in Minas Gerais, Brazil.  The rum-like spirit, the most award-winning cachaça on the market, is made from fresh pressed Brazilian sugar cane that is then rested in cognac casks and blended to create superior complexity and taste. Cachaça is the main ingredient in the Caipirinha (pronounced kai-pur-EEN-ya), the national cocktail of Brazil.  Leblon is the leading luxury Cachaça in high-end establishments and a Four-Time Gold Medal Award Winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Best in Class at the Rum Experience International Tasting Competition – London.  Leblon is available in all 50 U.S. states and cultural capitals around the world such as Sao Paulo, London, Paris, and Bangkok. For more information, visit www.leblon.com

Photo credit: Leigh Hopkins