Abelha is made with love in the heart of Bahia, Brazil, in the small town of Rio de Contas a singular place with powerful historic, natural, and cultural heritage. The story of Abelha is so dynamic, it is difficult to sum of in just a few words. The distillery is a single estate, family operation headed by Marcos and Leide Vaccaro.
Marcos coordinates all production, from the cane field to pot still and he is constantly seeking out ways to improve their organic farming and distillation methods. At 1,200 meters altitude, their land is ideal for Cachaa production, as the temperature differential between day and night produces sugar cane that retains an abundance not only of natural sugars, but other organic compounds and acids that add to its natural complexity. Marcos is one of the regions leading proponents of organic farming. His fazenda (farm) produces not only the exceptional sugar cane used for Cachaa, but he also cultivates fruit orchards and a coffee plantings.
All farm waste is reused in some way and recycled. The vehicles and tractors on the farm are powered on the by-products from the distillate and Abelha is always look to improve organic technologies and infrastructure where possible.
The Vaccaros are also committed to supporting the Rio De Contas community by building partnerships and improving organic farming technologies & techniques of their neighbours’ farms by teaching and helping them get certified by the Instituto BioDynamico (Brazils Official Organic Association). Once certified, the neighbouring farmers can also help supply the distillery with organic sugar cane at a fair price, with the goal of increasing demand for organically farmed sugar cane to the benefit of all local farmers. But Abelha doesnt stop there. They also support the local Rio De Contas Foundation, and the upkeep of the Chapada Diamantina, a Brazilian national park so locals and tourists can appreciate the regions natural beauty for years to come. The production of Abelha has always and will always be entirely focused on improving local farmers living standards and the sustainability of their lands.
The Cane is grown 100% organically in the National Park of Chapada Diamantina in Bahia, northern Brazil. The Master Distiller Marcos Vaccaro chose a traditional method of production, and the result is a full-flavoured artisanal Cachaha with an intense fruity nose, fresh sugarcane taste and a creamy mouthfeel.
Abelha 3 year old is a gold Cachaa made in Bahia at the north of Brazil. It’s distilled from sugarcane which is processed on the day of cutting and is certified organic.
Tasting Notes
Nose:Rich fruity & herby with an aromatic honey, ripe tropical fruits, roasted agave strangely, a creamy edge with some golden honeycom.
Palate:Black pepper, tangy citrus, ripe stone fruit and custard. Peppery.