Novo Fogo Tanager Cachaca

Novo Fogo Tanager is part of the brands Two Woods series which consist of Graciosa (aged in American Oak and Brasil Nut Wood), Colibri (American Oak and Brasilian Teak) and finally we have Tanager (American Oak and Zebrawood). Zebrawood is often referred to as Arariba. It’s all Double Dutch to me. I’m still lost as to why this is called Tanager I guess it must just be the fact the birds are common in southern Brasil.

 

Novo Fogo Tanager has been distilled in small batches on Copper Pot Stills, it has been bottled at 42% ABV.  Novo Fogo Tanager is a very interesting cachaça and one which takes a little time to get acclimatised to. The initial sweet fruity burst is more of redcurrants and blackberries, than the tropical notes on the nose. The mid palate then comes along with a really earthy, almost sandy kind of note. It’s really hard to explain, it kind of tastes like what a sandy pebbly peach smells like. Yes I know that makes little sense.Further sips reveal some more traditional cachaça notes – a slight vegetal note, especially on the finish which is long and surprisingly refreshing. A very nice warming tingle of mixed spice and ginger, is just the right side of warming to remain on the palate for a decent length of time.Also the more you sip Novo Fogo Tanager seems to add extra layers of spice and complexity to the palate. It’s a very nicely balanced spirit but it does seem to get a little hotter the more you sip! There’s a real hit of chilli by the time you get onto the third of fourth sip. Again most unusual.