Exploring Brazilian Spirits with Pedro Paiva of Alba Destilaria

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Pedro Paiva, the visionary founder of Alba Destilaria, located in the picturesque region of Monte Belo do Sul, Brazil. Pedro shared his fascinating journey into the world of distillation and the unique path he took to produce high-quality rum and other spirits in a country more traditionally known for cachaça.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Unique Locale: Situated in a renowned wine region, Pedro's distillery benefits from a unique terroir that influences the flavors of his spirits.
• Diverse Product Line: Alba Destilaria stands out as the first and only producer in Brazil to craft cane juice rums, grape brandies, and fruit distillates, showcasing a remarkable range of flavors and techniques.
• Cachaça vs. Rum: Pedro explains the key differences between cachaça and rum, and why he chose to focus on rum production.
• Natural Fermentation: The distillery prides itself on using natural fermentation processes for their sugar cane juices, a testament to their commitment to quality and authenticity.
• Brazilian Rum with a Jamaican Twist: Discover how Alba Destilaria's Brazilian rum shares similarities with the renowned rums of Jamaica, creating a unique fusion of styles.
• Aging in Local Woods: Pedro talks about the innovative use of local woods for aging his spirits, adding distinctive characteristics to their flavor profiles.
• The Role of Terroir: The importance of terroir in the rum industry is highlighted, illustrating how the environment and local conditions influence the final product.
• Brazilian GI (DOC) Regulations: We delve into the Denomination of Controlled Origin (DOC) system in Brazil and its impact on producers like Alba Destilaria.
• Small Producer Advantages: Pedro shares the benefits and challenges of being a small-scale producer in a competitive industry.
• And More: Tune in for a deep dive into the world of craft distillation and the passion that drives Alba Destilaria.

For more about Alba Destilaria, visit their Instagram page.

Recommended Cachaças to Try:

• Havana
• Cachaça Século XVIII
• Magnífica Cachaças

For additional information about Brazilian cachaça and rum makers, visit Mapa da Cachaça.

Join us for this insightful conversation and get a glimpse into the exciting world of Brazilian spirits through the eyes of a pioneering distiller.