Alcohol and national pride go way back and form a vital relationship. When you travel the world and toast with locals, what beverage is in their hand? What arouses their patriotism? What would Scotland be after all, without Whisky? Or Belgium without beer? Or Japan without Sake for that matter? A little more steady on their feet perhaps, but less joyful, to be sure.
Down to the last drop, the best national drinks in the world pours on.
A beverage completely unique to Brazil, Cacha?a is the result of sugarcane distillation but differs from Rum in that it contains no molasses by-product. In addition, the subsequent storage is done in barrels other than oak, or at the very least in casks made from a combination of exotic, endemic wood types. This lends particular characteristics to the beverage, distinct from any other.
The principal ingredient in the classic Caipirinha cocktail, which has recently become the new Mojito among wannabe trendsters, Cacha?a has many names in Brazil, a reflection of the regional disparity of the immense nation. No matter where you travel in Brazil, because of the recent surge in Cacha?a world popularity, you are bound to encounter authentic distillery tours.
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France is the only nation in the world that produces Champagne. Yes, other regions produce wine with bubbles, we know. But only France can call it Champagne because it comes from the region with the same name. Italy has Prosecco and Spain has Cava. Champagne, however, is entirely French. Tradition, outside of France that is, calls for the consumption of Champagne at special occasions only. Madness! While some bottles are out of reach price-wise, especially for habitual weekly enjoyment, there is no hard and fast rule that prevents us from a Monday night flute of bubbly, for no particular reason at all.
Keep that in mind as you venture to the Champagne region of France, a phenomenal source of enlightenment on the beverage synonymous with class. The tours remain among the best in the world when it comes to access, scenery, edification and of course, samples. One could spend a week in the region, going from one Champagne producer to the next, and not even scratch the surface.
The most popular distilled alcoholic beverage in the world is inseparable, unimaginable, without Russia. Sure, the hip and trendy Vodka brands may come from Poland, even France, but Russia is where it began and where it shall remain synonymous with the national fabric of the country. Vodka is a symbol of cultural heritage in Russia and connects the populace from the Baltic coast to the Bering Strait, from the Arctic to the Caspian Sea.
This firewater is more than a mere ingredient to mix with a brand name energy drink in some Euro dance club. Vodka is a national emblem, a logo of sorts, that defines Russia in a bottle. Which is a bit of a problem, if you consider the high rate of alcoholism in the country. Nonetheless, if you visit Russia, most notable the region of the Urals, a Vodka distillery tour is a must. With over 1,000 brands in the country, abundance of choice is not a problem.
With a history that dates back to the Middle Ages, over 125 brewery concerns and in excess of 500 brands, Belgium is a nation with a beer fixation. Purists of the suds know that despite the proliferance of fine ales and lagers from nations like England, Ireland, Canada and Germany, Belgium is the pilgrimmage site of record for beer lovers. The sheer count of world class beers in Belgium is a source of astonishment, not to mention the incessant devotion to the ancient craft of brewery. Despite the introduction of modern methods, the Belgians still do it with authenticity. You can taste the difference.
If you visit Belgium, it can be difficult to choose a region or brewery to focus on. The big boys get all the attention of course and while they afford those shiny, neat and tidy tours that facilitate mindless tourism, try to get off the beaten path and visit a small brewery. If you plan to stay in Brussels for example, the region around the capital city and the Senne Valley has a surfeit of great Lambic beer producers. Lambic beer is the wonderful result of a unique method that depends on spontaneous fermentation from wild yeast, endemic to the areas around Brussels. No matter where you choose to spend your time, a brewery stop in Belgium is a definite must.
Before you plan your brewery tour, check out great hotel rates in Belgium.
Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Wow, nice pictures. I wish I was there
I love the Cachaca. In fact, I have a bottle right here at home and it makes for an awesome Mojito special style.