Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/504216
WHAT'S NEW 78 / the tasting panel / may 2015 ESPIRITO CACHAÇA AND BOTECO VODKA BRING BRAZILIAN CULTURE STATESIDE by Rachel Burkons / photos by Kirk Schlea W hen Zachary Baeker's sister, Jordan, headed to Brazil to teach English to schoolchildren, she fell in love with a local man, Eduardo Bispo, and when Zachary traveled to the country for the pair's wedding, Cupid's arrow struck the Baeker family twice . "Anyone's that's been fortunate enough to travel to this wonderful country understands that it's almost impossible not to become completely enamored with the culture," says Zachary. "Its energy and diversity are utterly infectious." But romantic images of exotic Brazilian nights were only half of Zachary's love story: "The first time I had a Caipirinha, I was absolutely blown away," explains the Danville, KY native. "My drinking experience had been completely molded by bourbon, the most American of spirits, and here I was, 4,000 miles away, falling in love with cachaça, something that registered on a completely different end of the spectrum." Brothers(-in-Law) of Bourbon Country and Brazil Brothers-in-law Zachary Baeker and Eduardo Bispo are the co-founders of Ambrabev. Brazilian in spirit, the packaging for both Boteco Vodka and Espirito XVI is eye-catching and vibrant.