Aguardente bagaceira

Aguardente bagaceira is a clear and colorless Portuguese spirit distilled from grape pomace—the skins and pulps left as a by-product of winemaking. It is made by winemakers, but it is mostly produced in rural areas as a type of rustic drink that is not intended for commercial production.

Aguardente bagaceira can vary in quality, depending on the distillation and the base ingredient. The best examples should be powerful but with a smooth, warming finish and a fruity grape aroma. The distillate is sometimes aged to produce a softer, mellower style known as bagaceira velha.

Aguardente bagaçeira is usually enjoyed neat, preferably as a digestif. The local tradition is to add a splash of aguardente to espresso, making the popular café com cheirinho. It can also be used as a cooking ingredient. The alcohol content is typically around 40% ABV.