Cafuza
Serra de Três Pontas Cervejaria Artesanal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cafuza is one of many points in the Brazilian beer revolution which shows an increased influence from American beer culture. In Portuguese, Cafuza refers to a mixed race involving Native (South) American and Negro blood, a brilliant word to describe the blend of Imperial Stout and 110 IBU Imperial India Pale Ale. I was fortunate not only to receive a bottle, but from the hands of the brewers Bruno, João, and Luciano. Muito obrigado pelos presentes!!! From a 310 ml bottle, on to the beer:

The beer pours thick black into a tulip, settling into an obsidian color and topped with a tanned creamy head which whips webbed lacing around the glass. Increasing the anticipation is a strong aroma. There's something to be said about that lovely roasted coffee backbone, which shines just enough so an assault of citrusy hops can give hop-starved consumers the hop rush they need.

For a beer of such a high IBU rating (110), Cafuza doesn't come off as "bitter". Instead, it's a tidal wave after tidal wave of citrusy flavor, primarily in the form of bitter grapefruit juice and a variety of vague citrus flavors. Sitting below the hop levels is that lovely malt base, which brings roasted coffee and semi-sweet chocolate notes. Although it doesn't leave the palate with a bitter aftertaste, the overall intensity of the beer is enough to decimate one's palate. But when the thick, rich body of the beer is not only silky smooth but sticks around, you're willing to make a small sacrifice.

Cafuza is a game changer in the world of Brazilian beer. Although I've enjoyed some hoppy beers out of Brazil, Cafuza is easily the most straight-out hoppiest of the batch (we'll see how Invicta 1000 IBU tastes in the future). Brazilians clamoring for their version of Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous have it (and honestly, the two beers share very similar characteristics). If you can find it, get it.