Chacha is a strong Georgian spirit classified as pomace brandy. It is made from grape pomace and typically has an alcohol content of 55-60%.
How it is made
Chacha is traditionally made from grape pomace, including stems and leftover skins from winemaking. In Eastern Georgia, Rkatsiteli grapes are used, while in Adjara and Abkhazia, Isabella and Kachich grapes are preferred. The pomace is fermented and distilled twice, sometimes once, resulting in a distillate of 70-80% alcohol, which is then diluted to 65% or less. Some varieties are aged in oak barrels, and in Samegrelo and Guria, a triple distillation method is used.
History
Chacha has been traditionally produced by peasants and in monasteries in Georgia. In 2011, the Georgian government obtained a patent for chacha through the National Property Registration Center of Georgia. The drink has historical significance, with reports that Joseph Stalin gifted chacha to Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt during the Yalta Conference, calling it 'the best of all vodkas.'
How it is served
Chacha is typically consumed neat, often in small glasses. In Western Georgia, it is served with sweet accompaniments, while in Eastern Georgia, it is paired with pickles. In Abkhazia, it is traditionally used as an aperitif. The spirit is also used in cocktails with fresh fruits and ice. Due to its higher alcohol content (55-60%) compared to most brandies, whiskey, and vodka, careful dosing is recommended.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Чача, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.