Pisco

Pisco is an alcoholic brandy drink made with the distillation of certain varieties of grapes, such as Albilla, Italia, Moscatel and Torontel, which are aromatic. Non-aromatic strains are also used, which leave a marked and subtle flavour, such as Mollar, Negra Criolla, Quebranta and Uvina.
It takes the name of Pisco from a word from the Quechua “pishgu”, which means little bird or bird because of the large number of birds that reside in the valleys of Pisco, Ica and Nazca. Also named «Piskos» are the clay containers where this drink was stored, and it took the same name with the passing of time.
Pisco is a flagship product where the fermented juice of the grapes is distilled in copper stills under traditional practices and then stored in clay pots and buried so that the aromas and flavours are accentuated. The degree of alcohol in Pisco can vary between 38 and 48 percent.
There are four varieties of Piscos:
– Pure Pisco: unique for its fine distillation and obtained from a single grape variety. It can be made from aromatic or non-aromatic strains and has complex flavours in the mouth.
– Mosto Verde Pisco: made from the distillation of musts (squeezed grape juice) that have not finished their fermentation process. This pisco presents a great variety of aromas.
– Pisco Acholado: It comes from a mixture of different grape varieties; it is a «blended» pisco with a lot of scent and flavour. It is ideal for the preparation of Pisco Sour.
– Aromatic Pisco: made with varieties of aromatic grapes, which provide a range of aromas of flowers and fruits; They are ideal piscos for cocktails.

The pisco sour is a national drink with as ingredients: Pisco (Acholado), simple syrup, egg white, lemon juice and ice; If you like, you can use a few drops of Angostura bitters as a compliment. Ideal at any time.
Another drink is the “Chicano de pisco”, which is very refreshing and easy to prepare; you need pisco, ginger ale and lemon juice; if you like, you can add a little gum syrup.
In southern Peru, we have a Pisco route where we visit traditional vineyards, taste the different types of pisco and learn more about this drink and wines of the region.
If you are interested in knowing more write to us. Salud!

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