Pisco is a vibrant and aromatic grape brandy that captures the spirit of South America, especially Peru and Chile, where it has been crafted for centuries. Known for its smooth texture, floral aroma, and versatility in cocktails, this distinctive spirit is made by distilling fermented grape juice into a pure, flavorful brandy. We’ll explore more about pisco in this article, let’s check it out!
What Is Pisco?
Pisco is a grape brandy, a distilled spirit made from fermented grape juice, produced in Peru and Chile. Unlike many brandies, pisco often retains bright, floral, and fruity character because of the grape varieties and minimal aging.
Its alcohol content (ABV) usually falls somewhere in a range (often ~ 33 %–50 %) depending on national rules.
Grapes Used to Make Pisco
One of the most interesting things about pisco is that its character changes a lot depending on the grape used. The rules differ between Peru and Chile, so let’s explore both:
1. Peruvian Grapes
Peru allows only eight grape varieties for pisco production, divided into aromatic (Italia, Torontel, Albilla, Moscatel) and non-aromatic (Quebranta, Mollar, Negra Criolla, Uvina) types.
Each brings its own character, Quebranta adds body and soft fruit notes, while aromatic grapes like Italia and Torontel offer floral, citrusy, and fragrant complexity.
2. Chilean Grapes
Chile is more flexible in allowed grape types. Many Chilean piscos are based on Muscat varieties (such as Muscat, Moscatel de Alexandria, or related Muscat types) and may also include other grape varieties permitted by Chile’s regulations.
Because Chile allows more varietals and blending, the flavor palette tends to be broader in some expressions.
Where Pisco Comes From?
Pisco’s origins date back to the colonial era, when Spanish settlers brought European grapevines to South America and began distilling wine into brandy. The spirit took its name from the Peruvian port town of Pisco, where early distillation and storage took place using clay vessels also called “piscos.”
Over the centuries, both Peru and Chile developed their own distinct pisco traditions, each with specific methods and regional identities. Today, both nations protect pisco as a product of origin, meaning it can only be produced within certain geographic zones.
Differences Between Peruvian and Chilean Pisco
Because Peru and Chile have distinct rules for how pisco is made, many contrasts emerge here are key differences:
1. Peruvian Pisco
Peruvian Pisco is made through a single distillation process only, it’s never redistilled. This helps preserve the natural aromas and flavors of the grapes.
No water or other additives may be added after distillation. The spirit is bottled at its natural distillation proof, making it a pure expression of the grape.
For this type, aging in wood is not allowed. Instead, Peruvian pisco rests in inert containers such as glass, stainless steel, or ceramic for a few months to stabilize its character.
Color and appearance is typically clear or very pale yellow, showing the unaltered essence of the grape. Production is also tightly regulated, only eight designated grape varieties can be used, and blending outside those varieties or using additives is prohibited.
2. Chilean Pisco
Distillation for Chilean Pisco Can be distilled more than once, producing a smoother but sometimes less aromatic spirit. Distillers are allowed to add water to adjust the alcohol content before bottling.
Chilean Pisco’s aging in wooden barrels (American oak, French oak, or raulí wood) is permitted, adding color, complexity, and subtle flavor notes.
Color and appearance for this drink is often amber or golden-hued, depending on the wood used for aging. Regulations are more flexible, a wider range of grape varietals is permitted, and blending is common, offering a broader diversity of styles.
How Pisco Is Made (Production Process)
Some of you may be curious about how pisco is made. Here is a further explanation:
1. Grape Harvest & Pressing
Grapes are harvested (often fully ripe), pressed to extract juice, and the must (juice) is fermented into wine.
2. Fermentation
The grape juice ferments until sugars turn into alcohol, forming a wine-like base. In the case of Mosto Verde, distillation may begin before fermentation fully completes.
3. Distillation
The wine is distilled in copper pot stills (alembic style). In Peru, distillation is only done once and no further distillation or dilution allowed. In Chile, multiple distillations may occur, and water may be added later.
4. Resting / Aging
- In Peru, after distillation, the pisco rests (at least ~3 months) in inert containers (glass, ceramic, stainless) without interacting with wood.
- In Chile, pisco can be aged in wooden barrels (oak or raulí) which impart color and flavor. Also there may be blending across batches.
5. Bottling
The spirit is bottled at the required proof (alcohol strength) according to national regulations. No additives (such as color, sugar, or other spirits) are allowed under Peruvian rules.
How to Drink Pisco
Pisco is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails. When sipped on its own, it’s best served plain or with a splash of water or ice to open up its aromas.
Using a tulip or snifter glass enhances the experience, especially with aromatic varieties like those made from Muscat or Italia grapes, which offer a beautifully fragrant and smooth taste.
Must Try Pisco!
If you’re ready to experience the smooth, aromatic charm of this South American spirit, make sure to buy high-quality pisco and while you’re at it, explore other fine brandy and cognac selections to expand your palate. You can easily find a curated collection of premium bottles at Minuman.com, Indonesia’s most trusted online liquor store.
Minuman.com offers 100% authentic, high-quality products sourced directly from official distributors, ensuring every bottle you order is genuine and safely delivered to your door.
With a wide range of international and local brands, convenient online shopping, and reliable service, Minuman.com makes discovering and enjoying world-class spirits from Pisco to Cognac easier and more enjoyable than ever. Buy high quality cognac and pisco only at Minuman.com!
