Peter Morrell

Introducing Chilean Pisco, a Grape Brandy that is an aromatic delight

Peter Morrell reviews this delicious drink which is a pleasure to sip neat and the ideal base for cocktails

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The origins of Pisco can be traced back to the 16th century when Spanish settlers first brought grapevines to the fertile valleys of Chile. The favorable climate and diverse terroirs of Chile proved to be ideal for cultivating the grapes needed to create this unique brandy.

Chilean Pisco boasts a diverse range of flavors, reflecting the range of grape varieties and the distinctive regions in which they are grown. The Torontel grape, for example, imparts floral and fruity notes, while Muscat evokes aromatic notes of rose, clove, lemon zest, and orange blossom. The Pedro Jimenez variety brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the spirit.

Trade Association ProChile is currently unveiling the fascinating world of Chilean Pisco to the discerning palates of UK.

I have been tasting Pisco recently, starting with the spirit neat. The bouquet has heady floral aromas together with strong musk and raisin notes. On the palate there are more intense floral flavours with lemon zest and spice. The drink is very smooth, and there is a persistent aromatic finish.

Probably Chile’s most famous cocktail is the Pisco Sour. I made one with 50ml each of Pisco, lime juice, sugar syrup together with an egg white and ice. Put all the ingedients in a cocktail shaker and shake for 10 seconds. Strain into a glass and garnish with a few drops of Angostura Bitters.

Here are some more serves to try, Chilean Pisco is launching a brand new cocktail; introducing the Pisco Cerenza, a decadent, sweet cherry cocktail that serves as an ideal as a aperitivo, perfectly paired with charcuterie.

This cocktail is super easy to recreate at home and will not only impress friends and family but will immerse you in the rich Chilean heritage of Pisco.

How to make the Pisco Cerenza:

Ingredients:

  • White Pisco – 35ml
  • Red vermouth – 25ml
  • Cherry liquor – 15ml
  • Soda
  • Cubed ice
  • Maraschino cherry and slice of orange – to garnish

Method

  1. Take a lowball glass (tumbler) and add the white Pisco, Red vermouth, Cherry liquor
  2. Add cubed ice
  3. Stir
  4. Top with soda and garnish with a Maraschino cherry and a slice of orange

If cherry isn’t your vibe, why not try the Pisco Punch, a fruity little number that will make any palate sing.

How to make the Pisco Punch:

Ingredients:

  • White Pisco 50ml
  • Lemon juice 15ml
  • Pineapple juice 35ml
  • Vanilla syrup 10ml
  • Strawberry purée 10ml
  • Cubed ice
  • Lemon wedge and a raspberry – to garnish

Cocktail shaker

  1. Add all ingredients, including the ice, to a cocktail shaker
  2. Shake
  3. Pour into a lowball glass
  4. Add lemon wedge and a raspberry to garnish
About Chilean Pisco

Pisco is grown and processed only in the Atacama and Coquimbo regions, according to its Designation of Origin. Chilean Pisco’s evolution is marked by maturation. The “Pisco de guarda,” aged between six months and a year, showcases a harmonious blend of floral and honeyed undertones, delicately touched by caramel notes.

There are three Chilean Pisco brands currently available in the UK Aba, El Gobernador, Waqar which are available to buy from a variety of outlets including The Whiskey Exchange, Simply Wines Direct and Drink Finder with prices starting from £18 per bottle.

For more information, visit https://piscochile.com/en/home/

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