Chilean Pisco is America’s newest secret to innovative cocktails
There is a new trend taking over U.S. bars: Pisco, a force that lends itself to creativity.
Pisco is a colorless or amber colored spirit, made by distilling grape wine into a high-proof spirit. The grapes are fermented (which technically makes Pisco part of the brandy family), and then taken through a distillation process before bottling.
Due to Chilean Pisco regulations, distillers are allowed more influence over their final product, they may run the spirit through multiple distillations or barrel-age. Varieties range from mildly to highly aromatic; from abundant wood aromas to none at all, giving sophisticated consumers something to suit every taste. It can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or combined with a broad range of soft drinks, fruits, and others liquors.
Pisco is produced in the northern region of Chile, an area of great contrast, between mountain deserts and fertile valleys. The area is described as sub-desert climate but unique due to the strong Pacific influence. Providing minimal cloud coverage and no rainfall nine to ten months out the year, resulting in 300 days of sunshine and the clearest skies in the southern hemisphere.
In the U.S., the popularity of Pisco has increased exponentially in the last few years. Pisco, which can be traced back to 16th century Spanish settlers, can now be found in top restaurants cocktail menus and retail stores throughout the country. Washington, D.C. is keeping up with this trend. The growing presence of South American cuisine in the city has facilitated the entry of Pisco into the market. Restaurants such as Del Campo, China Chilcano, Toro Toro, Zengo, Mio and Rural Society are offering a variety of Pisco cocktails on their menus.
With new and exciting Piscos flooding the market, mixologists are discovering the spirit’s potential and experimenting with it, and consumers are falling in love with the results. An example is Pisco sour – the most traditional cocktail – that can be mixed with different fruits or infused herbs or flowers. The drink is a mixture of Pisco, lemon juice, simple syrup, bitters and egg whites. You get sour, bitter, sweet and refreshment: perfection for any cocktail in the world.
Some of the Chilean Pisco brands available in the US market are: Kappa (www.kappapisco.com), Waqar (www.piscowaqar.cl), Capel (www.piscocapel.cl), Aba (www.piscoaba.cl), Mistral (www.piscomistral.cl), Control C (www.piscocontrolc.com), Alto del Carmen (www.altodelcarmen.cl), Bauza (www.piscobauza.cl).
If you want to know more or are interested in discovering and experimenting with this versatile-neutral spirit, you can contact ProChile offices in Washington, DC at: prochile.eeuu@minrel.gov.cl
