Hi folks, I was recently invited to celebrate Peru’s National Pisco Day at The Chanakya in New Delhi. I was excited to attend the event organised by the Embassy of Peru in New Delhi, but I had no clue what Pisco was! If you are in the same boat as me, read on to learn about this delicious Peruvian fine grape brandy.
ORIGINS OF PISCO:
South America’s first liquor was produced in Peru in the 16th century, which was used for making Pisco. The word comes from the Quechua word ‘Pisku’ which denotes a bird. In 2005, Peru received a Geographical Indication (GI) from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) for Pisco– this drink is to Peru what Champagne is to France.
Peru has the ideal agro-ecological conditions to produce the sweet grape varieties required to make Pisco. Eight varieties of grapes are produced along a 1200 km coastal strip and beautiful valleys.
WHAT MAKES PISCO STAND APART FROM OTHER DRINKS?
In order to qualify as Pisco, the liquid must be “translucent, crystalline, bright and clear, like a diamond”. Its nose must offer “clean, elegant and distinguished aromas, with fruity, floral and citrus notes.” Its flavor should be “warm, structured and balanced, fresh and with great personality and aftertaste.” (Information taken from the PR brochure).
Pisco’s signature quality is its fresh fermentation, direct and unobstructed production, and a high alcohol percentage by volume content between 40%-50%. It also must have a resting period of minimum three months before being bottled.
I tried it for the first time at the event and thoroughly enjoyed its light fruity flavour, when mixed with tonic. It went down smooth and I did not feel any burning sensation despite the high alcohol content. To be very honest, I had never tasted any alcoholic drink like it before.
HOW SHOULD YOU DRINK PISCO?
Pisco can be enjoyed straight up with mixers such as tonic water, soda or ginger ale. However, its unique flavours and aroma, high alcohol content, and smooth delivery, make it a good additive to cocktails. Some of the Peruvian favourites are:
- Pisco Punch:
A refreshing cocktail made of Pisco and Pineapple dating back to the 19th century.
- Pisco Mule:
Pisco, ice, lime juice and ginger beer are a refreshing take on the Moscow Mule. This drink was most popular in the 1940s with Hollywood’s swish set.
- Chilcano:
Pisco, ginger ale, a slice of lemon and ice is one of the most traditional and staple Pisco cocktails.
- Captain:
Pisco and vermouth make a strong drink that was favoured by the Captain of the Peruvian army in the 1920s, for which it is named.
- Blueberry Cocktail:
Pisco, ice, lime juice, cane syrup, and cranberry juice decorated with mint leaves make for a tasty drink indeed.
Pisco Cocktail.
HERE’S WHY YOU MUST TRY PISCO PERUVIAN BRANDY:
Pisco has won many international awards including the Vinalie Internationale from France and the International Wine & Spirits Competition from England. As stated earlier, it has a high alcohol content without any burn, and a fruity delicious flavor that makes it ideal for cocktails.
Having tried this delicious drink, I am now more keen than ever before to visit Peru. I can’t wait to sample new things from, learn more about and explore the culture of this fascinating country.
Have you tried Pisco yet? Or visited Peru? Tell me in the comments below!
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*This is not a sponsored post.
**Unless specified, all pictures courtesy nooranandchawla. Featured image courtesy http://www.thecraftycask.com. Copyright in the content and other pictures belongs to nooranandchawla and cannot be republished or repurposed without permission of the author. As I am a copyright lawyer by profession, infringement of any kind will invite strict legal action.
Something new to try. I wasn’t aware of this history. Will share it with my friends I am sure they will love to know more about this.
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This looks like a tempting drink, will definitely try out 🙂
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Such an informative post
Interesting Peruvian brandy story here. I am really tempted to try it. Hope I get a change to do so.
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For me its new thing but I love o try it out because of fruity flavour and no burning sensation. today I will ask my hubby, does he know about it
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I don’t drink.
But am sure those who love will have a great time reading this post.
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It looks like a great drink. Will surely recommend this to my friend who loves cocktail
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Well, I do t drink, but I am sure if you are saying then it’s definitely q great brandy brand to try out. Will share it with my friends who likes to drink brandy.
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Neither have I tried Pisco yet nor have I visited Peru. But I’ll tell you what. I am planning a trip to Peru this year and I am pretty sure I will try Pisco then 😊
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Who would have thought brandy can give champagne such tough competition. I am not a brandy person unless u consider dr brandy. Rum is more like me but this post has intrigued me and I wish to try pisco
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Have heard and read a lot about Pisco. Understand that it is synonymous with Peru. It does look really welcoming and refreshing.
Yes it is 🙂
This looks absolutely amazing, would love to try
Thanks
Oh la la… This just fits perfectly well to try this monsoon season when it’s cold and mind itching for something new to try out! 😉
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So now we have an option beyond wine and going by your review , it’s definitely worth a try … Just curious , are they available in South Delhi ?
Yes they are 🙂
Hey Noor.. You are looking fabulous.. I’m.not a big fan of Beandy though:) lol… glad you has a great time…!
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I don’t drink and that’s why have no idea about it. Your description and pictures look great and would be interesting for those who drink.
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Seems like a new drink to me as I have heard about it for the first time. However, your review and post is so compelling and definitely inspiring me to try this once.
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It looks like a must try drink looks refreshing and amazing. I would definetely love to try this drink sometime.
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Well, I had not known about Pisco before. It was good to know about a new drink. I would definitely love to try out Pisco Punch and the Blueberry Cocktail!
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Wow, I’ve learned so much about Pisco Peruvian Brandy through this post of yours. I really need to try it soon now, very well explained I must say
Thanks!
High alcohol content and doesn’t burn? And has a great flavor? Wow! I would love to try this! I had no idea about it before… Thank you for sharing!
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Well I am not a near brandy lover but this peruvian brandy looks to be a must try. Thanks for sharing this information about this drink
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I am a cocktail person, and now I am so tempted going through those recipes. Though I prefer my brandy neat, but those cocktail recipes seems worth a try.
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This post would interest the people who love brandy. You have shared a great history about it. Sharing it with my friends.
Thank you!
You have given a detailed information about it. Good that it has fruity flavor and is not very strong.
i never heard about Pisco earlier. Your blog make me feel to try it out. Thanks for informative blog about it
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It seems to be a very interesting drink. I feel like taste it 😍 I hope I get a chance asap
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I don’t have brandy dear but I found your post so interesting. Hubby dear will sure love to try this
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Amaze by the history associated with the Pisco Peruvian brandy. Seems you have great time enjoying this cocktail.
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This looks like a refreshing drink. Pisco and blueberry cocktail sounds fun. I am going to share this with a friend of mine, he absolutely enjoys Pisco brandy . Thanks for shaing
http://www.zenithbuzz.in
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I am sure this must be great one…I really don’t drink Brandy…but will share with my hubby he will sure enjoy this!!
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I am majorly a non alcoholic person. I may enjoy a glass of bubbly though once in a blue moon!
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Even a drink has history…thanks for throwing light on it..i dont drink but ill share with my freinds who will love to try it
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Have always heard about brandy in terms of it being a cure for cold 😉 Haven’t tried it ever but this one makes me want to try it out.
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I don’t drink anything except wine but I am sure all my friends who drink would love to know about this one. Nice post.
Utpal Khot
Thanks!
I never knew we have so many beverages and the history behind them, thankz for introducing them.
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I’m a non drinker, but this drink sounds awesome for alcohol lovers, would recommend to few of my friends.
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High alcohol content without any burn? And fruity flavor? Wow! That’s amazing! Seems like a great drink!
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I love trying out new cocktails and this one seems so interesting. I’ll definitely try to get my hands on this one and share my experience with you!
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This drink sounds really a delicious option.i like the cocktail recipes…would love to try it out.
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I am certainly missing out on this ! It’s been really long I had a brandy. The drink I only prefer to beat the cold weather! Got to try this soon 🙂
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No I didnt try this out but after reading this post, I will definitely go for it. The bottle looks so classy! Loved it.
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Wow that’s fantastic, I like how you research and share such details. I do not drink, so I have no clue about any drink. Glad I got to know about brandy.. Lol!!
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