Pisco
SpiritsEditorial draft
Pisco is a grape spirit from Peru and Chile, both of which claim it as their own. Peruvian pisco is aromatic and bottled without wood aging.
How to describe it to a guest
Pisco is a grape spirit from Peru and Chile; this one is very aromatic, with floral and fresh-grape notes.
Origin
It arose in the colonial Viceroyalty of Peru; today Peru and Chile each have their own regulations.
Production
In Peru, fermented grape must is distilled once to bottling strength, with no added water and no barrel aging. In Chile, dilution with water and wood aging are allowed.
Flavor
Fresh grape, flowers, citrus and fruit; aromatic styles are very perfumed.
Styles
- Puro
- From a single grape variety, such as Quebranta or Italia.
- Acholado
- A blend of varieties.
- Mosto Verde
- Distilled before fermentation finishes; silkier.
How to serve it
- GlasswareRocks glass
- TemperatureRoom temperature or slightly chilled.
- For sipping, a small tasting glass.
Pairings
- Ceviche
- Tiraditos
- Empanadas
Reading the label
- Acholado
- Pisco made from a blend of grapes.
- Mosto Verde
- Distilled from incompletely fermented must.
- Denominación de Origen
- Peru and Chile each protect the name in their territories under different rules.
Sources
- The Oxford Companion to Spirits & Cocktails
Updated October 20, 2026