Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz


When asked about the celebration of National Pisco Day in Chile, Peru's Minister of Agriculture, Ismael Benavides stated, "Chileans are crying about the wound, our Pisco is superior in taste and quality".

The plans to celebrate National Pisco Day in Chile on May 15 have not been received well by many in the country, especially sine the spirit's origin has been a controversial issue between the two nations for several decades.

"Everyone in the United States told me how bad Chilean pisco tasted. It can't be compared to ours," said Minster Benavides, affirming that the characteristics of the fine Peruvian spirit could not be compared to the low quality Chilean liquor.

He added that not only was the quality of Peruvian pisco much higher but that the Andean country's government invested much more in obtaining international recognition for the origin of the spirit.

National Pisco Day is to be celebrated in La Serena, Chile - approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles) north of Santiago.

In Peru, National Pisco Day is celebrated the fourth Sunday of every July.