Pisco is the Peruvian national spirit, it has one of the 10 Peruvian denominations of origin protection, so it is a very specific product, to be called Pisco:
- It has to be produced in a specific region that includes the coastal areas of Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Moquegua, and the Locumba, Sama, and Caplina valleys in Tacna.
- It can be made only using specific grape varieties, Quebranta (the most common), Italia, Negra Criolla, Mollar, Alvilla, Torontel, Uvina, and Moscatel, which are also known as “patrimonial grapes.”
- It is a simple distillation of fermented grape juice; it’s not allowed to ferment by-products in the difference of grape, orujo, or other grape spirits.
- Once distilled, it can be found in three different styles:
- Mosto Verde (green or unripe must): it is produced with uncomplete fermentation of the grape juice, meaning it needs more grapes to produce the same quantity of the spirit.
- Pisco puro (pure): a monovarietal pisco, meaning it is a single grape spirit.
- Acholado (blended): a blend of pisco grapes that can be made by mixing the grapes during fermentation or after the distillation; it is the pisco master’s loose interpretation of his brand.
All of the prior creates a high-quality spirit that is clear, bright, and aromatic. It expresses the flavors of the land and connects us with the heart of Peru.
There’s art in Pisco, and our friends at Belmond Miraflores Park know it; they have designed an experience of art and Pisco. It begins with a tour of the hotel’s art collection, enjoying the
different abstract paintings of Peruvian artist Mateo Liébana while learning about his history and the creativity behind each work.
Once the art seduces you, the tour ends at Tragaluz, their flagship restaurant, where the recent World Class Finalist and award-winning head bartender Fiorella Larrea leads the team to create unique cocktails.
Here you will receive an introduction to Pisco, its history, and its versatility of uses, and you will have a fun Pisco Sour class.
IN THE KNOW: You can personalize the tour if you are looking for a specific experience; the art and pisco experience is offered daily for a minimum of 2 people; it takes 1 hour, and the price per person is around 39 USD. You can book it in advance with the hotel concierge. To plan your next visit go to travelinginperu.com
