Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

I'm a Pisco Sour Kinda Guy

by Justin Giza on Jul 1, 2011 in Liquor
I'm a Pisco Sour Kinda Guy

Photo courtesy of Manuel González Olaechea y Franco via Wikimedia Commons.

This week, we’re going to briefly examine a liquor that’s been making its way through the States steadily over the past few years – pisco.

A staple of Peruvian drinking culture, this is a strong, colorless grape brandy that was developed by Spanish settlers around the 16th century. While natives of Peru hold it close to their heart (while sipping delicious pisco sours), there are also many Chilean varieties of pisco available as well.

Pisco was a popular drink several centuries back, especially among sailors. Its cheap production cost meant wide availability, and in the 1600’s it was one of Peru’s top exports, rivaling wine in production quantity.

Peruvian Pisco is distilled using freshly fermented grape juice in copper pot stills. As is the case with wine or many other spirits, several different varieties exist: Pure, Aromatic, Mosto Verde, and Acholado. These all describe the varieties and quantities of different grapes used in each batch of pisco. Pure notes that it is from a single grape variety, Aromatics are typically made from Muscat, Mosto Verde is distilled from partially fermented grape must, and Acholado is a blend of several grapes.

Just as many battles were fought over what makes a whisky specifically a “scotch,” and what makes bourbon a proper bourbon, such is the same fate of pisco. Peru and Chile have debated for years over the rightful “ownership” of pisco. Peru claims that only manufacturers in Peru have the right to call their spirit pisco, and have even gone as far as to ban all pisco imports from Chile.

The battle may rage on, but in the meantime y’all should probably track down a bottle and try making yourself one of these delicious beauties.

Pisco Sour

* 2 fl oz Pisco
* 1 fl oz Lime juice
* 3/4 fl oz Simple syrup
* 1 Egg white
* 1 dash Bitters

Shake all ingredients, or blend with ice and strain into a glass. The bitters are intended as an aromatic garnish on top of the pisco sour foam. Simple and delicious!


Justin is the Editor for Drink Philly. He is an avid craft liquor/beer enthusiast, as well as a self-proclaimed "food-adventurer." When he's not with the Drink Philly team, he's off video-gaming or moonlighting as a nerdly hip-hop artist.

justin@philly.thedrinknation.com, @zillapersona


Related Articles:

Soju For You!
Mead is a Magical Thing

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Inflation Hits PA Wine & Spirits with 4% Price Increase Across 3,500 Products

Inflation Hits PA Wine & Spirits with 4% Price Increase Across 3,500 Products

The PLCB, announced that a 4% price increase would go into effect on 3,554 of its most popular wine and spirit...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Jan 9, 2023
Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2019

Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2019

Whether it's to enjoy the first warm breezes of spring or the unexpected sunshine of a crisp day in fall, Philadelphia is full of great places to drin...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 11, 2019
The Philly Distiller Who Got Laid Off and Moved to Hawaii to Make Gin

The Philly Distiller Who Got Laid Off and Moved to Hawaii to Make Gin

In this segment we speak to Olivia Babiec, the former Philadelphia Distiller who moved to Hawaii to make gin...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Jan 5, 2023
SPONSORED
The Best Cocktail Bars in Philadelphia

The Best Cocktail Bars in Philadelphia

Here it is - the definitive list of Philadelphia's best cocktail bars....read more ›

by Drink Philly Dec 13, 2017
Bars & Restaurants that Host Private Events in Philadelphia

Bars & Restaurants that Host Private Events in Philadelphia

Holidays, birthdays, weddings, or any private event - Philadelphia has you covered...read more ›

by Drink Philly Dec 5, 2022
Where to Celebrate Philly Cider Week 2022, October 23-30

Where to Celebrate Philly Cider Week 2022, October 23-30

The fourth annual Philadelphia Cider Week is being celebrated from Sunday, October 23 through Sunday, October 30...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Oct 21, 2022
Enjoy Fall Weather & PA Ciders in a Historic Setting at CiderFest, October 15 & 16

Enjoy Fall Weather & PA Ciders in a Historic Setting at CiderFest, October 15 & 16

Fall is here and what better way to celebrate than at CiderFest at the historic Woodford Mansion in Fairmount ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Oct 13, 2022
WitchCraft: Halloween Themed Beer Fest in the Middle of the NJ Woods Returns October 14 & 15

WitchCraft: Halloween Themed Beer Fest in the Middle of the NJ Woods Returns October 14 & 15

The team behind the Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival have conjured up a spellbinding event - WitchCraft - a...read more ›

by Jessie Donofrio Oct 12, 2022
LMNO: An Inside Look at Their 'Choose Your Own Adventure' Cocktail Menu

LMNO: An Inside Look at Their 'Choose Your Own Adventure' Cocktail Menu

Fishtown has a new Baja Mexican destination for tequila and mezcal fans...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 14, 2022
Behind the Bar: Bartender Barry (Johnson)

Behind the Bar: Bartender Barry (Johnson)

In this installment of Behind the Bar, we sit down with Barry Johnson, better known as "Bartender Barry" of Instagram and as cocktail catering special...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 9, 2022
SPONSORED
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close