Pisco Is Here In London!
Chile is synonymous with wine, however, it’s the Pisco production which dates back 500 years to the Spanish conquistadores, that has us intrigued this October. Pisco is an unaged grape brandy and the majority of Chile’s finest Pisco production comes from Northern Chile, at the base of the Atacama desert. The Chilean love it so much they pretty much drink their national production and are the biggest consumers of Peruvian Pisco!
Being Chile’s no.1 spirit, the locals mainly drink it in a Pistón (Pisco and tonic with a slice of citrus). But with the rise of Peruvian restaurants in the UK and demand for Pisco Sours, Chilean Pisco producers have also seen a huge surge in demand this year with bartenders looking for more smoothness and fruity notes to mix it in cocktails. Here’s four Piscos we recommend!
Waqar is the careful process in which innovation and 5 generations of family traditions are combined. Situated in Tulaguén at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, using only handpicked Muscat grapes, the family use modern technology combined with small batch craft distillation to produce Waqar – undoubtedly one of the best spirit exports in Chile. Featuring scents of white flowers, fresh peaches and apricots and smooth delicate finish in the mouth. The signature serve is a Waquari, a fruitful blend of Waqar, lychee liqueur with Chilean Maqui berry syrup topped with soda.
Kappa embodies the long history of luxury drinks in the Marnier Lapostole family, blended together with the magic and mysticism of the Elqui Valley in Northern Chile. The 180 years of expertise is evident throughout every step of the Kappa production process. The Pink Muscat and the Muscat of Alexandria grapes are from the sun drenched Elqui Valley – a blend of majestic desert mountains and fertile valleys. Kappa derives its name from Kappa Crucis, one of the most beautiful celestial bodies in the universe. Its signature serve, Kaparita, is a twist on a Margarita, using Kappa, fresh lime and Grand Marnier balanced with agave nectar.
Produced with reassuring attention and care from Juan Torres Master Distillers. It is nestled between the Pacific and the Andes, producing a clear and brilliant Pisco from the heart of the Limari valley. Created through an equal marriage of Rosé Muscatel and Muscat of Alexandria grape, it boasts a delicate floral scent with notes of rose and jasmine, candied citrus peels which gives way to stone fruit and pear. El Gobernador encapsulates the spirit of adventure of Northern Chile with a bottle made in homage of the first Chilean Governor of Ovalle, Filipe Margot Donaire. Its signature serve is a Doughboy Delux, a herbaceous and spicy blend of El Gobernador, yellow Chartreuse, ginger and fresh lime topped with soda.
Made from 100% Muscat grapes in Northern Chile, right in the heart of the Elqui Valley, Capel is double distilled for smoothness in a continuous batch process. A transparent and bright liquid with a soft, elegant aroma reminiscent of Zahra flowers, the mouth feel is smooth with a lime tone and medium body. Capel is an all-round white spirit, very versatile in a range of cocktails. Fantastic in a Pistón, a simple, refreshing serve enjoyed by the Chileans – a simple mix of Pisco Capel, tonic, and a grapefruit twist.
In London, Chilean Pisco can be enjoyed in numerous premium bars including Nobu, The Artesian, City Social and Aqua Shard. So what are you waiting for? Try Chilean Pisco today and see what all the fuss is about!
To purchase Chilean Pisco – visit the Whisky Exchange now!
