By Kada Travel
You might be thinking, βPisco Sour, of course. Had it a bunch of times.β
And sure, itβs a classic. But if youβre here, itβs probably because you know that the best things are often found in the details β and thereβs a whole lot more to discover about this South American spirit.
So pour yourself a glass (if you have one nearby), and let us show you why pisco deserves your full attention.
First Things First: What Is Pisco?
Pisco is a grape-based spirit made in Peru and Chile. Yes, both countries claim it β and both versions are absolutely worth exploring.
What you should know:
- Itβs not rum, not brandy, and definitely not your average liquor.
- Itβs a cultural icon, crafted with care, tradition, and a variety of native grapes.
Fun fact:
In Peru, pisco is distilled in copper pot stills and never diluted β itβs 100% pure spirit.
In Chile, it can be blended with purified water and aged in barrels, which gives it a different profile.
So, Which One Is Best?
The million-dollar question.
But like everything in life, the βbestβ depends on how you like to enjoy it.
In Peru, youβll find:
- Puro: made from a single grape variety, like quebranta or italia. Best for sipping neat.
- Acholado: a blend of different grapes. Balanced, complex, versatile.
- Mosto Verde: distilled before all the sugar is fermented, creating a silky, aromatic spirit (and a premium price tag).
In Chile, pisco is classified mainly by alcohol content:
- Corriente: 30Β°
- Especial: 35Β°
- Reservado: 40Β°
- Gran Pisco: 43Β° or more
Thereβs no single βbestβ β just the one thatβs right for you.
How Should You Drink Pisco?
Thatβs the fun part β thereβs no one way to do it.
Yes, the Pisco Sour is the crown jewel. And when itβs made well? Itβs magic:
pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and ice.
But thereβs more beyond the classic.
1. Neat or on the rocks
Perfect for purists. Sip a high-quality pisco to discover its fruity, floral, or earthy notes.
2. In cocktails (lots of them)
- Chilcano (Peru): pisco + ginger ale + lime.
- Piscola (Chile): pisco + Coke + ice. Super simple, wildly popular.
- Pisco Tonic: pisco + tonic water + citrus twist. Refreshing and classy.
3. In the kitchen
Yep β pisco plays well with food too. Think desserts, sauces, ceviche pairings, strong cheeses, even dark chocolate.
Expert Tips for Choosing Good Pisco
- Read the label.
Does it say where itβs from? What grapes were used? The more detail, the better. - Check the alcohol content.
Good pisco should warm, not burn. Look for smoothness and aroma. - Look for origin seals.
Real pisco from Peru or Chile carries a denomination of origin β it matters. - Ask questions.
Whether youβre at a bar or visiting a distillery, ask about their favorites. Some boutique producers will blow you away.
You Deserve a Toast with a Story
Because pisco isnβt just a drink β itβs a living tradition, distilled history, and a reflection of the land and people behind it.
When you choose to drink it right, youβre choosing to connect with valleys where the grapes grow, the artisans who craft it, and the generations who made it a cultural treasure.
Just like a great trip, itβs not only about the destination β itβs about how it makes you feel.
Ready for a Pisco-Fueled Adventure?
At Kada Travel, we design custom culinary and wine routes across Ica, Moquegua, Elqui, LimarΓ and beyond.
Think private tastings, mixology classes with local experts, and visits to hidden distilleries.
If you want to taste pisco the right way, weβll take you there.
Liked this guide? Share it with someone youβd clink a Pisco Sour with.
And for more travel stories (with a splash of flavor), subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on socials.
We only share whatβs worth your time.
With love (and a toast in hand),
The Kada Travel Team
