Origin of Pisco
Whenever Pisco is mentioned, so is adulteration. This reminds me that it not only affects this distilled beverage but also many other alcoholic beverages. Since the sixteenth century, in Peru, "mojoneros" or tasters have been responsible for preventing adulteration, initially of wines and later taking care of our Pisco National Cultural Heritage and others recognized in the industry.
What should we do to avoid buying adulterated products if we want quality? Taking into account the above, here are some ideas to avoid making any mistakes: Do not acquire bottles without labels, before buying, make sure that the label displays the Authorization Number for the Use of the Pisco Appelation of Origin. Remember that the distillate is colorless, clear, and bright, without particles in suspension, something that we can verify at first glance. Based on my experience in tasting, it's important to emphasize that, in recent years, the quality of Piscos has greatly improved. In addition, its dissemination through history talks, tastings, pairings, and mixology has allowed new consumers and enthusiasts to learn, know the different types of Pisco, and, above all, its versatility in a wide range of cocktails.
Today, there is a large number of consumers who request their favorite Pisco to be served or a cocktail that uses it as the main ingredient. I'm sure that they can distinguish it from others. By the way, I want to mention what is the Appelation of Origin? "It's the name of a country, region, or place used to designate a product whose qualities are due to the geographical environment, both natural and human factors."
Why is the Denomination of Origin established?
"Pisco" derives from a Quechua word that means bird; the Incas used the Quechua word "Pisko" to name the valley where the famous Paracas Culture developed. From time immemorial, there was a community called "Pisko," the word "Pisco" is part of a large number of Peruvian towns, regions, and hamlets. Let us remember that "Pisco" was the port from where the spirit was shipped. Between 1824 and 1827, Hugh S. Salvin traveled around the country; chaplain of Her Majesty's ship "Cambridge," who mentions for the first time the Peruvian grape spirit in his work "Diario del Peru". "The city of Pisco, almost a mile from the beach, is built like all the cities of Peru: a large square in the center with streets emerging at right angles. This district is known for the manufacture of a strong spirit that bears the name of the city..." (Hugh S. Salvin, Journal written on board H.M.S. Cambridge from January 1824 to May 1827, in Diario del Perú (1824), Lima, 1973).
Before finishing, I would like to share the most important Pisco dates of the year:
-Chilcano de Pisco Week Week since 2009 (second week of January), Cocktail, recipe: pisco, ginger ale, lemon slice & ice, highball glass, garnish with a lemon slice, that's it!
-Pisco Sour Day since 2004 (first Saturday of February).
-Tacna-Lima Grape Harvest Festival in March.
-National Institute of Culture (now Ministry of Culture) declares "Pisco" as Cultural Heritage of the Nation (April 7, 1988).
(7 de abril de 1988).
-Pedro Manuel "El Griego" (The Greek),Testament (April 30, 1613).
-National Pisco Day since 1999 (fourth Sunday of July).
-Pisco Punch Day since 2011 (first Friday after August 22, celebrating creator Duncan Nicol's birthday at Bar Exchange).
-Peruvian Pisco Academy "Harvest Festival" at Ricardo Palma University in September.
-Arequipa Pisco Day Regional Ordinance No. 367, last Saturday of September.
-National Institute of Culture (now Ministry of Culture) Resolution (1180-INC-2007) declares Pisco Sour as Cultural Heritage of the Nation, September 7, 2007.
-Pisco Appelation of Origin (December 12, 1990, Directorial Resolution No. 072087).
No. 072087).
Enjoy pisco responsibly.
By Livio Pastorino Wagner
Sommelier, Specialist, and Pisco Taster
Registration: CRDO-PISCO 2020 RCO-034-2011
@elmagozurdo
Cocktail Magazine No. 48 january 07, 2022.
Cocktail magazine (spanish) in issuu
Pisco & music
January 2022
Where pisco is the only protagonist!
#lapiscoteca #piscosour #winelover #pisco #pasionporlacata #bar #elpiscoesdelperu #vino #vinosdelperu #pisco #piscolover #Lima #Peru #Moquegua #Tacna #Arequipa #Ica
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