ABA Chilean Pisco

Pisco ABA is produced in the heart of the Elqui Valley, a long narrow oasis that winds its way through the Chilean Andes

A boutique type of distillate made from the Muscat grape by the Aguirre family, Pisco ABA uses double distillation in small copper pot stills.

Nose: Lemongrass and grape must, hints of gentian and fresh flowers.

Palate: Spiced palate with notes of rubbed petals, vanilla cream and cedar.

Finish: Tangy finish with tannic grape skin notes.

Nolan - Text from the Spotlight on the Grape and Cane Spirits of the America’s Blog

Pisco is a little known spirit category in the UK. It seems that only bartenders know what it is and even then, it is only really drunk as a Pisco Sour cocktail. The name "pisco" comes from the Quechua word for bird, the only reason for this we have been able to find, is that it was once served from bottles shaped like a bird…as good of a reason as any I suppose!

Pisco is produced in both Chile and Peru. Peruvian’s vehemently claim ownership of Pisco and will not acknowledge the Chilean versions as true piscos! It does appear that Pisco originated in Peru, but the argument rages. Whilst Chilean’s do also claim pisco as their own, most Chilean’s I have spoken to are more chilled about the whole affair, they have a much larger wine market so we shall let Peru win this one.

Some Pisco is aged in wood, not always oak, but you are very unlikely to encounter these styles in the British Isles. Instead, you are more likely to see the unaged examples. Think of these as an unaged grape brandy or “eaux di vie.” If you have been brutalised by Italian Grappa, please do not be alarmed by Pisco! Grappa is distilled from grape must, the left-over skins and pulp from making table wine and has a distinct “funk” to it. This is just an opinion, but for me, grappa is a waste of grape waste! Pisco on the other hand is distilled from healthy grapes, produced specifically for the purpose of distilling into brandy. To keep both sides of the border happy, we currently stock two Pisco’s, a Chilean and Peruvian.

Pisco’s vary wildly depending on the grape varieties used and both of the Pisco’s we stock are produced from different varietals. The Chilean ABA is made from Moscatel grapes grown in the Elqui Valley, bordering the dry but spectacular Atacama Desert. It is light and bright with aromas of lemongrass and fresh flowers. Our Peruvian example is from Barsol and is made using Quebranta grapes. This one is a richer spirit with a wider spectrum of flavours, ranging from lime peel to banana and even dark chocolate.

Ultimately, these are both delicious spirits, it just depends on what flavour profile you enjoy. If you are curious to try these, you can use them instead of white rums or blanco tequilas in cocktails or with mixers. As white spirits, they are versatile and great value.