Sip on South America's equivalent of a margarita: the Pisco.

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August 28th 2024.

Sip on South America's equivalent of a margarita: the Pisco.
According to Metro drinks editor Rob Buckhaven, the Pisco Sour is not just a cocktail, but an experience for the thinkers. It's a sweet, sour, and citrussy concoction that many people aspire to sip on. As the seasons change, we may have to say goodbye to our beloved Margaritas and Mojitos, but the Pisco Sour is here to stay.

With the promise of good weather on the horizon, it's time for the Pisco Sour to take the spotlight. Move over frozen Margaritas, because Pisco Sour slushies and lollies are the new must-have summer drinks. In fact, a recent survey has ranked the Pisco Sour as one of London's most popular cocktails, coming in second only to the Mojito. This comes as no surprise, as both cocktails share similar flavors and the perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and sour.

But what exactly is a Pisco Sour? Let's break it down - it's a five-ingredient cocktail that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many. If you're a fan of lime-infused drinks like the Mojito, Margarita, or Caipirinha, then the Pisco Sour is right up your alley. What sets it apart is the addition of egg white, which gives it a silky texture. Pisco, lime juice, sugar, bitters, and egg white come together to create a perfectly balanced drink, topped off with a fluffy foam.

Interestingly, the Pisco Sour is the national drink of not one, but two South American countries - Peru and Chile. This only shows how beloved and sought-after it is. However, there is some debate over who truly owns the Pisco Sour, with a long-standing rivalry between the two countries. But let's not get caught up in the drama and instead focus on celebrating the unique flavors of Peruvian and Chilean Pisco.

Now, what exactly is Pisco? Essentially, it's a brandy made from fermented grapes, similar to wine but with a higher alcohol content. This makes it a drink for the discerning palate, one that likes to think about their drink before drinking it. Just like wine, Pisco comes in different varieties depending on the grapes used, the region it's from, and the production process.

So, what's the difference between Peruvian and Chilean Pisco? Peruvian Pisco is made with non-aromatic grapes and can only be distilled once, with strict regulations on aging. It has a herbaceous and vegetal flavor with hints of caramel, making it a favorite among Pisco enthusiasts. On the other hand, Chilean Pisco uses aromatic grapes like Muscat, resulting in a smoother and more floral taste. Some Chilean Piscos even have a touch of barrel aging, giving them a hint of the familiar Cognac flavor.

If you're new to the world of Pisco, it's best to try both styles side by side to truly appreciate the difference. But if you can only choose one, start with Chilean Pisco for a softer, sweeter, and more floral experience. And there's no shortage of ways to enjoy Pisco - in a Pisco Punch cocktail, a Pisco Sour, or even neat for a true taste of the spirit.

For an authentic Peruvian Pisco, try the Barsol Quebranta. This non-aromatic Pisco has notes of grass, dried fruits, and brioche, making it perfect for sipping or as a base for a Pisco Punch. On the other hand, the El Gobernador from Chile is made with the aromatic Moscatel grape, resulting in a highly aromatic and floral Pisco. It's the key ingredient in a classic Pisco Sour and a must-try for any Pisco lover.

But for a truly unique experience, try the Waqar Pisco Anejado Heron. This Chilean Pisco is aged for six years in oak, giving it a rich and complex flavor profile. Notes of fudge, peaches, caramel, and florals make it a delight to sip on its own, and a must-try for brandy lovers.

So whether you're a seasoned Pisco drinker or a newbie looking to expand your cocktail repertoire, give the Pisco Sour a try. With its unique flavors and rich history, it's no wonder it has become one of London's most popular cocktails. Cheers!
According to Metro's drinks editor, Rob Buckhaven, the Pisco Sour is a beverage that appeals to the more contemplative individuals. It's a sweet, sour, and citrusy cocktail that many people aspire to try. Margaritas, Mojitos, and now Pisco Sours are the perfect drinks for those of us who are not quite ready to say goodbye to summer just yet.

As the weather starts to warm up, it's time to put away the frozen Margaritas and make way for Pisco Sour slushies and lollies. And let me tell you, I am here for it. It seems I am not alone in my love for this drink, as a recent survey has named the Pisco Sour as one of London's most popular cocktails. It's no surprise, considering how similar it is to the beloved Mojito, which took the top spot in the survey. With such high praise, we can only expect great things for the Pisco Sour.

But what exactly is a Pisco Sour? Let's start with the basics. It is a five-ingredient cocktail that has captured our hearts and taste buds. If you enjoy the zesty flavors of a Mojito, Margarita, or Caipirinha, then you're in luck. The Pisco Sour shares similar characteristics with these drinks, but with an added touch of silkiness thanks to a special ingredient - egg white. Yes, you read that right. This cocktail is a delightful blend of Pisco, lime juice, sugar, bitters, and egg white, creating a perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and sour flavors, topped with a fluffy foam.

What makes the Pisco Sour even more intriguing is the fact that it is the national drink of not one, but two South American countries - Peru and Chile. This just goes to show how much love there is for this drink. Both countries also claim ownership of the Pisco Sour and its namesake spirit, leading to a centuries-old debate that shows no signs of ending anytime soon.

But let's not get caught up in the drama and instead focus on what really matters - the deliciousness of the Pisco Sour. Before we dive into the differences between Peruvian and Chilean Pisco, let's first understand what Pisco actually is. It is a type of brandy, made from fermented grapes. Yes, grapes, just one step away from being turned into wine. This makes Pisco a drink for the more discerning palate, one that enjoys the complexities and nuances of flavors.

Moving on to the debate between Peruvian and Chilean Pisco, it's safe to say that Peruvians are very passionate about their Pisco and take great pride in their production. They have strict regulations when it comes to making Pisco, including using only certain grape varieties and no barrel aging. On the other hand, Chileans have a more relaxed approach, as they consume 97% of the world's Pisco, with most of it being produced in their country. They enjoy their Pisco at every party and wedding, and it is even more popular than Chilean wine. However, the Peruvians don't shy away from throwing some shade by calling Chilean Pisco "aguardiente" or "firewater".

Taste-wise, Peruvian Pisco tends to be more herbaceous and vegetal, with non-aromatic grape varieties like Quebranta being commonly used. Chilean Pisco, on the other hand, uses super-aromatic grapes like Moscatel, resulting in a smoother and more floral flavor profile, with some variations being aged in barrels like Cognac.

So, which one should you try? If you're able to, it's best to taste both styles side by side to fully appreciate the differences. But if you're new to Pisco, I would recommend starting with Chilean Pisco for a softer, sweeter, and more floral experience.

If you're looking to try out different Pisco brands, here are some recommendations. For an authentic Peruvian Pisco, go for Barsol Quebranta. Take a sip neat to truly appreciate its non-aromatic, grassy, and vegetal notes, followed by a Pisco Punch cocktail. For a Pisco Sour made with Chilean Pisco, try El Gobernador, which is made from the aromatic Moscatel grape and brings out floral and fruity flavors. And if you're feeling adventurous, give Waqar Pisco Anejado Heron a try. This Chilean Pisco is aged for 6 years in oak, resulting in a smooth and complex spirit with notes of fudge, peach, and caramel.

In conclusion, the Pisco Sour is a drink that appeals to the more thoughtful and curious drinkers. Its rich history, debate over origin, and diverse flavors make it a must-try for anyone looking to expand their cocktail repertoire. So, let's raise a glass to the Pisco Sour and all its variations, and celebrate the differences and diversity of Peruvian and Chilean Pisco.

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