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Barsol pisco selecto italia pisco bottle

What is pisco?

In the 16th century, the world as we know it was being formed in a maelstrom of conquest and colonisation. In 1532, the Spanish invaded Peru and they, of course, brought wine. However, most of the wine was earmarked for the church, as was the wine produced by the few vineyards that had been established in the territories of New Spain.

But, Peru had plenty of land that was ideal for grape vines. By the 1560s, there was a burgeoning wine trade in Peru, and the Spanish passed laws banning the planting of new vineyards to protect its own native wine industry.

Local farmers began producing aguardiente, a grape-based brandy, using leftover grapes given to them by Jesuit priests who controlled wine production in the region. Today, an aguardiente is any alcoholic beverage between 29-60% ABV.

In Santa Maria Magdalena, aguardiente became pisco. The town had a port named Pisco, and it was from here that this new grape brandy was shipped throughout Peru. Soon, visiting sailors enjoying it in South America took the spirit abroad, creating demand and boosting production. Eventually, the town became known simply as Pisco, as did the colourless grape brandy.

Flash-forward to 1764, and pisco accounted for 90% of the grape-based booze produced in the Ica valley and Pisco regions. Its popularity grew exponentially – pisco punch became the most fashionable drink in San Francisco in the 1850s.

How does Barsol Italia pisco taste?

Pisco offers a bombastic alternative to the mellow subtleties of French cognac, bringing in bolder flavour profiles but without overpowering the consumer.

The Barsol Italia has a nose of exotic fruits and flowers; cherry blossom and pineapple are matched by a smattering of pepper.

The palate is a balanced blend of dark berries and fresh papaya, pineapple and black pepper – these flavours carry through to a sharp but satisfying finish.

Best brandy recipes

Rich fruitcake
Brandy butter
Brandy snaps
Cornish crab bisque
Brandy Alexander
Easy sangria
Eggnog
Singapore sling

This review was last updated in December 2020. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.