Pisco making
Etymology:
The oldest use of the word pisco to denote Peruvian aguardiente dates from 1764. However, there are several, often nationalist theories about the origin of the word pisco. Pisco may have received its Quechua name from the Peruvian town of Pisco – once an important colonial port for the exportation of viticultural products – located on the coast of Peru in the valley of Pisco, by the river with the same name. Chilean linguist Rodolfo Lenz claimed that the word pisco was used all along the Pacific coast of the Americas from Arauco to Guatemala and that the word would be of Quechua origin meaning “bird”.
This claim is disputed by Chilean linguist Mario Ferreccio Podesta who supports the former Real Academia Española etymology that said that pisco was originally a word for a mud container. However, the Real Academia Española actually supports the Lenz theory and underlines the Quechua origin.
Other origins for the word pisco have been explored, including a Mapudungun etymology where “pishku” has been interpreted as “something boiled in a pot,” which would in this hypothesis relate to the concept of burned wine (Spanish: vino quemado).
Recession of Peruvian pisco
The entire southern coast of Peru was struck by the 1687 Peru earthquake, which destroyed the cities of Villa de Pisco and Ica. Wine cellars in the affected area collapsed and mud containers broke, causing the nation’s wine-growing industry to collapse.
Still, in the early 18th century wine production in Peru exceeded that of pisco. By 1764, pisco production dwarfed that of wine, representing 90% of the grape beverages prepared.With the suppression of the Society of Jesus in Spanish America, Jesuit vineyards were auctioned off, and new owners typically did not have the same expertise as the Jesuits – leading to a production decline.
The term influenced the Mexican Spanish use of the slang term pisco to denote distilled spirits generally.
Tour snapshot:
Get to know Peru through its flavors on this Cusco tour that teaches you all you need to know about one of Peru’s most unique creations – the Pisco Sour! From market, to mixing, to the best part – consumption! – we couldn’t teach you any more about this legendary drink on this tour even if we tried.
Highlights:
Get your mix on and learn to make the perfect Pisco Sour, like a true Peruvian local!
Choose your favorite Pisco flavour as you try a few in a local bar
Walk the ancient Inca streets of Cusco and admire the stunning architecture
Explore the city’s bohemian side with a stroll through its main neighbourhood for artists
Pick up the ultimate Peru souvenir – mastering the Pisco Sour!
Schedule details
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Meeting point: Plaza de Armas, right in front of the main gate of the Cathedral of Cusco.
- Starting time: 6.00 PM
- Ending point: Local bar in central Cusco.
