The Oldest Pisco in the World

From my Brief History of Pisco in San Francisco post, you already knew that Pisco first arrived in the United States during the Gold Rush. But did you know that the oldest distillery in the America’s, Hacienda La Caravedo, was established in 1684? That makes it the oldest Pisco distillery in the world, and last Thursday night I had the pleasure of tasting it’s Pisco Porton for the first time.

We were not at a bar, but rather at a Yelp social for a store opening in Hayes Valley, and the drink of the evening was the Peruvian Mule, courtesy of Pisco Porton. As soon as we entered the space, we picked up our drinks but I also asked the mixologist if I could taste a pure shot, neat. It had a stronger grape taste than the Pisco’s I have at home, perhaps because Pisco Porton is a Mosto Verde instead of an Acholado or Quebranta.

I was delighted to instantly recognize all the ingredients at the bar, such as the simple syrup and lime juice, both used in the Pisco Sour. The Peruvian Mule, however, used Peychaud bitters and ginger beer and was served on the rocks so it’s a very different cocktail. It was also great to talk to the Pisco Porton rep about the launch of their new campaign and about the difference between Peruvian and Chilean Pisco.

The difference of course is that Pisco is from Peru, and what is made in Chile should not be called Pisco. But that is a topic for a separate post. In the meantime, it makes me very happy to see the continued growth of Pisco’s popularity in San Francisco. Maybe it’s time to celebrate with another 7 nights of Pisco in San Francisco adventure, who’s in?