Pisco is the national spirit of both Chile and Peru and there is much debate between the two nations as to which originally created it. As the wine industry grew in the area during the 16th century, the Spanish crown outlawed wine exports from the Americas, fearing harm to its own wine industry. From this, the inventive winemakers created a secondary product which was legal by distilling the pomace, the leftovers of grapes after wine production. This new spirit, Pisco, has become a celebrated drink in its own right. For much of its life, Pisco has been largely a domestic product, but in recent years international exports have seen this once niche spirit transform into an exciting new product, delighting drinkers and inspiring bartenders everywhere.
