Produced in the regions of Coquimbo and Atacama, in northern Chile, pisco is the most consumed distillate in this country, so much so that since 2009 it has had a day to pay tribute to it. Considered by Chileans as the "national distillate", there are already eight labels that use the denomination of origin: the Chile Brand.
Pisco is considered by Chileans as the "national distillate", being the most consumed in our country: 1.9 liters per capita per year with a production of 36 million liters, according to figures from the Chilean pisco industry.
The distillate, in turn, has the oldest Designation of Origin in South America, established in 1931, and the second worldwide for a wine or distillate. "Pisco itself, which comes from the distillation of grape broths, is produced only in the areas between Huasco and the Limarí River", states the Decree with force of law N.181. Thus, the production of pisco can only take place in the regions of Atacama and Coquimbo.
Almost 70 years later, in 2009,former President Michelle Bachelet made official the National Pisco Day (May 15) to honor this distillate, part of Chile's heritage and identity. "The degree of identification with the production of Pisco in (...) the Regions of Atacama and Coquimbo is immemorial and this circumstance is public knowledge, both in Chile and abroad", states the decree.
The growth of the distillate industry has impacted its exports. In 2023, this distillate was shipped to 42 markets. In the last 10 years, annual exports have averaged US$ 3 million and accumulated more than 400 international awards, the main destination markets being Germany, the United States and Canada.
The Pisco Pisqueras part of the community Made By Chileans and that today go out to the world with the Chile Brand are:
Waqar
It is an artisanal pisco produced in Tulahuén, Coquimbo Region, with a history dating back to 1850. Since then, five generations have succeeded each other accumulating the experience of vine care and distillation until, in 2011, Waqar was born. Today, it is exported to 25 countries, and was chosen as the best white distillate in the world at the San Francisco Worlds Spirits Competition in 2012 and 2014.
Black Heron
It is the only smoked pisco in the world and is produced in the highlands of the Limarí Valley, from Moscatel grapes. Its production is inspired by the fire that in 1924 destroyed most of its distillery, Pisquera de Tulahuén, and left as a result a small batch of smoked liquors.
Capel
Cooperativa Agrícola Pisquera Elqui Limitada was born in 1935, after the Great Depression of 1929, 25 partners joined together and formed a society. This sum of forces and associations made it possible to reduce costs and face the difficult times. Today, Capel' s distilleries process a wide variety of grapes and produce six brands of pisco, including the premium brand Alto del Carmen.
Mal Paso
The history of this pisco begins at the end of the 19th century, when a Spaniard arrives in Chile and buys the Hacienda Mal Paso, in the commune of Monte Patria. He planted about 100 hectares for the production of wines and spirits. In the 1950s, the family emigrated to the current Huamalata estate, where they built the plantations and the winery for the production of spirits. In 2006, Mal Paso pisco was born.
Seven Witches
This small family vineyard producing pisco and spirits was founded in 1992 with its first grape plantations. It has a total surface area of approximately 17 hectares in the Choapa Valley and is characterized by ensuring environmental sustainability with one hundred percent organic processes.
Chañaral de Carén
Artisanal Pisco produced since 1987 in the upper Limarí Valley, it has a family tradition and local identity. Four categories of this Pisco are produced: Pisco 35°, for aging; Pisco 40°, transparent; Pisco 42° for aging; and Pisco 46°, for aging.
Summits
They define themselves as a young brand, considered as "the black sheep" of the Chilean Pisquera family, because it does not follow the traditional established patterns. Pisco Cumbres Perry Barne's is their premium distillate.
Pisquera Reserva Elquina
It is a company formed by indigenous descendants of the Diaguita ethnic group. Gran Pisco Hanaq Pacha, with Denomination of Origin in Atacama, embodies the ancestral passion and deep Diaguita heritage of this family business.
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