So I was innocently crossing the border from Chile into Peru yesterday. Quite impressive was the brand new xray machine on the Peruvian side for our baggage, a big step up from the disinterested sniffer dog which they used to drag past the bus. With nothing to hide though I happily put my gear through it, but to my surprise I was stopped by a fierce looking customs officer. “Do you have alcohol in your bag sir?” he asked. “Yes” I replied, “just a small bottle of pisco though”. He then pointed up to a list of new rules for entry into Peru from Chile ‘ “Rule number 6: up to 3 litres of any spirit can be brought into the country, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF CHILEAN PISCO”. I dutifully gave my bottle up, I’m sure someone will enjoy it…
The problem is this. Pisco (as I understand it) originally came from Peru, from the town bearing the same name just to the south of Lima. It was a small industry, just providing for consumption in Peru, and a firm favourite amongst visitors with the fiery Pisco Sour. Some bright sparks in Chile however, took the drink and decided to commercialise it across the world. They made a few quid from this, but more importantly to Peru, led many to believe that Pisco was originally a Chilean drink. That’s like saying whiskey was invented by Jack Daniels…
So if you do come to Peru, a sure fire way to make friends immediately is to tell them that you believe the original (and best) pisco comes from Peru!