Adelaide couple, Rino Martire and Fiorella Cilloniz are bringing a spirit that you’ve likely never tasted to South Australia.
Peruvian-born Co-owner and Director of Pucara Pisco, Fiorella introduced her husband Rino to the spirit known as pisco during her return to the country and they instantly knew that Australia had to have their eyes opened, just as he did.
In November of 2019, their company enlisted a special family-run distiller with over 160 years of experience in making pisco, in order to bring the genuine liquor to Adelaide.
Pisco is made from fermented and distilled grapes like brandy, with Peruvian pisco, specifically, being bottled undiluted and having a particularly high-proof ABV (Alcohol by Volume), making it incredibly potent.
Let’s face it, your average bar is stocked with the basics: scotch, bourbon, vodka, rum and gin. A high-end bar might give you some variety, but there are endless foreign exports that we’re yet to sample.
You’ve got no excuse now, because Pucara Pisco has made a splash in Adelaide’s CBD (with a splash of pisco and a splash of tonic.)
Bottles of Pucara Pisco contain the standalone spirit, with different varietals on offer that add a distinct spin on the base booze, so bartenders can cater mixers and garnishes to build the ultimate cocktail.
Pisco is an incredibly versatile drink, but Martire and Cilloniz have ensured that each flavour stands out through subtle and indelible notes unique to the Italia, Quebranta and Mosto Verde Torontel editions.
The Pisco Sour is Peru’s national drink, which was without a doubt the signature drink for Pucara and is, as I’m sure you’ve guessed, similar to a whisky sour; made with Pucara Pisco Quebranta/Italia, fresh lime juice, sugar syrup, Amargo Chuncho Bitters and Wonderfoam/egg whites.
Mystery Grapes is a cocktail invented by an Australian bartender close to the Pucara Pisco family, which gives an exciting flair to the standard Margarita through the use of Pucara Pisco Quebranta in place of tequila, orange liquor, fresh lime juice and… Basil leaves…?
Well, whatever inspired the decision to add basil to the booze had elevated the experience of new inductees to the pisco drinking scene.
The Spring in Lima is made to convey the flavours of Lima, with a fairly neutral but refreshing taste that unravels on the tongue with Pucara Pisco Quebranta/Italia, Fever Tree aromatic tonic and rosemary.
From partnering with an authentic distiller in Peru, to the vibrant logo adorning each glass bottle, Pucara Pisco have never sacrificed their pride in Fiorella’s birthplace which inspired the line of drinks.
“The bull is our logo, as it’s a symbol of Peru.
“It symbolises happiness, love, all the wellbeing and good health, so you’ll see it on our pisco bottles,” said Mr Martire during the December 14 launch party.
Adelaide’s hotspots for hospitality have already embraced the breakthrough booze, with stockists including 2KW Bar & Restaurant, 99 Gang Social, East End Cellars, Maybe Mae and more!
The brand may not have a tangible venue to visit, but you can read about the incredible history behind the spirit of Pucara Pisco and visit the online shop here.
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