Santiago Queirolo Pisco Acholado, Ica Valley, Peru

Crafted in the heart of Peru’s pisco country, Santiago Queirolo Pisco Acholado showcases a skillful blend of aromatic and non-aromatic grape varieties, capturing the bold tradition and elegance of this iconic South American spirit. As one of Peru’s most respected and widely recognized producers, Santiago Queirolo brings over 140 years of winemaking and distillation heritage to this expressive bottling. Distilled to proof with no additives, sugars, or dilution, this Acholado delivers purity, texture, and complexity in every sip, making it equally at home in a world-class Pisco Sour or sipped slowly to appreciate its layered, grape-driven finesse.

Product Details:

• Category: Pisco Acholado (blend of aromatic and non-aromatic grapes)
• Varietal Composition: Italia, Moscatel, Negra Criolla, and Quebranta grapes
• Distillation & Maturation: Fermented in stainless steel tanks and distilled in copper pot stills to bottling proof (no dilution)
• ABV: 42%
• Appearance: Crystal clear with silver highlights
• Production Style: Traditional, small-batch production from a family-owned house founded in 1880

Sensory Description:

The nose is vibrant and lifted, with notes of white flowers, ripe figs, and dried tropical fruit, especially pineapple and banana, supported by gentle hints of citrus peel and ginger. On the palate, it opens soft and round, with flavors of candied citrus, poached pear, subtle floral tones, and a clean minerality that reflects its high-altitude coastal terroir. The finish is long and expressive, carrying both the weight of the Quebranta and the perfume of the Italia and Moscatel, with exceptional clarity and structure.

Awards & Accolades:

• Double Gold — Non-Vintage (2025), San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• Gold — Non-Vintage (2024), San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• Gold — Non-Vintage (2023), San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• Silver — Non-Vintage (2022), International Wine & Spirit Competition
• Silver — Non-Vintage (2022), San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• Silver — Non-Vintage (2021), San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• Gold — Non-Vintage (2020), San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• Gold — Non-Vintage (2007), Challenge International du Vin

Distiller's Background:

Founded in Lima in 1880 by Italian immigrant Santiago Queirolo, this family-run bodega has grown from humble tavern roots into one of Peru’s most iconic producers of wine and pisco. Today, Santiago Queirolo remains fully Peruvian-owned and operates vineyards across both the Cañete and Ica Valleys, two of the country’s most prized regions for pisquera grape cultivation. Committed to authenticity, the distillery uses traditional copper stills and distills each batch to proof, preserving the integrity and terroir of the grapes without dilution or additives. Their legacy, scale, and commitment to quality have made them ambassadors of Peruvian pisco both locally and internationally.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve lightly chilled at 55–60°F in a tulip or white wine glass to fully express its aromatic profile. This Acholado is a superb base for classic cocktails like the Pisco Sour or Chilcano, but also holds its own in craft applications with citrus, herbs, and bitters. Its floral-fruit balance makes it an ideal choice for mixologists, pisco newcomers, and spirits connoisseurs alike. For sipping, pair with ceviche, fresh cheeses, or light tapas to highlight its natural freshness and clean finish. A must-have for anyone exploring the world of South American spirits.