Pisco Portón joins Mangrove portfolio

Pisco Portón, the winner of best Pisco at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, is to be distributed in the UK by spirits specialists Mangrove. The white spirit is a super-premium Peruvian Pisco, that is estate grown, distilled and bottled in Ica, Peru, at Hacienda La Caravedo, the oldest distillery in the Americas.

From its humble beginnings over 325 years ago, Pisco Portón has grown to be the number one exported Pisco brand. It has also experienced an unprecedented 200% growth in the last 24 months. Master distiller, Johnny Schuler, is the foremost authority on Pisco. He is Peru’s ambassador for Pisco and also received the countries Medal of Honor for his significant contributions to the category.

To preserve the full character of the grapes, Portón Pisco uses the mosto verde method of distilling from partially fermented grape juice. This serves to keep some of the natural grape sugars from converting into alcohol, so putting more flavour and aroma into every bottle.

The family-owned producers distil the Pisco to exactly 86 proof using custom- made copper pot stills. In accordance with Peruvian law, no water can be added to the Pisco to bring it to proof. After distillation, the Pisco rests in containers called cubas de guardia for five to eight months in order to let the flavours develop. 

Mangrove MD Nick Gillett commented: “The beauty and appeal of Pisco is its completely unique character, which brings a whole new element to the cocktail market and the opportunities of pairing with food. At Mangrove we look for brands with character and history, but above all a quality product that we can believe in. Pisco Portón more than delivers on this criteria”.

Portón Pisco is committed to eco-friendly business practices and sustainability. Its new state-of-the-art and environmentally friendly distillery has gravity-fed channels that decrease reliance on electrical pumps and a water treatment system that recycles water from the distillation process into irrigation water for the vineyards. Each bottle is individually numbered and bears the signature of Master distiller, Johnny Schuler.

Mangrove has an extensive UK distribution network encompassing on-trade, independent and multiple off-trade retailers and UK duty free.

9 April 2014 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor