Frequently Asked Questions

We get lots of questions about Calisco, so as you can imagine, we figured we would cover some common ones here. Although, if you really want to get some answers, its best to start with a bottle of our magical grape spirit, the rest will probably fall into place!

What is Calisco?
Calisco is an award winning California brandy with an old story, spanning decades and continents. We like to say, it's liquid history which we’ve captured in a bottle. This is a grape spirit produced and blended with a nod to the traditional piscos of South America, deep history of European grape spirits and innovation of California. For us, Calisco is a continuation of a story that blends traditions and is the beginning of a new era for grape spirits, making a California Brandy for the next generation.
Is Calisco a Pisco?
Nope. By definition Calisco is not a Pisco. Pisco is a specific category of brandies that is reserved for grape distillates produced exclusively in Peru and Chile in accordance with each country’s Denomination of Origin. Calisco is a brandy distilled and blended in California, but we can proudly say it drinks like a South American Pisco, but softer and cleaner due to our in distillation methods and some delicious grapes grown here in the Golden State. It's science and art!
Is Calisco a Brandy?
Yes! but definitely not your grandparents “brandy”! Calisco is a California grape brandy intentionally blended to stand amongst the world’s finest brandies and by the way, we are very good! But don’t ask us, Calisco was recently awarded the title of “Best Brandy” by the 2022 Sunset International Spirit Competition (double gold medal and awarded a 95 point rating), 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Gold, and 2022 Singapore World Spirits Competition Gold.
What does Calisco taste like?
Calisco reminds us of the sun and fun of California itself, with a dash of sophistication. The right balance of floral, fruit and spice, yet subtle enough to make cocktails sing. At the end of the day, literally, you want to saddle up to something pure, smooth, flavorful and ready to sip neat like a fine tequila or as the base for your favorite cocktail. Need a deeper dive? Check out our Spirit of California product page. 
What grape varietals are used in Calisco?
We get our grapes from sun drenched vineyards from all over California, but focus on Northern and Central Coast field blends. We use genetic relatives of grapes found in Peru and Europe, as well as some of the well known California varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat Alexandria. If you want to geek out you can head over to the Spirit of California product page or ping us on Instagram.
Is Calisco gluten free?
Why yes, yes it is! Calisco is made from 100% from red and white wine grapes which are naturally gluten free. The distillation process also removes proteins, including gluten, from the liquor. Despite our clever appearance, we’re not medical professionals, however you might worry more about that plate of pasta if gluten is your issue!
Does Calisco contain additives?
Nope. Our spirit is 100% organic, no coloring, sugars nor flavors added. We’ve had enough drinking experiences to know it’s important to watch what you put in your body, which is why purity of our product is important to us. If you value quality of life and the need to stay on your “A-game” then responsibly drinking Calisco will certainly leave you in better shape to take on tomorrow.
Where can I buy Calisco?
We are ever expanding! Calisco is currently distributed in California and the US Virgin Islands. Use our "Calisco finder" to find the nearest bar, restaurant or retailer. We offer the ability to buy Calisco online from our website, look for the add to cart or buy now buttons. The shopping experience is powered by Flaviar. Follow us on Instagram to keep up with new locations as we add them.
How do I drink it?
We like to enjoy Calisco on its own with a slice or two of melon or citrus as it sips wonderfully neat or over ice. We intentionally blended Calisco to mix well with a wide variety of ingredients, enhancing their natural flavors. It can easily be subbed into any of your favorite cocktail recipes calling for vodka, pisco, rum, or tequila. Once you’ve tried it yourself, please let us know in a customer review or let us know on instagram or your favorite social media.
How is Calisco made?
To make an exceptionally crafted grape spirit we first start with exceptional wine sourced from California’s prestigious wine-making regions. These wines are then meticulously distilled in both column and alembic pot stills before being masterfully blended. Our Spirit of California is rested in neutral containers and matured without ever touching wood.
Where is Calisco made?
While our love for grape spirits and our craft were honed across South America, North America and Europe, Calisco comes from grapes grown in sun drenched fields across California and then blended and bottled in Ukiah, California.
As a bartender or server how would I describe Calisco to a guest?
There’s a couple ways to do this. Are they familiar with Pisco? No? next question. Yes? Well, you’ll love this. Calisco is a fusion of California brandy and South American Pisco. Drink it neat or in a world class cocktail. Familiar with, or love Tequila? We are constantly told that Calisco drinks like a “grape tequila” and that’s sure to resonate with them. If worse comes to worse tell them that if they don’t like it you’ll drink it, but don’t get your hopes up, they’re gonna love it. Brief intro if needed: It is a spirit made from a select variety of premium California wines distilled and blended to create a smooth, fresh tasting, infinitely mixable spirit that challenges the ideas of what a California grape spirit can be.
Why Calisco? (vs Pisco or traditional Brandy)
Taste it and you’ll see why, it’s a marriage of the best of both worlds. We fell in love with grape spirits in Peru and quickly learned that there is a strong connection between South American Pisco and California. Given California’s long and strong pedigree and history with grapes we felt an homage to the traditional South American spirit made with some of California’s finest grapes was in order.

Ready to order? look for the "add to cart" or "buy now" button on our website, or check out our Calisco finder if you want to have a drink, or contact us if you're a bar, retailer or distributor looking to order Calisco. 

INFINITE MIXABILITY • 100% CALIFORNIA LOVE 

Craft Cocktail Brandy

A symphony of grape varietals selected from sun drenched California vineyards, masterfully distilled and intentionally blended for vivid flavor, purity, and universal mixability.

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