Control C Pisco 750ML

Control C Pisco 750ML is a triple-distilled Chilean pisco bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof), made from Pedro Jiménez and Muscat of Alexandria grapes. Distinguished by its three-pass copper pot still distillation — a rarity among piscos — this expression earned a Catad'Or Oro medal in both 2019 and 2020, along with Silver at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Limarí Valley, Chile  |  Unaged  |  Brand: Control C (est. 1931)

Production & Heritage

Control C traces its roots to 1931 in Chile's Limarí Valley, a grape-growing region north of Santiago renowned for its cool-climate viticulture. The pisco is produced through triple distillation in traditional copper alembic pot stills — a process that takes approximately 10 hours per run and is governed by Chilean law requiring discontinuous distillation exclusively in copper vessels. While most piscos undergo only one or two distillations, this third pass strips away congeners while preserving the aromatic character of the Pedro Jiménez and Muscat of Alexandria grape blend, resulting in a spirit that is crystal clear and notably clean without sacrificing varietal identity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with a delicate fragrance of fresh grape, followed by layers of tropical fruit and a faint thread of anise. It reads light and inviting rather than aggressive.

Taste: Entry is soft and slightly sweet, with a touch of warmth arriving at mid-palate. The mouthfeel is smooth, carrying subtle citrus and vanilla notes that build without overwhelming. The triple distillation keeps everything polished and precise.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering citrus and vanilla that fade gradually. A whisper of anise returns at the tail end, leaving a clean and balanced close.

How to Drink Control C

Neat or slightly chilled, Control C reveals its grape-forward aromatics and clean structure. Its versatility, however, truly shines in cocktails. A Pisco Sour is the definitive pairing — the spirit's citrus and vanilla undertones complement lime juice and egg white beautifully. In a Chilcano, the clean distillation lets ginger ale and bitters interact without muddiness. For a refreshing warm-weather serve, try it in a Pisco Punch, where the tropical fruit aromatics amplify pineapple and citrus elements.

Best For

• Building a home cocktail bar with South American spirits
• Introducing friends to Chilean pisco through a clean, approachable expression
• Hosting a Pisco Sour tasting night
• Gifting someone who enjoys exploring spirits beyond whiskey and tequila

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Control C taste like? Control C delivers a clean, grape-forward profile with tropical fruit on the nose and subtle citrus, vanilla, and anise notes on the palate. The triple distillation creates a smooth, polished spirit that finishes with medium length and gentle warmth.

How does Control C compare to Pisco Capel? Both Control C and Pisco Capel are major Chilean pisco producers, together accounting for roughly 90% of Chile's pisco output. Capel tends toward a more neutral, restrained style, while Control C leans into bolder grape aromatics and a more expressive tropical-fruit character thanks to its triple copper pot still distillation.

Is Control C good for cocktails? Control C is excellent for cocktails — its triple distillation produces a very clean spirit with enough grape and citrus character to hold its own in a Pisco Sour, Chilcano, or Pisco Punch without becoming lost among other ingredients.

Where is Control C made? Control C is produced in the Limarí Valley, a cool-climate grape-growing region in northern Chile. The brand has been operating from this valley since its founding in 1931.

What foods pair well with Control C? Ceviche works naturally, as the citrus notes in both the spirit and the dish echo each other. Grilled shrimp or other shellfish complement the tropical fruit aromatics. Fresh goat cheese balances the spirit's subtle sweetness. Empanadas with a mild filling provide a savory contrast, and tropical fruit desserts like mango sorbet reinforce the aromatic profile.

What sizes does Control C come in? Control C Pisco is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Control C worth the price? Control C positions as a well-priced, everyday pisco that punches above its weight — its Catad'Or Oro medals and San Francisco World Spirits Competition Silvers place it among recognized quality expressions, making it a strong value within the Chilean pisco category.

Why Control C?

The defining feature of Control C is its triple copper pot still distillation, a process that remains uncommon in the pisco world where single or double distillation is the norm. This additional distillation run, requiring roughly 10 hours of careful work, strips the spirit down to a remarkably clean foundation while retaining the aromatic signature of its Pedro Jiménez and Muscat of Alexandria grape blend. Multiple international awards — including Catad'Or Oro in consecutive years and repeated recognition at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition — validate the approach. For anyone looking for a versatile, well-made Chilean pisco that performs equally well neat or in a shaker, Control C delivers a level of purity and character that its production pedigree, dating back to 1931, would suggest.