Pisco is a grape brandy that is strong and colorless usually made in Peru and Chile.  This drink dates back to the 16th century where it was developed by Spanish settlers as a cheap alternative to imported brandy from Spain.  The name comes from the region as well as the pottery it was stored in.  Spain has imposed many restrictions on wine making and commerce but it didn’t stop the advancement of the liqueur and wine industry which developed pretty fast.  The town of Pisco is located in Peru along the coast.  The name is from a language called Quechua, where the name refers to a bird that inhabited the area  called Pisqu.  The history dates back to Pre-Incan where the people were called Piskus.  Mostly consumed locally, Pisco became increasingly popular among sailors and officers who referred to this drink as Pisco thinking it was named after the Port it came from.  The low price and readily availability made it the drink of choice on ocean going vessels until rum knocked it out of popularity.  In 1864, Pisco was native only to Peru and spread to Chile shortly after.  Some of the more commonly known drinks made with Pisco are Pisco Sours, Pisco Punch, and Serena Libre.