We are busy planning the opening night dinner that will directly precede Austin Pictures on October 1st.  Doors open for Austin Pictures at ACL Live (just north of City Hall, in the W Hotel) at 6:30PM, AV/previews begin at 7:30 and the show starts at 8.  But across the street in Silicon Lab’s east building, beginning at 5:30, we’re having our opening night dinner!

Jorge Caballero, the genius guitarist who is our centerpiece guest performer for Austin Pictures, is from Peru.  We learned this summer that chef Julio, head chef of our new favorite cuisine partner, La Sombra Bar and Grill, is also Peruvian!  So it seemed like the perfect fit to ask La Sombra to create a Peruvian feast for opening night!

Our friends at La Sombra introduced us to Pisco Portón.  These distillers of premium Peruvian Pisco are not only brilliant at what they do, but they are also very generous and community-minded.  They have joined in as a sponsor of our opening night dinner.  Thank you Pisco Portón!

“What is Pisco?” You ask?  I thought you might!  I had a conversation with the good people at Pisco Portón to learn a bit more (ooh, and there’s even a recipe below!).

Matt Hinsley: We are so grateful for your support of our opening night dinner and of our Austin Pictures project.  I’m sure that I’m not alone in wanting to know more about Pisco and, specifically, Pisco Portón.  Can you help?

PP: Pisco Portón is a new, ultra premium white spirit that is versatile in cocktails and offers complexity with a delicate finish when savored on its own. Born from grapes that grow in the shadows of the Andes Mountains, Pisco Portón is artisanally crafted at Hacienda La Caravedo distillery in Ica, Peru. Building on the heritage and traditions of this distillery, which was founded in 1684 and is the oldest in the Americas, Pisco Portón combines centuries-old methods with state-of-the-art and eco-friendly technology to create a “mosto verde pisco” of unmatched quality.

MH: I understand we’ll be mixing up some special Pisco Portón drinks at our opening night dinner, but could you share one of your favorite recipes with us now?

PP: Sure!  This is the recipe for “The Portonero”:

2 oz. Pisco Portón

1 tsp. fresh lime juice

1 tsp. simple syrup

1 slice of fresh ginger

1 dash of Angostura™ bitters

Top off with ginger ale

Fresh lime wedge

Pour Pisco Portón, lime juice, simple syrup, ginger and bitters into a tall glass with ice. Top off with ginger ale. Stir ingredients and garnish with a lime wedge.

MH: We’re very grateful for your support of Austin Pictures and our opening night dinner.  Why do you feel it’s important to give back to the community?

PP: Pisco Portón has a commitment to being a good neighbor and to practicing business sustainably. Pisco Portón’s new state-of-the-art distillery was built with the environment in mind, incorporating design features and technology to reduce water and energy waste, as well as carbon dioxide emissions. In the United States, Pisco Portón is proud to support a number of worthy causes including Austin Pictures.

MH: I’m sure there are many great causes seeking your support.  Is there something about Austin Pictures that made you want to support the project?

PP: Austin Pictures shares the best of music, film and art with its community and Pisco Portón was elated to hear you selected legendary Peruvian guitarist Jorge Caballero as the centerpiece. As a product based in Peruvian heritage and tradition, Pisco Portón is honored to be a part of Austin Pictures, creating the perfect Peruvian evening where music, cuisine and cocktails are paired together just as they would be in Peru.

MH: Are there other artistic causes you’ve supported recently, that you’re excited about?

PP: We recently sponsored Dan’s Paper Art Exhibition, an event that supports New York area artists.  Although a new brand that launched this year, Pisco Portón is excited about supporting more arts organizations that do great work for their communities such as Austin Pictures.

MH: Is Pisco Portón available all over the US now?

PP: Pisco Portón is currently available in Texas, California, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Louisiana, Ohio, Minnesota and South Carolina and will become available in more states very soon.

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They also sent a great shot of Master Distiller Johnny Schuler at their distillery in Hacienda La Caravedo, in Ica, Peru.  Cheers!