Ep 15. The End Begins In Chile

The show Booze Traveler is a travelogue series with host Jack Maxwell who travels extensively around the world to explore various types of alcohol and drinks that are an integral part of the culture and history of the countries he visits.

In season 4 episode 15, titled "The End Begins In Chile", Jack travels to the southernmost country in South America, Chile. He explores the country's wine regions, visits local distilleries, and discovers the traditional drinks and cocktails of the country.

The episode begins with Jack in Santiago, the capital city, where he meets with a local guide who takes him to the heart of the city's thriving cocktail scene. Jack tries the national cocktail of Chile, pisco sour, which is made of grape brandy, lemon juice, sugar, egg white, and bitters. He also learns about the history of pisco, a grape brandy that is the national spirit of Peru and Chile, and how the two countries have had a long-standing dispute over its origin.

Jack then travels to the Maule Valley, where he visits a winery and takes part in the grape harvest. He meets with Chilean winemakers and learns about the production process of some of the country's famous wines, such as Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.

After the wine tour, Jack heads to the town of Pisco Elqui in La Serena, where he meets with a local distiller who shows him how pisco is made from grapes. Jack learns about the different types of pisco and tries some of the high-quality varieties that are made in the region.

The episode then takes a dramatic turn as Jack travels to Easter Island, one of the most isolated places on the planet, where he learns the ancient legend of the Rapa Nui people, who built the giant Moai statues that are scattered across the island. Jack also attends the Tapati Rapa Nui festival, a unique cultural event that celebrates the traditions of the Rapa Nui people, where he tries out traditional dance and food.

The final leg of Jack's journey takes him to the Atacama Desert, where he visits a distillery that produces pisco from wild cactus plants. Jack learns about the unique flavor of cactus pisco, and how it is a welcome addition to the traditional grape-based pisco.

Overall, the episode "The End Begins In Chile" is a fantastic journey into the culture, history, and drinks of Chile. Jack's approachable nature ensures that he has a blast on his adventure, and his ability to find the unique stories is impressive. The different regions offer a diverse look at the country, and viewers will be excited to join him on the journey of discovering Chile's unique spirits.