Bootleggers in Chile: the hidden history of Doñihue spirits (1964-1977)

Abstract

This article examines the hidden history of Doñihue spirits (O`Higgins Region, Chile), a typical product made from grapes since colonial times, wich enjoyed fame and prestige, but suffered the disfigurement of its identity by the producers themselves, exchanging grapes for sugar as raw material, and occupying illegal marketing circuits. We wonder what prompted this process and the role that the illegal production and trade of this distilled played in it, as well as its protagonists: huachucheros and chonchoneros, the national bootleggers. The theme makes a contribution both to the studies of the spirits tradition of the South America, as well as those liquors and spirits smugglers throughout the American continent. For this work, historical sources have been used, such as newspapers and interviews with spirits producers of the area.