Metaxa Ouzo, 70cl

Metaxa Ouzo, 70cl, is a Greek aniseed spirit bottled at 40% ABV. It is flavoured with anise and mastic, the resin of the lentisk bush, and distilled in batches in copper pot stills. Crystal clear in the glass, it has a pungent aniseed and liquorice aroma with a faint hint of pine, and a clean, dry, assertive flavour that suits the classic aperitif style.

About the brand

Metaxa is better known as a brandy-style Greek spirit, but it also has a strong reputation for its ouzo. The Metaxa name is part of the House of Metaxa, operated by W.S. Karoulias SA. The ouzo carries the brand into aniseed territory and is described by Difford’s Guide as the essence of Greekness captured in a bottle.

How it’s made

Metaxa Ouzo is flavoured with anise and with mastic, a resin from the evergreen lentisk bush. It is batch distilled in copper pot stills. The mastic adds a faint resinous, pine-like edge to the aniseed, which gives the spirit a little extra character compared with a plain aniseed flavour.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Pungent aniseed and liquorice, with a faint note of pine that may come from the mastic.
• Palate: Clean and dry, with assertive aniseed and a characteristic bittersweet liquorice taste.
• Finish: Long-lasting aniseed, with a faint touch of mint and mastic.

How to enjoy it

Ouzo is classically served as an aperitif. Pour a small measure into a glass and add cold water, which turns the clear spirit cloudy and softens the aniseed. Metaxa Ouzo can also be used in cocktails that call for a dry aniseed note.

Details

• Type: Ouzo (aniseed spirit)
• Region / origin: Greece
• Producer: The House of Metaxa (W.S. Karoulias SA)
• Botanicals: Anise, mastic
• ABV: 40%
• Volume: 70cl

Please drink responsibly. This product is intended for customers aged 18 and over.