Ouzo 12 Greek Ouzo, 70cl

Ouzo 12 Greek Ouzo, 70cl, is an aniseed-flavoured spirit from Greece, bottled at 38% ABV. It is made from grape spirit that is distilled twice and flavoured with anise, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander and nutmeg. Crystal clear in the glass, it turns milky grey-white when water is added, and it offers fennel, liquorice and aniseed with a little spice behind them.

About the brand

Ouzo 12 was first produced by the Kaloyannis brothers in 1880 at their distillery in Constantinople, now Istanbul. After some experimenting, they made the style from cask number twelve their house style, and that number gave the brand its name. Today it is produced by N. Kaloyiannis Bros S.A. in Greece, and it has been part of the Campari group since 1999.

How it’s made

The base is grape spirit, which is distilled twice before being flavoured with anise, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander and nutmeg. The spirit is unaged and non-vintage, so its character comes from the botanicals rather than from time in wood. Adding water turns the clear liquid cloudy, a change you can see in the glass.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Fennel, liquorice and aniseed, with subtle spice.
• Palate: A strong aniseed flavour with liquorice and a hint of sweetness.
• Finish: Long, with lingering liquorice.

How to enjoy it

Pour a measure into a glass and add water to taste, which turns the spirit milky and softens the aniseed. Ouzo 12 is also used in cocktails that call for an aniseed note, so it can sit on the bar shelf as an ingredient as well as a drink to sip slowly.

Details

• Type: Ouzo (aniseed spirit)
• Region / origin: Greece
• Producer: N. Kaloyiannis Bros S.A.
• Botanicals: Anise, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, nutmeg
• ABV: 38%
• Volume: 70cl

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