METAXA Ouzo is a distinctive Greek anise spirit from the House of Metaxa, a producer established by Spyros Metaxa in Piraeus in 1888. Bottled at 40% ABV, this expression brings the house’s botanical expertise to one of Greece’s signature spirits, with small-batch distillation and an especially evocative pairing of anise and mastic.
Production takes place in 100% copper stills, where the botanicals are carefully processed to balance anise’s familiar aromatic character with mastic, the fragrant resin associated with the Greek island of Chios. Mastic gives this ouzo its individual identity, contributing what the producer describes as a sea-breeze quality and a velvety texture. It is a thoughtful point of distinction for anyone curious to explore the breadth of flavor possible within the ouzo category.
The official profile moves through spicy, floral, zesty, and herbal notes, with anise at its core. The finish is clean and crisp, carrying persistent mastic character. Rather than relying on maturation or cask influence, the bottle’s appeal rests on the handling of its botanicals and the interplay between its two defining ingredients.
METAXA also recommends the classic ouzo ritual: pour the spirit at room temperature over ice, watch its transparent appearance turn cloudy white, and then add water. Beyond its visual transformation, this simple preparation offers an engaging way to experience the bottle’s aromatic profile and texture. For drinkers interested in Greek spirits, copper-still distillation, or the distinctive character of Chios mastic, METAXA Ouzo provides an inviting place to begin.
