Metaxa doesn’t hold its fame amongst the Greek people as much as it does elsewhere in the world. It’s been listed as a part of the top 3 best imported spirits in many EU countries and has won the gold medal in many international spirit brewing competitions. While it is usually the number 1 premium spirit in Greece, not as many locals drink it as they did in the past. HOW IS METAXA MADE? Later, when cognac became strictly defined Metaxa and other drinks had to redefine themselves, and Metaxa became a brandy. For years it was regarded as the Greek brandy. But then the spirits world defined what a brandy was, and brandy was a drink that, amongst other things, did not contain wine. The Metaxa Brandy Collection Star rating represents the minimum number of years the spirit has aged in the barrel. This heavenly spirit that is not quite a brandy or a cognac yet takes you on a journey to Greece that you will want to re-take time and time again. What Is Metaxa? I was drinking Metaxa years before I started writing about drink, and never thought I’d find myself reviewing it. So I have a predisposition to like the drink, but I can also now appreciate it more because I can put it into context, with cognacs and brandies and whiskies. To me it tastes like a very fine brandy, but a little more floral. It’s safe to say that if you’ve never tried Metaxa, this new 12-Star will be the perfect introduction. It really is in a class of its own. More Information

Metaxa tastes much like a cognac or brandy. Depending on the age of the Metaxa, it brings flavours of dried fruits, honey, caramel, dark chocolate, and oak with a smooth and flavoursome finish. Is Metaxa A Brandy?A unique sensation on the palate with sweet spice, dry prune, a hint of grape syrup, and subtle oak. Best Served I have to admit that I’m biased. I’ve been enjoying Metaxa for years on my many visits to Greece, including lots of trips while researching this book when I felt I deserved a reward at the end of a long day. On the nose, you can immediately smell the roses that are one of the botanicals included. As a lover of dried apricots and figs, I am sent into bliss by my first sip. You are definitely reminded that it’s 40%ABV, but the finish is smooth and ends with a nod to the citrus family. How does Metaxa taste

Getting any of the type of Metaxa is going to cost you, as is made partially from some of the originally barreled Mextaxa wine. It is an incredibly rare brandy that can be aged for as long as 80 or more years. The flavors, aroma, and smoothness are one of the kind and you won’t find this sort of mix very often. Metaxa 12-Star is the most mature of the regular range of Metaxa Greek spirits, and there’s a push on to familiarize American palates with this classic Greek drink, or the Original Greek Spirit. Having been aged for 2 more years than the 5 star type, 7 star Metaxa will showcase a bit more of the nutty, earthy flavors than fruity flavors. The fruit flavors that are present resemble riper, heartier fruits like peaches or raisins rather than light citrus fruits. Alongside the flavor changes, this brandy is also smoother than the 5 star. 12 StarAs a brandy, Metaxa combines local Greek wines from islands in the Aegean Sea with wine distillates that have been aging for as long as 80 years in some types. This mix of old and new wines brings together the aged aroma and the freshness of newer wine to make a refreshing blend that is bottled and sold. The flavour of the Metaxa AEN Cask No 2 Despina is a revival of the old. It brings the true heritage and flavour from the old days to a few that will appreciate this Greek spirit with abyss-like depth. Ingredients The other two Metaxas in their regular range are 5-Star and 7-Star, so you can figure out that they contain spirits aged for at least five and seven years respectively. So while the number of stars isn’t a comment on how ‘good’ the spirits are, you would naturally expect the 12-star to be richer and more complex, thanks to the extra time in the barrel. More About the Metaxa Stars year double pots stilled brandies, aromatic Muscat wine, rose petals, and fragrant herbs. Taste notes This well aged brandy has strong roasted flavors of chocolate, fig, prune, butterscotch, and other tasty hints you’ll get as you sip. It is very smooth to drink and has a rich flavor and strong aroma that mix together for a very pleasing taste. Private Reserve