Metaxa - Ouzo - Retina

Metaxa is distinguished as the most famous Greek spirit worldwide. It is misled as an actual brandy but in actual fact is something more. Thus, when we are talking about Metaxa we refer to this unique spirit and not to a brandy product. It was invented by a silk trader named Spiros Metaxas in 1888. He was from the Attica region - a province of Athens. The grapes Savatiano, Sultanina and Black Corinth are locally grown and form the basis of this spirit which is twice distilled and blended with aged Muscat wine from Samos, then blended with a secret botanical mix and aged in hand made oak casks. When served in a large brandy glass and warmed by the palm of your hand, the perfumed aroma is a truly intoxicating experience.

Metaxa is generally available in the following versions: Three Star, Five Star, Seven Star and Twelve Star. Each star represents a year that it has been aged in oak barrels for. Hence the Metaxa 5 star is at least 5 years old. Occasionally, you will find a Metaxa 'Private Reserve' which is at least 20 years old. There is no difference in terms of quality and production process between the different Metaxa stars, as in every family, age is the only uncommon characteristic. It is worth pointing out that other Metaxa products considered as 'collector items' are occasionally available, such as the 'Metaxa Grand Olympian Reserve', and 'Metaxa Golden Age'.

The end to any meal in a Taverna on Paxos is not complete without a Greek Brandy!

Each Taverna on Paxos, usually has its own wine served by the kilo (equal to a litre) - often served in metal tin jugs. The taste and standard varies tremendously. Most often than not, it will be served in a metal carafe - just enjoy!

Ouzo is a social drink - not to be drunk on its own - rather with friends, and preferably with a small Meze. An Ouzo Meze usually consists of a small pate with a few olives, feta cheese, local sausage and if you are lucky some grilled Octopus. Picking at these nibbles, helps keep the effects of the alcohol from overwhelming you and enables you to sit, drink and talk for hours in a profoundly calm state of mind where all is beautiful and life is fine. This not just a drink, but a part of Greek life!

If you do not like the taste of liquorice, then ouzo is not for you. Fennel extract is the main added ingredient. Ouzo is drunk with ice and water. When you add water, the ouzo turns a milky white. How much to pour in is a matter of taste, so when Ouzo is served, the water is always served separate, leaving the drinker to mix the ratio to their taste.

Retsina, is 'normal' wine that is often undrinkable or poor. It is transferred to barrels made from Cyprus wood - and left to mature. The resin seeps into the wine giving it its particular flavour. Great at lunchtime, but takes some getting used to, but it is drinkable! Some locals add Sprite to their retsina - but they would not normally admit to it. Found in all of the Tavernas on Paxos!