Metaxa Ouzo 750ML

Metaxa Ouzo 750ML is a traditional Greek anise spirit distilled from six Mediterranean botanicals, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Rated 88 points by Wine Enthusiast, this ouzo distinguishes itself through the inclusion of rare mastic resin harvested from Chios island — a prized botanical that few producers use and one that adds a subtle, resinous complexity to the classic aniseed profile.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Piraeus (Athens), Greece  |  Style: Ouzo (Anise Spirit)  |  Distillery: METAXA

Production & Heritage

The METAXA distillery was founded in 1888 in Piraeus, near Athens, and is best known internationally for its signature brandy. The ouzo expression draws from an original recipe dating to the early 1900s, with botanicals distilled in small, traditional copper pot stills. The blend incorporates six aromatic seeds and botanicals from the Mediterranean basin — aniseed, fennel, coriander, and the standout ingredient, mastiha (mastic resin) sourced from Chios island. This resinous sap, sometimes called the "tears of Chios," is cultivated exclusively on that Aegean island and adds a distinctive layer of aromatic depth that separates Metaxa Ouzo from more straightforward anise spirits.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Pungent aniseed leads immediately, followed by a clean licorice sweetness and faint pine-like notes likely attributable to the mastiha. A whisper of sea breeze and herbal fennel rounds out the nose.

Taste: The entry is bold and mouth-filling, with licorice candy and assertive aniseed dominating the front palate. At mid-palate, fennel and coriander add an earthy, slightly peppery counterpoint. The mastic resin emerges as a subtle bittersweet undercurrent, keeping the sweetness in check and lending a clean, dry structure.

Finish: Long and lingering, with aniseed persisting alongside faint hints of mint and mastiha. The finish is dry and clean, leaving a pleasant herbal warmth rather than sugary residue.

How to Drink Metaxa Ouzo

The classic serve is neat in a small glass with a splash of cold water, which triggers the signature louche — the spirit turns an attractive opalescent white as the anise oils emulsify. Served over ice on a warm afternoon, it functions as a quintessential Greek aperitif. For cocktails, try it in an Ouzo Lemonade (ouzo, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, soda water), where the anise plays against bright citrus. It works well in a Mediterranean Mule (ouzo, ginger beer, lime, cucumber), as the fennel and anise complement ginger's spice. A Greek Sunset (ouzo, orange juice, grenadine) showcases the spirit's licorice character against tropical sweetness.

Best For

• Hosting a Greek-themed dinner party with meze and grilled seafood
• Introducing friends to traditional Mediterranean anise spirits
• Summer aperitif drinking on a warm patio or terrace
• Gifting to someone who enjoys Pernod, pastis, or other anise-flavored spirits

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Metaxa Ouzo taste like? Metaxa Ouzo delivers bold aniseed and licorice candy flavors with a clean, dry backbone, accented by subtle notes of fennel, mint, and the bittersweet resinous character of Chios mastic.

How does Metaxa Ouzo compare to Ouzo 12? Both are widely available Greek ouzos at similar proof, but Metaxa Ouzo incorporates rare mastic resin from Chios island, which adds a pine-like, resinous dimension not typically found in Ouzo 12's more straightforwardly sweet anise profile. Metaxa also earned an 88-point rating from Wine Enthusiast, reflecting its botanical complexity.

Is Metaxa Ouzo good for cocktails? Yes — its assertive anise flavor and clean, dry finish make it a versatile cocktail ingredient that can substitute for pastis or Pernod in recipes calling for anise spirits. It holds its own against citrus, ginger, and herbal mixers without becoming cloying.

Where is Metaxa Ouzo made? Metaxa Ouzo is produced at the METAXA distillery in Piraeus, near Athens, Greece. The distillery was founded in 1888 and sources its botanicals from across the Mediterranean basin, including the island of Chios for its mastic resin.

What foods pair well with Metaxa Ouzo? Grilled octopus, as the charred smokiness complements the anise; feta and olive meze platters, where the spirit's dryness cuts through the saltiness; fried calamari, a classic pairing in Greek tavernas; fresh shrimp saganaki, whose tomato-based sauce balances the licorice; and halloumi cheese, whose mild saltiness lets the herbal botanicals shine.

What sizes does Metaxa Ouzo come in? The standard widely available bottle is 750ml. Availability of other sizes may vary by market.

Is Metaxa Ouzo worth the price? Metaxa Ouzo positions as a mid-range ouzo that over-delivers on complexity thanks to its six-botanical recipe and the inclusion of rare Chios mastic resin. Its 88-point Wine Enthusiast rating and medal at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition reinforce strong value within the anise spirit category.

Why Metaxa Ouzo?

What earns Metaxa Ouzo its reputation is the inclusion of mastiha from Chios island — a botanical so regionally specific that it carries a European Union Protected Designation of Origin. That single ingredient transforms what could be a standard anise spirit into something more layered and aromatic. The copper pot still distillation and early-1900s recipe further root this ouzo in authentic Greek tradition. With an 88-point Wine Enthusiast score and recognition at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Metaxa Ouzo delivers verified quality backed by critical evaluation, not just brand heritage alone.