Ouzo 12 750ML

Ouzo 12 750ML is a double-distilled Greek anise spirit bottled at 40% ABV in a 750ml format. Scored 91 points out of 100 by Tastings.com in 2022, this expression traces its recipe back to a single legendary barrel at the original Kaloyannis distillery.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Greece  |  Style: Anise Spirit (Ouzo)  |  Distillery: Kaloyannis (est. 1880)  |  Owner: Gruppo Campari

Production & Heritage

The Kaloyannis family began distilling in Constantinople (now Istanbul) in 1880. The name "Ouzo 12" comes from Barrel No. 12 at the original distillery — the specific cask whose spirit proved so smooth and distinctive that it became the benchmark recipe for all future production. Grape alcohol is double-distilled with a botanical mix of anise, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, and nutmeg, then processed through a sequence of 16 successive pot stills. Since 1999, the brand has been owned and distributed globally by Gruppo Campari, making it one of the most widely recognized ouzos outside of Greece.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Clean fennel and licorice lead immediately, followed by a wave of concentrated aniseed. Beneath those dominant notes sit subtle layers of warm spice — cardamom and cinnamon in particular — adding aromatic complexity without overwhelming the classic ouzo profile.

Taste: The entry is sweet and licorice-forward, coating the palate with a medium body that feels smooth rather than syrupy. At mid-palate, herbal complexity builds as coriander and secondary botanicals emerge alongside pronounced aniseed. A gentle spice lift balances the sugar sweetness, keeping the spirit from tipping into one-note territory.

Finish: Long and spicy-sweet, with lingering licorice that slowly dries out toward warm botanical undertones. The aftertaste is surprisingly mild given the intensity of the aroma, fading gradually with a final whisper of fennel.

How to Drink Ouzo 12

The traditional serve is neat in a small glass alongside a dish of cold water — adding a splash turns the spirit a milky white (the "louche" effect) and softens the anise intensity. Ice cubes work well for slow sipping in warm weather. For cocktails, try a Greek Mule, where the anise replaces the expected vodka and pairs naturally with ginger beer and lime; a Mediterranean Spritz, combining Ouzo 12 with prosecco and soda water for a refreshing aperitif with herbal depth; or a Ouzo Sour, shaking it with lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white, which tempers the licorice and creates a silky, aromatic foam.

Best For

• Hosting a Greek-themed dinner party with mezze and seafood
• Introducing friends to anise spirits for the first time
• Building a well-rounded home bar with international aperitif options
• Gifting someone who appreciates Mediterranean food and drink culture

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ouzo 12 taste like? Ouzo 12 delivers a pronounced aniseed and licorice flavor balanced by sugar sweetness, fennel, and warm spice notes of cardamom and cinnamon. The palate is smooth and medium-bodied with a long, spicy-sweet finish.

How does Ouzo 12 compare to Metaxa Ouzo? Both are widely available anise spirits, but Ouzo 12 uses a more complex botanical blend — including cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, and nutmeg — and undergoes distillation through 16 successive pot stills. Metaxa Ouzo tends toward a lighter, more straightforward licorice and anise profile with a cleaner, less spice-driven finish.

Is Ouzo 12 good for beginners? Yes — its smooth, medium-bodied character and balanced sweetness make it one of the more approachable ouzos on the market. Diluting with cold water or ice further softens the anise, making it an ideal starting point for anyone new to the category.

Where is Ouzo 12 made? Ouzo 12 originated at the Kaloyannis distillery, founded in Constantinople (now Istanbul) in 1880, and is now produced in Greece under the ownership of Gruppo Campari, which acquired the brand in 1999.

What foods pair well with Ouzo 12? Grilled octopus or calamari, where the anise complements charred seafood flavors; feta and olive mezze plates, whose saltiness contrasts the spirit's sweetness; grilled lamb chops seasoned with oregano and lemon; spanakopita, where the herbal filling echoes the botanical character; and dark chocolate, which deepens the licorice notes.

What sizes does Ouzo 12 come in? The standard and most widely available size is the 750ml bottle, though smaller formats may be available in select markets.

Is Ouzo 12 worth the price? Ouzo 12 positions as a premium-quality, accessible ouzo that over-delivers for its price tier — its 91-point Tastings.com score and complex botanical recipe put it among the best values in the anise spirit category.

Why Ouzo 12?

The recipe's origin story is unusually specific for a mass-market spirit: it exists because a single barrel — No. 12 — stood out among every other cask at the Kaloyannis distillery over 140 years ago. That recipe, built on a blend of five distinct botanicals refined through 16 successive pot stills, produces a level of complexity that earned it 91 points from Tastings.com. While many ouzos lean on anise alone, the interplay of cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, and nutmeg here gives the spirit layered depth that holds up both neat and in cocktails. Under Gruppo Campari's global distribution, it remains the most recognized ouzo worldwide — and one of the few with critical scores to back its reputation.