Metaxa 5 Star 750ML

Metaxa 5 Star 750ML is a Greek brandy blended with aged Muscat wine and Mediterranean botanicals, bottled at 38% ABV in a 750ml format. What distinguishes this expression from conventional brandies is the addition of Muscat wines from the island of Samos and hand-picked rose petals — a signature Metaxa technique that places it in a category largely its own.

Quick Facts: ABV: 38%  |  Origin: Athens, Greece  |  Aged Minimum 5 Years  |  Distillery: Metaxa

Production & Heritage

The Metaxa Distillery, based in Kifissia near Athens, has produced its namesake spirit since 1888 when founder Spyros Metaxa began blending Greek grape distillates with Muscat wines. The base spirit is double pot-still distilled from Savatiano, Sultanina, and Black Corinth grapes, then aged for a minimum of five years in French Limousin oak casks. After maturation, the aged distillate is blended with Muscat wines sourced from Samos and infused with Mediterranean botanicals — most notably May rose petals — giving the 5 Star its distinctly floral, honeyed personality that separates it from straightforward grape brandies.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Orange blossom and rose petal arrive first, followed by soft apricot and violet. A deeper inhale reveals layers of honey, muscat grape, and light brioche.

Taste: The entry is gentle and honeyed, with orange marmalade and ripe peach emerging across the mid-palate. As it develops, white raisin, stewed plum, and vanilla build alongside a subtle black pepper warmth. The muscat wine influence is unmistakable, lending a balanced sweetness that stays restrained rather than cloying.

Finish: Medium in length with peachy fruit fading into light oak, almond, and lingering honeyed sweetness. A gentle peppery spice persists through the close, adding just enough structure to keep things interesting.

How to Drink Metaxa 5 Star

Neat or over a single large ice cube is the most rewarding way to experience the floral complexity, though a splash of cold water can open up the rose and apricot aromatics further. In cocktails, the 5 Star's sweet and botanical profile makes it highly versatile:

• Sidecar — the honeyed muscat character complements Cointreau and lemon, softening the citrus edge.
• Brandy Alexander — almond and vanilla notes in the spirit pair seamlessly with crème de cacao and cream.
• Mediterranean Sour — shake with lemon juice, honey syrup, and a dash of orange blossom water to amplify the spirit's natural floral identity.

Best For

• After-dinner sipping as a digestif alongside dessert
• Introducing brandy newcomers to the category through an approachable, aromatic expression
• Building a home bar with a distinctive spirit that works in classic cocktails
• Gifting for travelers or food enthusiasts with an interest in Mediterranean spirits

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Metaxa 5 Star taste like? Metaxa 5 Star delivers a honeyed, floral profile dominated by orange blossom, ripe peach, and vanilla, with a gentle warmth from light oak and black pepper on the finish. The blended Muscat wine gives it a distinctive sweetness uncommon in most brandies.

How does Metaxa 5 Star compare to VS Cognac? Both are grape-based spirits aged in oak, but Metaxa 5 Star incorporates Muscat wine and rose petals into the blend, resulting in a sweeter, more overtly floral character. VS Cognac tends toward drier, more fruit-forward and wood-driven profiles without the botanical infusion.

Is Metaxa 5 Star good for sipping neat? Yes — the 38% ABV and smooth, honeyed texture make it approachable on its own, particularly after a meal. It does not require water or ice but benefits from a tulip-shaped glass that concentrates the floral aromatics.

Where is Metaxa 5 Star made? Metaxa 5 Star is produced at the Metaxa Distillery in Kifissia, a suburb of Athens, Greece. The Muscat wines used in blending are sourced from the Greek island of Samos, long celebrated for its dessert wines.

What foods pair well with Metaxa 5 Star? Baklava and other honey-soaked pastries mirror the spirit's sweetness. Dried figs and toasted almonds echo its nutty, fruity finish. Aged cheeses like Graviera or manchego provide a savory counterpoint, while dark chocolate with orange peel amplifies the citrus-floral notes. Grilled stone fruit drizzled with honey also works beautifully as a simple pairing.

What sizes does Metaxa 5 Star come in? The standard bottle is 750ml, which is the most widely available format. A 1-liter size is also produced for certain markets.

Is Metaxa 5 Star worth the price? Metaxa 5 Star positions as an entry-level expression within the Metaxa range, sitting below the 7 Star and 12 Star tiers. At its price point, it delivers an unusual level of aromatic complexity for the category, making it a strong value among aged grape spirits.

Why Metaxa 5 Star?

The blending of pot-still grape brandy with aged Samos Muscat wine and rose petal botanicals is a production method virtually unique to Metaxa — no major brandy or cognac house replicates this approach. That technique gives the 5 Star a floral, honeyed identity that stands apart in a category often dominated by oak and dried fruit. Five years of Limousin oak aging provides enough structure and vanilla depth to satisfy brandy drinkers, while the muscat influence ensures accessibility for those exploring grape spirits for the first time. For anyone seeking something genuinely different from standard French or Spanish brandies, the 5 Star delivers a distinctly Greek expression with over 135 years of heritage behind it.