Tsilili Tsipouro of Thessaly 700ML

Tsilili Tsipouro of Thessaly 700ML is a traditional Greek grape pomace spirit bottled at 41% ABV in a 700ml format. Recognized with a Silver Medal at the 2015 Thessaloniki International Wine & Spirit Competition, this expression carries the EU-protected Geographical Indication "Thessaly" — a designation reserved for tsipouro with verified regional character and organoleptic standards.

Quick Facts: ABV: 41%  |  Origin: Thessaly, Greece  |  Style: Tsipouro (without anise)  |  Distillery: Tsililis Distillery-Winery

Production & Heritage

The Tsililis distillery-winery was founded in 1989 in Raxa, Trikala, in the shadow of the Meteora Rocks in Thessaly. Tsilili Tsipouro holds the distinction of being the first tsipouro to be commercially bottled in Thessaly, helping to define the modern category. Distillation takes place in small copper-stainless steel pot stills heated by steam — a patient, gradual process designed to preserve delicate aromatics from high-quality grape varieties cultivated in selected Thessalian vineyards. Only the "heart" cut of the distillate is collected, isolating the cleanest, most elegant fraction and discarding heads and tails that carry heavier, less desirable compounds.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Crystal-bright in the glass, this tsipouro opens with intense fruity aromas of bergamot and lemon zest, followed by white peach and delicate floral notes of rose. Herbal hints of fresh mint emerge underneath, adding a cooling complexity to the nose.

Taste: The entry is soft and rounded, with a gentle alcohol presence that lets the fruit speak first — white grape and ripe pear dominate the early palate. At mid-palate, minerality and brown bread earthiness develop alongside grassy notes and faint cracked black pepper. A whisper of clove spice appears near the peak, adding dimension without overpowering the grape-forward character.

Finish: The finish is long and refreshing, with a lingering minty coolness and residual pear fruit. A clean mineral quality carries through, leaving a dry, elegant close that invites another sip.

How to Drink Tsilili Tsipouro

The traditional Greek approach is to serve this tsipouro chilled or at room temperature in a small glass alongside meze — the spirit's clean fruit character and moderate proof make it naturally food-friendly. For cocktail exploration, try it in a Grape Collins, where the bergamot and citrus aromatics amplify the lemon-soda backbone. A Mediterranean Spritz using tsipouro in place of the traditional base spirit highlights the floral and herbal notes against a bitter aperitivo component. It also works beautifully in a Pomace Sour, where egg white rounds the minerality into a silky, aromatic foam.

Best For

• Introducing friends to authentic Greek spirits beyond ouzo
• Pairing with a traditional meze spread at a dinner gathering
• Gifting to someone who appreciates regional European eau-de-vie and grape brandies
• Building a Mediterranean spirits collection with protected-origin bottles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Tsilili Tsipouro taste like? Tsilili Tsipouro of Thessaly delivers a fruit-forward profile dominated by white peach, bergamot, and pear, layered with minerality, faint cracked black pepper, and a long, cooling mint finish. It is smooth with soft alcohol integration and no harshness.

How does Tsilili Tsipouro compare to ouzo? While both are iconic Greek spirits, tsipouro is distilled from grape pomace and has a vinous, fruit-driven character, whereas ouzo is an anise-flavored spirit that relies heavily on star anise and fennel for its licorice-dominant profile. Tsilili Tsipouro (without anise) lacks the louche effect and tastes distinctly more grape-forward and herbal than a standard ouzo.

Is Tsilili Tsipouro good for sipping neat? Yes — at 41% ABV, this tsipouro is specifically designed for neat consumption in the Greek tradition, with a soft mouthfeel and clean distillate character that does not require dilution to be approachable.

Where is Tsilili Tsipouro made? Tsilili Tsipouro is produced at the Tsililis distillery-winery in Raxa, Trikala, in the Thessaly region of central Greece, near the famous Meteora Rocks. It carries the EU-protected Geographical Indication "Thessaly," certifying its regional provenance and production standards.

What foods pair well with Tsilili Tsipouro? Grilled octopus pairs exceptionally well, as the spirit's minerality complements the char and brine. Feta cheese and olive tapenade mirror the grape-forward aromatics. Fried zucchini or eggplant dishes work because the clean finish cuts through the oil. Grilled lamb chops match the herbal mint notes, and fresh seafood like grilled sardines aligns with the citrus and white peach character.

What sizes does Tsilili Tsipouro come in? The standard widely available format is the 700ml bottle, which is the traditional European spirits size for this category.

Is Tsilili Tsipouro worth the price? Tsilili Tsipouro positions as a mid-range expression within the tsipouro category, offering genuine regional provenance with a protected Geographical Indication, copper pot still distillation, and multiple international competition medals — strong value markers for a spirit at this tier.

Why Tsilili Tsipouro?

Tsilili holds a foundational place in Thessalian tsipouro as the first producer to bottle and commercially distribute the spirit from this region. The EU Geographical Indication "Thessaly" is not a generic label — it certifies that the grapes, distillation, and bottling meet specific regional standards, similar to how appellations function for French eau-de-vie. Consistent recognition at international competitions, including a Silver Medal at the 2015 Thessaloniki IWSC and Bronze Medals at the 2016 and 2017 International Wine & Spirit Competition, confirms the distillery's quality across vintages. For anyone exploring Greek spirits beyond ouzo, this bottling represents an authentic, well-documented entry point into the pomace spirit tradition.