In Greece, many dinners begin and end with a small glass that turns cloudy the moment water touches it. Ouzo 12 is one of the best-selling anise spirits in the country, and the name comes from a specific cask – barrel number 12 – that became the house's preferred style.
Expert's description
Ouzo 12 is a Greek anise liqueur, double-distilled from grape alcohol with anise, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, and nutmeg, at 38% alcohol.
The story goes back to 1880, when the Kaloyannis brothers founded their distillery in Constantinople, present-day Istanbul. The family moved to Thessaloniki in 1925, and in 1950 the distillate found its way to Piraeus, where it was bottled for the first time – then in the distinctive carafe that later became the standard for ouzo bottles. The name Ouzo 12 comes from cask number 12, whose particular blend became the family's preferred style after a series of experiments. Since 2005, Ouzo 12 has been distilled and produced at the Koutsikos distillery in Volos, central Greece.
Taste
The taste is dominated by anise, with underlying spice notes of cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg, giving it a warm, aromatic character. Mixed with water, the drink turns cloudy and milder, while the spice notes come through more clearly.
Specifications
Name: Ouzo 12
Producer: Koutsikos distillery
Region/Country: Volos, Greece
Type: Greek Anise Liqueur
Main ingredients: Anise, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, nutmeg
ABV: 38%
Size: 70 cl
EAN number: 5201003110702
Serving suggestion: Mix with equal parts cold water so the drink turns cloudy, and enjoy alongside a plate of mezédes.
Did you know?
Ouzo changes colour from clear to a whitish cloud when mixed with water – a phenomenon known as the "louche effect", caused by the anise oil, which is not soluble in water. Read more about the brand on Ouzo 12's official website ouzo12.com.
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