Metaxa

Greek amber spirit

Metaxa

Type	Spirit
Manufacturer	Metaxa
Distributor
Country of origin	Greece
Region of origin
Introduced	1888
Discontinued
Alcohol by volume	38%–40%
Proof (US)	76–80
Colour	Amber

Metaxa is a Greek amber spirit created by Spyros Metaxa in 1888. It is a blend of brandy, muscat wine from the Aegean Islands, and a secret mix of herbs. The exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, contributing to its unique flavor profile.

History

The history of Metaxa dates back to 1888 when Spyros Metaxa, a Greek entrepreneur, founded the first Metaxa distillery in Piraeus, Greece. The spirit quickly gained popularity and expanded its reach beyond Greece, becoming a well-known brand internationally.

Production

Metaxa is produced through a meticulous process that involves several stages:

• **Distillation**: The base spirit is distilled from select varieties of grapes.
• **Aging**: The distilled spirit is aged in oak barrels for a period ranging from 3 to 30 years, depending on the variant.
• **Blending**: The aged spirit is blended with muscat wine from the Aegean Islands and a secret mix of herbs.
• **Bottling**: The final blend is bottled and labeled according to its star rating, which indicates the age and quality of the spirit.

Variants

Metaxa is available in several variants, each distinguished by a star rating that reflects its age and quality:

• **3 Stars**: Aged for at least 3 years, with a light and smooth flavor.
• **5 Stars**: Aged for at least 5 years, offering a richer and more complex taste.
• **7 Stars**: Aged for at least 7 years, known for its deep amber color and full-bodied flavor.
• **12 Stars**: Aged for at least 12 years, featuring a sophisticated and refined taste.
• **Private Reserve**: A premium variant aged for up to 30 years, with a luxurious and intricate flavor profile.
• **Angels' Treasure**: A limited edition variant, aged for an extended period, known for its exceptional quality and rarity.

Serving Suggestions

Metaxa can be enjoyed in various ways:

• **Neat**: Served at room temperature to appreciate its full flavor.
• **On the Rocks**: Poured over ice to mellow its intensity.
• **Cocktails**: Used as a base spirit in a variety of cocktails, such as the Metaxa Sunrise or Metaxa Mojito.

Cultural Significance

Metaxa holds a special place in Greek culture and is often associated with celebrations and special occasions. It is also a popular souvenir for visitors to Greece, symbolizing the country's rich heritage and tradition in spirit-making.

See Also

• Brandy
• Muscat (grape)
• Greek cuisine
• Greek wine

References

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