No. 12 Ouzo Liqueur 750ml
Ouzo 12 traces its origins to 1880, when the Kaloyannis family began distilling in Constantinople, now Istanbul. Their business grew steadily and relocated to the port of Piraeus in 1919, where it continued producing the anise spirit that would become one of Greece's most recognized exports. The brand has been part of Gruppo Campari since 1999, though production remains rooted in Greece and faithful to the family's original formula.
The name comes from Barrel No. 12, the specific cask at the Kaloyannis distillery whose contents customers repeatedly requested for their exceptional smoothness and aroma, eventually becoming the house recipe. The spirit is distilled from grape must and pomace infused with a blend of botanicals, chiefly anise along with fennel and other select herbs, then double distilled through a traditional pot still process before resting briefly to round out its character.
Clear in the glass, it transforms into a milky, opalescent cloud the moment water or ice is added, the classic ritual of a Greek aperitif. The nose offers sweet anise and licorice layered with citrus zest and a touch of warm spice, carrying through to a smooth, balanced palate. Serve it with feta and olive mezze, spanakopita, or grilled lamb chops.