Ouzo 12 Greek Aperitif

Bring Greece to your glass with Ouzo 12, the legendary anise aperitif named after its famed Barrel No. 12. Smooth, herbal, and irresistibly Mediterranean, it blooms into a cloudy white swirl when splashed with water. Perfect alongside olives, grilled octopus, or a sunlit summer afternoon.

Ouzo 12 is celebrated as one of the most iconic and approachable Greek ouzos—smooth, well-balanced, and evocative of seaside tavernas and sun-drenched Mediterranean evenings. Its branding emphasizes both tradition and accessibility, making it popular with locals and visitors alike.

🇬🇷 Heritage

• Origin: Greece

• First Distilled: 1880 in Constantinople, later moving to Thessaloniki and Athens.

• Name: “Ouzo 12” comes from the original barrel number 12 at the Kaloyiannis distillery, whose spirit was so smooth and distinctive it became the benchmark recipe.

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🍇 Production

• Base Spirit: Distilled from grape must and neutral spirit.

• Infusion: Flavored with over a dozen botanicals, including:

  • Anise (the star ingredient, giving ouzo its signature flavor and the milky louche effect when diluted)

  • Fennel, star anise, coriander, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, and various herbs and roots

• Distillation: Double-distilled in copper stills to ensure purity and complexity.

• ABV: Typically 38% alcohol by volume.

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👃 Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Clear and brilliant; turns cloudy white when water or ice is added.

• Aroma: Sweet and herbal, dominated by anise, with hints of licorice, fennel, and warm spice.

• Palate: Smooth, medium-bodied, with a sweet licorice entry, balanced herbal complexity, and a gentle spice lift.

• Finish: Clean, warming, with lingering anise and herbal notes.

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🍸 Serving & Pairings

• Traditionally enjoyed:

  • Neat or with cold water and ice, creating the classic opaque “ouzo effect.”

  • Accompanied by meze (small plates) such as grilled octopus, olives, feta, calamari, or sardines.

• Works as a digestif after meals.

• Can also be used in cocktails, lending a unique Mediterranean twist with its bold anise profile.