Metaxa, 5 Stars, The Original Greek Spirit, 70cl, Pack of 1

Product Information

Metaxa begins life as a brandy, or rather a number of brandies. The manufacturers take brandies that have been brewed from different batches of dry white wine by an assortment of distilleries across Greece. The resulting brandy blend is then aged in oak casks before being added to a specific type of muscat wine produced on the islands of Samos and Lemnos. This helps to impart a richness to the brandy mixture, adding extra depth and bringing some of that unique Metaxa flavor.

There are four main varieties of Metaxa: 3, 5, 7 and 12. There are also special edition versions, such as their Private Reserve. The number references the amount of time that the blend has spent in maturation. So, Metaxa 3 has spent three year in those French oak barrels, Metaxa 5 has spent 5 years, and so on. You should not take more than 1 or 2 shots in a 1-2 hour period because of the high alcohol content. Another two years, another step up in taste. There is a certain complexity to Metaxa 7 that is comparable to a very good whiskey. Metaxa 12 Metaxa doesn’t hold its fame amongst the Greek people as much as it does elsewhere in the world. It’s been listed as a part of the top 3 best imported spirits in many EU countries and has won the gold medal in many international spirit brewing competitions. While it is usually the number 1 premium spirit in Greece, not as many locals drink it as they did in the past. HOW IS METAXA MADE?Add the fruit and 3 US tbsp (44 ml) of agave nectar into the pitcher. Carefully place the cut up watermelon, lemon slices, and orange slices into the pitcher and use the spoon to mix it up. Then, measure 3 US tbsp (44 ml) of agave nectar and pour it into the pitcher. Refrigerate the drink for a minimum of 2 hours and serve. If you want an even colder drink, refrigerate the sangria overnight. This will also allow the fruit to soak up more alcohol. You can serve the sangria in a glass as is, or you can serve it over ice depending on your preference.

Pour Metaxa, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white in a mixing glass and dry shake (shake without ice). Mix the drink together for 4-5 minutes with a large spoon. Continue mixing the drink thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated. The wine, Metaxa, and fruit will combine to make a sweet and flavorful drink. [11] X Research source Metaxa is a brandy blend that is produced in Greece and sold in several different varieties, based on how many years the drink has been aged prior to bottling. Metaxa was first introduced in 1888 and has been made in the same traditional way ever since, with the recipe being a closely guarded secret. The ultimate Metaxa, the 12 has been aged like a high quality single malt and this, combined with the flavors that make this drink so unique, ensures this is a truly memorable brandy. Which Metaxa is Best? Metaxa 5 is when this drink really starts to come to life. Despite a difference of just two years in age, there is a huge difference in taste and this is typically recommended as the best starting point to truly experience this drink. Metaxa 7As a brandy, Metaxa combines local Greek wines from islands in the Aegean Sea with wine distillates that have been aging for as long as 80 years in some types. This mix of old and new wines brings together the aged aroma and the freshness of newer wine to make a refreshing blend that is bottled and sold. A very aromatic and approachable, easy drinking, brandy-like spirit. Those expecting a dry brandy should be aware of this spirit’s smoothing honeyed sweetness and faint rose blossom notes. You will pay very little for Metaxa in local bars and restaurants, with the 5 and 7 versions priced around the same as the most basic of whiskey and vodka imports. The 12 is a little more expensive of course, but there’s no better place to enjoy it as this drink is cheaper in Greece than it is in any other country.

Mix 1⁄ 2 c (120 ml) of Metaxa and 3.2 c (760 ml) of red wine in a pitcher. The Metaxa and red wine blend will serve as the base of your Sangria. Pour both of them into a large pitcher and use a spoon with a long handle to mix it together until both liquids are well incorporated. Pour a shot of orange juice and a shot of Metaxa into the shaker. Use a jigger to measure out about 1 shot, or about 5 cl (1.7 fl oz) of Metaxa and 1 shot of orange juice directly into the shaker. If you don’t have a shaker, pour them directly into the tall glass you’ll use to drink the Metaxa. [5] X Research source There is a fruit taste to it and notes of citrus, which suggests the use of something like orange blossom or orange oil. There is also a floral taste, imparted both by the rose petals and potentially something like jasmine. Really though, it’s all speculation and no one except the few who make it know what goes into Metaxa. What Are the Different Types of Metaxa? Shake the drink and pour it into a tall glass. Attach the lid to the shaker and shake the drink up and down over your shoulder vigorously. Then, remove the lid to the shaker and strain it out into a tall glass. [8] X Research source The second process that gives this brandy its unique taste is the mix of local herbs that are put in to add aroma and herbal flavors. While the brewery keeps the exact ingredients and amounts secret for its recipe’s sake, it’s known to include May roses and other local Mediterranean herbs that are added before aging.

Some people will call Metaxa a brandy, because of the mixture of distilled wines and other additives that create the blend. This spirit uses only wines and ingredients from the Aegean Sea area, making it a truly Greek brandy.