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Greek ouzo anyone? - Magical Realist - Jul 30, 2015
"There is an old Greek saying that "ouzo makes the spirit" and this is especially true in Greece. The Greek spirit or kefi (KEH-fee) is found in hearty food, soulful music, and the love of lively conversation. A glass of chilled ouzo is the perfect companion to all of these things.
Most people would agree that ouzo is Greece's most popular alcoholic drink.
No other beverage is as uniquely Greek or as closely linked to a culture as ouzo is to Greece. In fact, in 2006, the Greek government won the exclusive rights to use the product name ouzo.
Taste:
Clear and silky, with a distinct licorice flavor, ouzo is distilled from the must or remnants of grapes pressed for wine. It can be flavored with spices like anise, mint, mastic, and coriander. Potent and fiery, it is not a drink for the faint of heart. It has an alcohol content of about 40% (depending on the brand) but also a high sugar content that delays the release of the alcohol in to your system. Drinkers are advised to use caution because the effects of ouzo will sneak up on you.
Origin:
The island of Lesvos (Mytilini) prides itself as the hub of ouzo production and is widely known to have some of the best ouzo in Greece. Recipes for distilling ouzo may be similar from location to location, however, you will find that these are often closely guarded family secrets.
Brands of Ouzo:
Ouzo brands tend to have followings like soccer teams, and foster the same type of loyalty in their dedicated fans.
Some of the better-known brands available outside of Greece are: Ouzo 12, Sans Rival, Ouzo Barbayianni, and Ouzo Mini. In Greece, brands such as Plomari, Tinarvou, and Kefi are also widely enjoyed."===http://greekfood.about.com/od/mezethesdrinks/a/Ouzo.htm