Ouzo Barbayanni Aphrodite

Ouzo Barbayanni Aphrodite is the strongest ouzo, at 48% ABV, from the Varvayannis (Barbayanni) family, who have distilled ouzo in the town of Plomari on the Greek island of Lesvos since 1860. Born in 1962, Aphrodite takes its name from the goddess of beauty; the producer states it presents the ouzo in a bottle inspired by classical Greek beauty. Like all Barbayanni ouzos, it is made from 100% distillate and comes from the region covered by the Ouzo of Plomari geographical indication.

How is it made?

Pure agricultural alcohol is slowly distilled in small copper stills, without allowing sudden changes in heating and cooling, together with aniseed grown and shade-dried on the family's own land in Lisvori and aromatic herbs from the family recipe. The middle cut of the distillation, the "heart", goes through a second and third stage. The resulting high-strength distillate is brought to its final alcohol strength with spring water from the mountains of Plomari and rested in stainless steel tanks.

What does Barbayanni Aphrodite taste like?

The nose shows a rich aroma built from aniseed alongside aromatic herbs and seeds. The palate is intense, full and voluminous, filling the mouth; the finish is long and pronounced. The producer states this powerful character shows itself best alongside quality, flavourful dishes.

What food does it pair with?

In ouzo tradition, it is drunk whitened with cold water or ice, alongside mezes. Seafood such as grilled sardines, octopus and squid, and olive-oil mezes, pair well with Aphrodite's intense aniseed.