Kastra Elion Vodka 375mL
Kastra Elion Vodka is a 40% ABV (80 proof) Greek vodka — the first vodka distilled from Greek olives — presented here in the 375mL half bottle. Produced in the mountainous town of Nafpaktos in western Greece by a family-owned distillery, it blends hand-picked Greek olives with curated grains and pure spring water drawn from the crystalline rock formations of Mount Taygetus. Distillation takes place in copper pot stills, and the spirit rests for 30 days before bottling — an uncommon step in vodka that lets the flavors integrate and soften. Its name means "castle of olives," honoring the ancient castle overlooking the olive groves of Nafpaktos. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 375mL
- Base: hand-picked Greek olives blended with curated grains
- Process: copper pot distilled; rested 30 days before bottling
- Origin: Nafpaktos, western Greece; Mount Taygetus spring water
The Vodka That Starts With Olives
Where nearly every vodka starts with grain, Kastra Elion starts in the olive grove: cold-pressed olives from Nafpaktos are blended with grains before copper-pot distillation, giving the spirit a full-bodied, buttery texture and a subtle olive salinity that grain-only vodkas can't reach. Wine Enthusiast's Kara Newman called it "smooth, slightly buttery" with "mild almond sweetness," and critics consistently name it one of the finest vodkas for dirty martinis — its natural olive character complementing olive brine beautifully. It has earned multiple international accolades, including a Triple Gold at the 2023 MLSA. Browse more vodka or see Kastra Elion.
Tasting Notes
Nose: almond milk and light vanilla, then mineral, anise, and subtle green olive with peppery undertones. Palate: creamy and buttery — sweet almond cookie, toasted almond gelato, ripe olive, and soft grain sweetness. Finish: smooth and clean, trailing off with white pepper, mineral, saline warmth, and a whisper of anise.
How to Enjoy
Sip it chilled and neat to appreciate the texture and salinity, or pour it into a dirty martini, Vesper, or Bloody Mary — the olive character elevates every olive-forward cocktail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kastra Elion made from? A blend of hand-picked Greek olives and curated grains, distilled in copper pot stills with natural spring water from Mount Taygetus.
Why is it rested 30 days? The month of rest before bottling — unusual for vodka — allows the flavors to integrate and soften for a rounder, silkier spirit.
Is it good in a martini? Exceptionally — reviewers call it one of the best vodkas for dirty martinis thanks to its natural olive character.
Mediterranean craft in a half bottle — buy Kastra Elion Vodka 375mL online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.