Katsaros Legendary Ouzo
Ouzo | 700mL | 40% ABV (80 proof) | PGI Tyrnavos, Greece — Katsaros Legendary Ouzo comes from the Katsaros distillery in Tyrnavos, Thessaly — founded in 1856 and described by the brand as the oldest ouzo distillery in the world. A 1,000-liter copper boiler is filled with agricultural alcohol, water, and 14 fragrant seeds and herbs — aniseed, fennel seed, star anise, cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander, cardamom, and more. The heads and tails are cut away, the pure heart is diluted and lightly sweetened, then rested about two weeks in stainless steel and filtered again before bottling. No neutral spirit is added after distillation. It carries the Protected Geographical Indication for Tyrnavos ouzo. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
Ouzo is Greece's signature anise spirit, and the louche effect — turning milky white with water or ice — is the tell of a proper distillation. Among anise spirits, the 14-herb Katsaros recipe drinks richer and milder than the mass-market brands, with a softer finish than the distillery's own Jivaeri.
Tasting notes
Color: clear, turning turbid with water. Nose: anise with cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander, and Mediterranean herbs. Palate: rich and natural from the 14-herb blend. Finish: mild and soft (importer notes).
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 700mL, 40% ABV — PGI Tyrnavos ouzo from Greece's oldest ouzo distillery (est. 1856)
- Distilled with 14 seeds and herbs; heads and tails removed, pure heart only
- Rested 2 weeks in stainless steel, filtered twice — no added ethyl alcohol
- Softer, milder finish than typical ouzo
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Chill to about 10°C and serve with cold water or ice — the classic Greek way — and watch it turn milky. Pair with meze: olives, feta, grilled octopus. It also makes a striking pastis-style long drink with water over ice.
Frequently asked questions
What is ouzo?
Greece's national anise-flavored spirit, made by distilling alcohol with aniseed and other botanicals. It turns cloudy white when water or ice is added — a natural reaction of the anise oils.
What does PGI Tyrnavos mean?
Protected Geographical Indication: the ouzo must be made in the Tyrnavos region of Thessaly, Greece, under regulated production standards.
Is ouzo the same as tsipouro?
No — tsipouro is a grape-pomace brandy (often unflavored); ouzo is an anise spirit that can be made from neutral alcohol. Katsaros makes both.
How strong is it?
40% ABV — full spirit strength, designed to be diluted with water or ice.