Katsaros Oak Aged Tsipouro
Greek Pomace Brandy | 700mL | 40% ABV (80 proof) | Aged 48 Months in French Oak — Katsaros Oak Aged Tsipouro is a rare thing: a traditional Greek pomace spirit given the full fine-spirit treatment. Made from 100% Muscat of Hamburg grapes at the Katsaros family distillery in Tirnavos, Thessaly — four generations of distillers since 1856, billed as the oldest ouzo distillery in Greece — it is distilled from grape pomace and then matured 48 months in French oak barrels from 100-year-old Limousin and Troncais oaks. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
Four years of oak transform the fiery marc spirit into something amber, rounded, and almost cognac-like: official notes describe a bright amber color, chocolate and white flowers on the nose, and a palate of ripe plums, roasted almonds, and a fresh vanilla finish. An award-winner too — Gold at Lyon International 2015, Silver at Selection magazine's "Spirits for the Festive Season" 2016, and Gold at DETROP-OENOS 2017. For collectors of Mediterranean spirits, it sits proudly alongside the rest of the brandy collection.
Tasting notes
Nose: chocolate, white flowers, light oak (distillery tech sheet). Palate: ripe plums, roasted almonds, dried fruit, gentle oak spice. Finish: fresh vanilla, warm and rounded.
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 700mL, 40% ABV — aged 48 months in French oak (Limousin & Troncais)
- 100% Muscat of Hamburg grape pomace, from Greece's oldest licensed distillery (est. 1856, Tirnavos)
- Triple-international-award winner: Lyon 2015 Gold, Selection 2016 Silver, DETROP-OENOS 2017 Gold
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Serve straight at room temperature, on the rocks, or lightly chilled — the distillery pairs it with nuts, bitter chocolate, and dried fruit, or a good cigar.
Frequently asked questions
What is tsipouro?
Tsipouro is a traditional Greek spirit distilled from grape pomace (the skins and seeds left after winemaking) — the Greek cousin of Italian grappa and French marc.
How long is Katsaros Oak Aged Tsipouro aged?
Aged 48 months in French oak barrels, per the distillery's official technical sheet.
Where is Katsaros distillery?
Tirnavos (Tyrnavos), Thessaly, Greece — the family has distilled there since 1856.
Is it a liqueur?
No — despite some store listings, it is a barrel-aged pomace brandy at 40% ABV with no sweetening; a true brandy, not a liqueur.