Contents
The first bottle of Metaxa was released back in 1888, in sunny Greece.
In fact, the drink is a mixture of brandy and wine and combines the properties of both products, which makes it truly unique.
A distinctive feature of each bottle of Metaxa is the image of an ancient Greek coin, the prototype of which, according to family legend, was found during the construction of the first factory.
brandy cocktails
Metaxa brand history
The company was founded in 1848 by an enterprising businessman and connoisseur of alcoholic beverages Spyros Metaxa.
From a young age, the son of Greek silk merchants was interested in travel and the art of creating grape liquor.
Having thoroughly studied the process of distillation and blending, Spyros opened his own business near the port of Piraeus, where he produced the first bottle of “Greek gold”.
At that time, the factory was the only one in the country that was engaged in the manufacture of brandy, and the drink itself was originally called “cognac”.
The business developed rapidly, new factories opened, the drink conquered more and more new markets.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the first batch of Metaxa was sold in the United States, where the unique spirit was called “flying brandy”.
After the death of the founder, the business was continued by members of his family – his wife and children.
In 1968, the cellars of the enterprise moved to Athens, where the main production was concentrated.
The drinks of the House of Metaxa have repeatedly received international awards, the brand consistently enters the Top 50 best-selling alcoholic brands.
Manufacturing features of Metaxa
The drink is obtained by combining grape distillates, muscat wines, infusions of Mediterranean herbs, rose petal extracts.
Raw materials for Metaxa are grown in different regions of Greece.
Raisin grapes of certain varieties are used as the basis for obtaining wines: Sultanina, Savatiano, Black Corinth.
Most of the plantations are concentrated on the island of Samos, whose microclimate and mineral soils are ideal for the cultivation of muscat vines.
Distillates and wines are aged in French oak barrels for a certain time, after which they are mixed into a single composition.
The average maturity of the ingredients is from 3 to 12 years.
Exposure of certain types of brandy reaches several decades.
One person is responsible for creating a harmonious bouquet, who monitors the process “from and to”, acting as a specialist in distillation and blending.
For 130 years, only 5 generations of craftsmen have changed, which the owners of the company are especially proud of.
As a result of the well-coordinated work of the company’s employees, exquisite drinks of a delicate or deep amber color are obtained, famous as “Greek gold” and “silk brandy”.
The average strength of products varies from 38 to 41%.
Exclusive copies may have a high alcohol content – up to 45%.
Types and tastes of Metaxa
METAXA 3 STARS
The simplest version of the drink with minimal aging (3 years) and strength (38%), which is often brought as a present from Greece.
It has a golden hue and a refreshing fruity taste.
METAXA 5 STARS
“Floral. Multifaceted. Soft”. A drink whose components spend at least 5 years in oak barrels.
Main notes: orange flowers and roses, honey, apricot, vanilla, almond, oak, raisins.
METAXA 7 STARS
“Fruit. Saturated. Whole”. Brandy 7 years old.
The velvety bouquet contains tones of peach, prunes, honey, raisins, nutmeg. There are light sharp and grassy notes.
METAXA 12 STARS
“Mature. Special. Bold”. The aging period of the drink is 12 years.
In taste and aroma there are accents of flowers, herbs, chocolate, dried fruits, vanilla, caramel, orange peel.
METAXA PRIVATE RESERVE
“Luxurious. Saturated. Unique”. A special dark amber brandy aged for at least 20 years.
The bouquet is dominated by citrus, floral, oak, fruit tones.
Notes of honey, coffee, chocolate, sweet spices, tobacco and dried fruits are felt.
METAXA ANGELS’ TREASURE
“Refined. Saturated. Noble”. Drink 50 years old.
It surprises with a variety of shades: dried fruits, sweet-spicy spices, chocolate, bitter orange, tobacco, pepper, oak, plum.
The elite 80-year-old Metaxa AEN brandy, released in a gift box for the company’s anniversary, should be included in a separate category.
The drink is characterized by a complex taste and intense aroma with accents of oak, dried fruits, spices, nuts, tobacco, orange peels.
How to drink Metaxa
Thanks to the multifaceted, balanced bouquet, you can drink Metaxa in different ways.
Classic tasting methods:
In its purest form.
With ice or tonic.
As part of cocktails: it is combined with citrus fruits, lemonade, sugar syrup, ginger, vermouth, liqueur, apple, berry and lemon juice.
Aged types are ideal as an aperitif or digestif at gala receptions and dinner parties.
What is the difference between brandy and cognac
Relevance: 28.02.2019
Tags: Brandy and Cognac, Brandy Brands