The Old Dog Says: Now That's The Spirit! Checking Out Mastiha From Greece!
It's not often that I drink liqueurs (spirits) but there are several that I enjoy immensely when shared with friends.
This past Saturday in my article The Old Dog: Visits a Buddy I reported on a goodbye dinner that I was invited to at the home of a Greek friend of mine. After a delicious Greek meal prepared by his lovely wife I asked him if he had any of the famous Greek liqueur ouzo.
Much to my sadness he didn't have any ouzo but he offered me some of his chilled Mastiha assuring me that it was really good!
Mastiha is Good Stuff! Spirits That Lift The Spirits!
The brand that we tried was Skinos. It's a Mastiha Spirit with 30% alcohol.
Quick Facts About Mastiha
- It is liqueur flavored with mastic oil from the island of Chios
- It is served cold as you can see by the condensation forming on the bottle above!
- It is crystal clear and is sweet tasting and smelling
- Mastic is the hardened sap from the Mastic tree
- Mastic was the original chewing gum!
Although I had never heard of this beverage I liked it very much as did the other men and women that shared it with us!
The back label told us a little bit more about this delicious, ancient beverage!
Here's Some More History About Mastiha From The Label!
"The under water volcanoes,the mild climate and the lime consisting soil of the Mediterranean island of Chios, along with a tradition, rooted deeply in the ancient years, of cultivation and harvesting, make mastiha world unique.
From 600 BC, mastiha spirit traveled to Genoa, Istanbul, Athens and the world as a drinking delicacy and an excellent digestive.
Today Skinos Mastiha Spirit adopts the very same traditional harvesting and distillation process and creates a unique product, ideal to drink chilled before or after dinner.
*Skinos stands for the ancient name of mastiha."
I must say that I'm glad that there was no Ouzo available and that I got to try something new and different for me. Something that was tasty and fun to share! Something that lifted my spirits!
What About You?
- What is your favorite liqueur or spirit?
- Is there a special one from your area?
I hope that you enjoyed this article: "Mastiha is Good Stuff! Spirits That Lift The Spirits!"
Until next time,
@kus-knee (The Old Dog)
@kus-knee,
Never heard about that before! Moreover, I am non-alcoholist, so I have a poor knowledge about of this category! Anyway it's nice to hear you all enjoyed that moment with Mastiha!
Cheers~
Thanks for your visit!
I had never even heard of this kind of spirit. That is really cool! I am glad it was tasty. I will keep an eye out for it!
My favourites are Limoncello or Herbas Ibecencas, mmm mm!!
Limoncello is my go to drink! Awesome!
Wayhay!! Limoncello is simply the best! Although it is far too easy too have slightly too many! lol
True enough!
Il Mirto! Liquore tutto Sardo
Hmmm if and when I make to your beautiful island again I'll try it!
Great to check out this and learn some cool facts too along with the post thanks for sharing that :)
It's a big pleasure!
Thank you for telling me about this drink, @kus-knee!
I myself do not drink alcohol, but it was interesting to know about the preferences of the majority.
I like smoothies based on fruit juices and smoothies.
Yes they're nice.
Ouzo
They also have great food in Greece. You should really go there for a holiday!
@ kus-knee I must admit that I was unaware of this Mastiha drink.
Good thing it was delicious, I would love to try it.
I usually do not drink alcoholic bebeides, when I was drinking Vodka Or Ron, even Tekila.
Thank you very much dear friend, for letting us know this baby and all its history
I wish you a great day
It was nice to try!
I am not a person who often alcohol. Usually it is used. Therefore, they prefer beer. So do not know more about whisky or brandy. But your introduction is really nice. Never heard or drunk before Mastiha.
Yes it was my first time too!
My favorite liquor wanna Glenfiddich 21 Scotch whiskey. It's too expensive without duty free.
I never heard mastiha. But seems much better spirit with 30% percentage.
It was a nice treat!
Sounds delicious to the palate. As a piano man I've tasted some wonderful liquor and I'm sure I would enjoy it. Locally here in Iowa a number of us go to the Amana Colonies where the Amish have their own fruit wines that taste pleasing as well
That would be interesting!