Metaxa 12 Stars Greek Specialty Liqueur 700mL

Metaxa 12 Stars Greek Specialty Liqueur

Greek Specialty Spirit / Brandy Liqueur | Samos Muscat Wine, Wine Distillates & Mediterranean Botanicals | Toasted Oak Character | 40% ABV / 80 Proof | 700mL

Process & Profile

Metaxa 12 Stars brings a rich, spice-accented character to the House of Metaxa's distinctive Greek spirit. Orange peel, dried fruit and toasted oak give it an inviting depth, while coffee and chocolate notes add another dimension to the aroma. It is a versatile bottle for a measured neat pour, a large cube of ice or a citrus-led cocktail.

The expression combines sweet Muscat wine exclusively from Samos with fine wine distillates and Mediterranean herbs and botanicals. The distillates mature in both medium and heavily toasted oak casks, with the more heavily toasted wood contributing pronounced oak and smoky nuances. These components are brought together by the Metaxa Master to create the final blend.

Bottled at 40% ABV, 12 Stars offers a rounded texture with enough spice and citrus lift to keep its richer notes in balance. Its radiant amber color reflects the warm character in the glass, while the finish returns to orange peel and aromatic spice. For someone exploring Metaxa, this expression provides a clear introduction to the interplay of wine, distillate and botanicals.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Orange peel, coffee, chocolate and toasted oak.
• Palate: Dried fruit and orange peel meet a measured hint of spice.
• Finish: Long and aromatic, with lingering citrus peel and warm spice.

What Makes It Special

• Samos Muscat wine: This expression uses Muscat wine exclusively from the Greek island of Samos.
• Two levels of oak toast: Medium and heavily toasted casks build a deeper wood-driven character in the distillates.
• A distinctive composition: Wine distillates, Muscat wine and Mediterranean botanicals form the Metaxa identity.
• Layered aroma: Citrus, coffee, chocolate and oak provide several directions to explore.
• Versatile at 80 proof: Enjoy it neat, over ice or as the base of a Metaxa Sour.

How to Enjoy

Begin with a small neat pour in a tulip-shaped glass and allow a brief rest before tasting. Revisit the aroma between sips to explore the contrast between the brighter orange notes and the darker coffee and oak character. A large ice cube provides a cooler serve with gradual dilution.

For a Metaxa Sour, combine 12 Stars with fresh lemon juice and sugar syrup, adjusting the sweetness to your preference, and finish with orange zest. A lighter long drink with tonic or soda is another option. As pairing suggestions, try roasted nuts, dried fruit or a small piece of dark chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Metaxa 12 Stars made from?
It combines sweet Muscat wine from Samos, fine wine distillates and Mediterranean herbs and botanicals. That combination gives Metaxa its distinctive Greek specialty-spirit character.

2. What role do the oak casks play?
The wine distillates mature in both medium and heavily toasted oak casks. The maker highlights the heavier toast as a source of more pronounced oak and smoky notes.

3. How does 12 Stars differ from Grande Fine?
The maker emphasizes orange peel, spice, coffee, chocolate and toasted oak for 12 Stars. Grande Fine leans toward dried plum, raisins, honeyed fruit and nutmeg, and the Collector's Edition comes in an artist-designed porcelain decanter.

4. What size and strength is this bottle?
This listing is for 700mL at 40% ABV, equivalent to 80 proof. The maker recommends serving it neat, over ice or in cocktails.

5. Where can I buy Metaxa 12 Stars?
Shop Metaxa 12 Stars at The Barrel Tap. Check the product listing for current availability and delivery options for your location.