Metaxa 12 Star 700ML is a Greek brandy blending double pot-still distillate with aged Muscat wines and Mediterranean botanicals, bottled at 40% ABV. Drinkhacker called it "easily the best version of Metaxa I've encountered to date," a testament to the depth this extended-aged expression delivers over its younger siblings in the range. Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Athens, Greece | Style: Aged Greek Brandy | Distillery: Metaxa, Kifissia Production & Heritage Metaxa was founded in 1888 by Spyros Metaxa and operates from Kifissia, a northern suburb of Athens. The base spirit is twice distilled to 60% ABV in traditional copper pot stills using three Greek grape varieties — Savatiano, Soultanina, and Korinthiakos. What distinguishes Metaxa from conventional brandy is the blending process: the aged distillate is married with aromatic Muscat wines sourced from the island of Samos and an infusion of Mediterranean herbs and May rose petals. For the 12 Star expression, the distillate matures in both medium and heavily toasted Limousin oak casks, with the heavily toasted barrels contributing more pronounced oaky and smoky character than the entry-level expressions. Tasting Notes Aroma: Orange peel leads, followed by roasted coffee, bittersweet chocolate, and toasted oak. The Muscat wine influence adds a honeyed, floral undertone that distinguishes it from straightforward grape brandy. Taste: The entry is smooth and honeyed, giving way to layers of dried fruit and orange peel at mid-palate. Subtle spice builds alongside the oak influence, with the Muscat sweetness lending an elegant, almost vinous fullness without becoming cloying. Finish: Long and aromatic, trailing orange peel, warm spice, and a gentle oak tannin. The rose petal and herbal infusion lingers as a soft, fragrant echo well after the sip. How to Drink Metaxa 12 Star Neat or with a single large ice cube is the ideal serve — the 40% ABV is already approachable, and a touch of dilution opens the floral and citrus aromatics. A Sidecar works beautifully, as the orange peel character harmonizes with Cointreau and lemon juice. A Brandy Alexander benefits from the chocolate and coffee notes in the spirit, which amplify the cocktail's dessert-like richness. An East Mediterranean twist on the classic Sazerac — substituting Metaxa 12 Star for cognac — showcases its spice and oak depth against absinthe and bitters. Best For Brandy drinkers exploring alternatives to French cognac After-dinner sipping alongside dark chocolate or dried fruit Gifting someone who appreciates Mediterranean spirits and culture Building a home bar with globally diverse aged spirits Frequently Asked Questions What does Metaxa 12 Star taste like? Metaxa 12 Star delivers a rich profile of dried fruit, orange peel, honey, and subtle spice, with toasted oak providing structure. The addition of aged Muscat wines and Mediterranean botanicals gives it a floral, honeyed sweetness distinct from traditional brandy. How does Metaxa 12 Star compare to French cognac? Often described as Greece's answer to cognac, Metaxa 12 Star differs fundamentally because it blends aged grape distillate with Muscat wines and an herbal-rose petal infusion — a step no cognac producer takes. The result is sweeter and more aromatic than a comparably aged VS or VSOP cognac, with a distinctive Mediterranean character. Is Metaxa 12 Star good for sipping neat? Yes — its 40% ABV, smooth texture, and layered dried-fruit and honey flavors make it well suited to neat sipping. The long, aromatic finish rewards a slow, deliberate pour. Where is Metaxa 12 Star made? Metaxa 12 Star is produced at the Metaxa distillery in Kifissia, a northern suburb of Athens, Greece. The Muscat wines used in the blend are sourced from the Aegean island of Samos. What foods pair well with Metaxa 12 Star? Dark chocolate truffles complement the coffee and cacao notes in the spirit. Baklava echoes the honey and spice character. Aged hard cheeses like Graviera stand up to the oak tannins. Dried apricots and figs mirror the dried-fruit palate. Orange-glazed duck creates a savory bridge to the dominant orange peel note. What sizes does Metaxa 12 Star come in? The standard size is 700ml, which is the most widely available format internationally. Is Metaxa 12 Star worth the price? Metaxa 12 Star positions as a mid-premium expression within the range, sitting above the widely available 5 Star and 7 Star bottlings. It delivers complexity and aging character that compete with spirits at higher price points, making it a strong value within the aged brandy category. Why Metaxa 12 Star? The dual-cask maturation in medium and heavily toasted Limousin oak gives Metaxa 12 Star a depth and smokiness that the younger expressions in the range simply cannot match. Its unique production — marrying copper pot-still distillate with aged Samos Muscat wines and an infusion of rose petals and herbs — places it in a category of its own, distinct from both cognac and conventional brandy. Drinkhacker's assessment as the best Metaxa expression underscores the quality leap at this tier. For drinkers who want a richly aromatic, Mediterranean-influenced aged spirit with genuine complexity, the 12 Star stands as the most accessible entry into Metaxa's premium lineup.
