Plomari Ouzo 750ML is a 40% ABV Greek anise spirit from Lesvos Island, slow-distilled in copper pot stills by the Isidoros Arvanitis distillery. This expression earned a Double Gold medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, reinforcing its standing as one of the most respected ouzos produced anywhere in Greece.Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Plomari, Lesvos Island, Greece | Style: Anise-Based Spirit | Distillery: Isidoros Arvanitis (Est. 1894)Production & HeritageThe Isidoros Arvanitis distillery has operated in the seaside town of Plomari since 1894, making it one of the longest-running ouzo producers on Lesvos — an island widely considered the spiritual home of the spirit. Each batch undergoes a nine-hour distillation in handmade copper pot stills, with only the central heart cut retained for bottling. The botanical recipe centers on aniseed grown in the Lisvori region of Lesvos, supported by fennel sourced from northern Evia, Chios mastic, local mineral salts, and a closely guarded blend of additional herbs.Tasting NotesAroma: Bright, clean anise arrives first, followed by toasted licorice and a layer of delicate fennel seed. Underneath, subtle lemon peel and gentle floral notes add complexity without crowding the glass.Taste: The entry is sweetish and herbal, with distinct aniseed flavor building through the mid-palate. Refreshing citrus notes emerge alongside fennel as the spirit develops, creating a smooth, well-integrated texture that avoids the harshness common in lesser ouzos.Finish: Medium in length with a warm, gently spiced fade. Lingering anise and a faint mineral quality carry through to the close, inviting the next sip.How to Drink Plomari OuzoThe traditional serve is one part ouzo to two parts ice-cold water, which triggers the iconic louche — the liquid turning milky white as anise oils emulsify. This dilution opens the aromatics and makes Plomari an ideal aperitif alongside small plates. In cocktails, Plomari works well in a Greek Mule (ouzo, ginger beer, lime) for a Mediterranean twist on the classic template; an Ouzo Sour (ouzo, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white) that uses the spirit's sweetness to balance citrus acidity; or an Aegean Spritz (ouzo, prosecco, soda, cucumber) where the anise adds aromatic depth to a light, refreshing long drink.Best For Hosting a Greek-themed dinner or meze night at home Gifting someone who appreciates traditional Mediterranean spirits Summertime aperitif drinking on a warm evening Expanding a spirits collection beyond the usual whiskey and gin categories Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Plomari Ouzo taste like? Plomari Ouzo leads with bright aniseed and toasted licorice, transitions into refreshing citrus and fennel at the mid-palate, and finishes warm with lingering herbal sweetness. It is notably smooth and more subtle than many competing ouzos.How does Plomari Ouzo compare to Barbayianni Ouzo? Both are produced in the town of Plomari on Lesvos and are frequently compared as the island's flagship ouzos. Barbayianni bottles at a higher 46% ABV and tends toward a bolder, more assertive anise punch, while Plomari at 40% ABV is generally considered smoother and more aromatically layered.Is Plomari Ouzo good for sipping neat? It can be enjoyed neat in small pours, though the traditional and most rewarding method is diluted with cold water, which releases the full range of herbal and citrus aromatics locked within the anise oils.Where is Plomari Ouzo made? Plomari Ouzo is produced at the Isidoros Arvanitis distillery in the town of Plomari on the southern coast of Lesvos Island, Greece. Lesvos has been the center of Greek ouzo production for well over a century.What foods pair well with Plomari Ouzo? Grilled octopus complements the spirit's anise and mineral notes; briny feta and olives mirror the saline character of a Lesvos terroir; fried calamari provides textural contrast to the smooth liquid; roasted lamb with herbs echoes the fennel and herbal botanicals; and fresh seafood ceviche plays off the citrus undertones.What sizes does Plomari Ouzo come in? The standard bottle is 750ml, which is the most widely available format in international markets.Is Plomari Ouzo worth the price? Plomari positions as a premium ouzo within a category where prices are generally accessible, and its Double Gold medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, combined with a 130-year distilling heritage, gives it strong value credentials relative to other anise spirits at this tier.Why Plomari Ouzo?The nine-hour copper-still distillation — significantly longer than industry standard — is the foundation of this ouzo's character, producing a spirit smooth enough to highlight its Lisvori aniseed rather than mask it with heat. The 2024 Double Gold from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition provides independent confirmation of that quality. With a botanical recipe that includes Chios mastic and northern Evia fennel alongside the core anise, Plomari delivers a complexity rare in the ouzo category. For anyone looking to explore Greek spirits beyond the tourist-bar stereotype, this is the benchmark bottle.
