Metaxa 12 Star (70cl, 40%)

A Greek brandy that blends double pot-still distillate with aged Muscat wines from Samos and Mediterranean botanicals. The distillate is made from Savatiano, Soultanina and Korinthiakos grapes, twice distilled in copper pot stills. For the 12 Star, it matures in medium and heavily toasted Limousin oak casks, and the heavily toasted barrels bring a more pronounced oaky, smoky character. A May rose petal and herb infusion is part of the blend. The nose opens with orange peel, roasted coffee, bittersweet chocolate and toasted oak. The palate is smooth and honeyed, with dried fruit and a little spice. The finish is long and aromatic, with orange peel and gentle oak tannin.