Skinos Mastiha (70cl, 30%)

A 30% ABV Greek mastiha liqueur distilled from PDO resin of mastic trees on Chios, and described as the only distilled mastiha spirit in the world. It earned Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2011 and 2013. The resin crystals are macerated in alcohol for three months, then distilled in traditional copper pot stills at the Skinos distillery in Athens, followed by careful sweetening. The resin carries Protected Designation of Origin status from the European Union. The nose opens with mastiha resin and chalky minerality, then crushed juniper, mint, cedarwood and violet. The palate is lightly sweet with minty pine needle freshness, earthy leafy notes and restrained sweetness. The finish is long, clean and cleansing, with persistent minerality and a subtle dryness.