Barbayannis Ouzo Distillers & Producers in Greece Greek Liquor Manufacturers in Lesvos Greece

FROM THE HARVEST TO THE BOTTLE - THE PRODUCTION PROCEDURE

Aniseed
The selection of aniseed is of great importance for the production of good ouzo. When the plant is fully ripe, it is harvested, tied up in small sheaves and dried carefully in the shade so that its green color does not fade.

The next step is "drimonisma", during which the plant's seed is carefully separated from the stems. This is done by hand on a tiled plate of marble. The aniseed is then carefully stored in pouches made of plant fibers, with all necessary precautions taken against humidity.

Alcohol
Alcohol, which constitutes the basis for the production of ouzo, is tested twice. First when it is delivered and then immediately before it is used for distillation. It is 100% pure ethyl alcohol made from raisins.

Distillation
The mixture is poured into special alembics (distillation cauldrons) and is distilled three times, with no sudden rises or drops of temperature. From the first distillation, only the "heart", meaning the middle fraction of distillation, is retained. This is then used for the second and third distillations, which are carried out at a slow pace, under constant supervision and testing.

Ripening
The "adoloto", which is the term for the middle fraction of the last distillation, is the perfect essence of the proced#ure's last stage. It is then stored in large stainless-steel tanks to settle, so that the ingredients can “bond” until homogeneity of the mixture is achieved.

Water
Before the essence is bottled, it is slowly mixed with crystal-clear water, from the mountains of Plomari, Lesvos. This water has excellent properties and the appropriate contents of salts and minerals.

The result
The result of this traditional distillation process is a 100% extract, which provides Ouzo Barbayanni its uniqueness. (A content of only 20% extract is required by law). This distillation, which produces 100% extract and is adhered to for all four types of Ouzo Barbayanni, is enjoyed today by thousands of admirers of this fine Greek liquor in Europe, America, Australia and New Zealand.