Roots - Rakomelo 70cl Bottle

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The future of tsikoudia seems to be very promising thanks to the inspiration, insight, and dynamics of Cretan distilleries and wineries. For many years Cretan tsikoudia was produced in small quantities in every village and every household across Crete. Homemade tsikoudia was distributed mainly in plastic water bottles. A precious treasure that was generously given from hand to hand as a symbol of friendship, appreciation, joy, and well-being. Rakokazano is a social phenomenon and a big festival in Crete. The distillation of tsikoudia is at its peak, and the rakokazano have their honour, being a special meeting point of fun and merriment for everyone. Apart from this, there are also beers from Crete. It’s not as famous as the others, although organic artisanal beers have been gaining increasing interest in recent years. Some of the brands include Cretan Brewery, Solo Beer, Charma Beer and the brand-new Notos Lager by Notos brewery. Rakomelo is famous for being a Cretan drink, although there are some versions in other Greek islands. Rakiis the most popular of the Greek drinks considered as Greece’s national drink. Raki is made from distilled grapes and anise. Straight Raki will be the popular national drink, while Mastikha will be the Raki version prepared with gum mastic. 3. RETSINA WINE

We met Jorgos at his sister Niki's café, the Mylos Café, in the village of Agouseliana, about a half-hour south of Rethymnon. It was early evening and we were on our way to Agiroupoli, where we were going to spend the night. This being Crete, Jorgos of course poured us some raki to clink glasses, and Isi translated as Jorgos shared his rakomelo secrets. It is often produced at home in villages throughout Crete, thus the alcohol content varies by producer. Typically each Cretan village has one or two residents who are licensed to distill, and tsikoudia is produced continuously for two to three weeks in late October and early November. A similar drink is baked raki, which is a regional drink of the island of Amorgos, known as psimeni, made from raki, sugar and spices, and served at room temperature. Baked raki contains more spices than rakomelo, which usually only contains cinnamon. [4] Baked raki is also available mixed and bottled, ready for consumption (served at room temperature). [1] [4] Composition [ edit ] Rakomelo is one of the tastiest Greek beverages, Rakomelo is made from Raki and honey. Rakomelo is usually use as a digestive after a big lunch or dinner and it’s not so strong as Raki. 10. Kitron DS Distillers company focuses on the creation of high-quality products following all necessary steps in the production chain, with consistency, safeguarding the quality of raw materials, and respecting farmers, nature, and consumers. Their goal is to bring out the best possible outcome and put in place the Cretan Raki and all other Greek distilling products.In other countries you have mulled wine or glogg, but in Greece we like our wine plain and cool. However, we do have rakomelo. The word is the combination of raki (Cretan distilled drink also known as tsikoudia-not to be confused with the Turkish raki) Rakomelo ( Greek: ρακόμελο (or racomelo, from raki ( ρακή) + meli ( μέλι), meaning " honey") is a Greek mixed alcoholic drink. [1] It is a digestive spirit, traditionally used by many Greeks as a home remedy for a sore throat or cough. [2] Types [ edit ] There are also coffee shops at every turn in Greece. You can either buy a traditional Greek coffee brewed in a special pot and served in tiny cups, unfiltered with foam on top and coffee grounds on the bottom or else even have it the regular way. Tea is also something that draws attention. Crete has unique Greek mountain tea, which is also known as shepherd’s tea. It is mild yet has a smooth herbal undertone due to malotira mountain tea found on Crete’s mountain slopes. Cretan Wines

Tsikoudia ( Greek: τσικουδιά, romanized: tsikoudiá, literally " terebinth"), also often called raki ( Greek: ρακή, romanized: rakí) in the eastern part of Crete, is an alcoholic beverage, a fragrant, grape-based pomace brandy of Cretan origin that contains 40% to 65% alcohol by volume. [1] Tsikoudia is made by distilling of pomace, what remains of grapes pressed in winemaking. The pomace ferments for about six weeks in a tightly sealed barrel, and is then distilled. GET HEYMONDO QUOTE HERE plus A SPECIAL DISCOUNT Greek Drinks: Best Greek Beverages And Non Alcoholic Drinks In Greece 1. OUZO As it contains alcohol, it causes vasodilation and lowers blood pressure and also has antimicrobial properties, which is why it’s used in a lot of local remedies for cough, colds, fevers, and headaches. It has also been connected to a reduction in cardiovascular and non-fatal myocardial infarction deaths. The popularity of raki increases with every passing day. It is often famous for its 100% natural without preservatives and additives, an authentic distillate full of flavours and aromas. One thing you should know is that Raki should never be consumed plain. It has to be accompanied by tasty appetisers and other treats. You can enjoy it with Cretan foods like rusks, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and cheese, seasonal vegetables such as beans and artichokes in the spring, fresh fruit in the summer, or homemade pastries.Thus, after the barrels are placed in the cauldron are layered, the so-called “amphika” is placed over this lid, which they then put dough around to prevent the steam from escaping as they boil, while a tube is placed on top and passes through a tank (cooler) with cold water.

The fresh tsikoudia (protoraki) at this stage is particularly strong, and in traditional cauldrons, where there is no cooling stage, the raki comes out almost hot. It is advised that you not to try too hard and if you want to continue with last year’s tsikoudia collection. Nutritionally, yes you have the honey and the spices that can offer some antioxidants, also it is important to note that studies have found that other alcoholic drinks other than wine also contain some protective antioxidants. Also let’s not forget that drinking raki was part of the famous Cretan diet, where men there had virtually no heart disease (in the 60’s).First,' he said, 'you have to find good quality raki.' The raki we were drinking was super-smooth so it's obvious Jorgos had found a good source. Did you know that the Ancient Greeks put honey on wounds as a salve? They also named the ancient nymphs who were considered goddesses of bees the Melissae (meli = Greek word for honey). Honey is an excellent home remedy to soothe a sore throat, and we now know that it has antibacterial and antimicrobial powers. How? Bees deposit hydrogen peroxide into honey as they synthesize flower pollen. Because honey is naturally acidic, the result is antibacterial properties. I don’t fully understand the chemistry beyond that, but I’m here for it. CINNAMON Paterianakis winery is open for visitors during summertime. If you ever come to Crete, you should not miss the chance to visit it, taste its organic wines and the unique tsikoudia distillates, walk around the vineyards, and enjoy yourself in this magical landscape. Immediately afterward, the supervisor of Kazani, adjusts the degrees of the tsikoudia, which usually ranges from 18 to 20 degrees. The supervisor also distillates and adds water accordingly. When the degree of the drink is down to the desired level, the cauldron is completed. The quality of the tsikoudia is superior since the grapes have been boiled for less time and have undergone less processing. Vinsanto is a sweet wine produced in Santorini one of the most popular places to visit in Greece. Vinsanto is made of sun dried grapes and it’s perfect partnering with cheese, sweets and fresh fruits. 5. MASTICHA