Ouzo 12

Ouzo 12 is the world’s best-known premium ouzo — smooth, aromatic and authentically Greek. Named after the famous “Barrel No. 12”, the brand’s finest, most aromatic cask, it represents a higher-quality, cleaner and more refined ouzo style.

Built on anise, fennel and sweet Mediterranean spices, it delivers a bold yet elegant flavour, traditionally enjoyed with water or ice and served alongside Greek meze. With bright licorice sweetness, herbal warmth and silky texture, Ouzo 12 is both deeply traditional and widely approachable, making it a staple of Greek culture and seaside dining.

Ouzo 12’s history traces back to 1880, when the Kaloyiannis distillery began producing ouzo from carefully selected botanicals. The blend from cask 12 became famous for its superior smoothness and aromatic depth, leading customers to specifically request it — eventually inspiring the brand name Ouzo 12.

Today the spirit is produced under the Campari Group, but it continues to follow traditional Greek methods of double distillation, botanical maceration and resting for integration. It remains one of the most exported and recognised ouzos worldwide, symbolising Greek hospitality and Mediterranean drinking culture.

Style: Greek Anise Liqueur (Ouzo)

Region: Greece

Producer: Ouzo 12 / Campari Group

Distillation / Production: Double-distilled neutral alcohol flavoured with anise and a traditional blend of Mediterranean botanicals including fennel, star anise, coriander, cinnamon and nutmeg; the final blend rests to mellow before bottling

Base Alcohol: Neutral spirit

Appearance: Clear; turns milky-white when diluted (the “louche” effect)

ABV: 38 %