Mastic Tears Dry is a Greek mastiha spirit from EVA Distillery in Mytilene, a drier expression made from mastiha distilled with the resin of mastic trees on the island of Chios, bottled at 60 proof (30% ABV).
Mastic, the resin also known as Chios tears, is harvested from mastic trees grown in the south of Chios by bleeding the trees from small cuts made in the bark. EVA makes Mastic Tears from mastiha spirit from its privately owned mastic trees near Olympoi, one of Chios's mastic villages. To make the Dry, agricultural grain alcohol is distilled in copper stills together with the mastiha tears, which give the spirit its distinct taste. Unlike traditional sweet mastiha liqueurs, the dry interpretation emphasizes the natural character of the resin. It won Gold at the 2017 Berlin International Spirits Competition.
Pine resin, fresh herbs, citrus peel and floral mastiha lead the nose. The palate is dry and botanical, with subtle sweetness, anise-like spice and honeyed resin, and the finish is long and refreshing.
A taste of the Aegean.
The distillate comes off the copper stills at 80% ABV and is then brought down to a gentle 30%, so the resin's aromatics stay vivid in a light, easy spirit. Served ice-cold, it is a classic Greek way to open or close a meal.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Pine resin, fresh herbs, citrus peel.
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Palate: Dry, botanical, anise-like spice, honeyed resin.
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Finish: Long and refreshing.
Specifications
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Producer: EVA Distillery, Mytilene, Greece
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Style: Dry mastiha spirit drink
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Resin: Mastic from Chios, near Olympoi
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Distillation: Copper stills
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Proof / ABV: 60 proof (30% ABV)
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Serve it well chilled as an aperitif or digestif, or use it like gin in a highball with tonic and a twist of lemon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mastiha?
A spirit flavored by the aromatic resin of mastic trees from the Greek island of Chios.
Is it sweet?
No, the Dry is a drier style that emphasizes the resin's natural character.
How should I serve it?
Well chilled, or with tonic as a long drink.
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