Mini is the ouzo of Mytilene, the capital of the Greek island of Lesvos, an island that has been distilling ouzo since at least the late nineteenth century, when tavern owners in Mytilene's narrow streets worked aniseed and local herbs through small copper stills.
The brand dates to 1967, when seventeen local producers joined together as the Association of Mytilene Distilleries. Mini brings their recipes together into one, distilled in traditional copper pots where alcohol and water rest for hours with aniseed from Lisvori, one of the most highly regarded anise growing areas in Greece, along with local aromatic herbs and mastic from the island of Chios.
The result is a clean, aromatic ouzo with sweet, pronounced anise and a gentle herbal edge. Serve it the Greek way, with a little cold water or over ice so it turns milky white, alongside meze, grilled octopus and seafood.