Callicounis Distilleries is one of the most famous distilleries in Greece and throughout the Mediterranean area. It is a historical brand that boasts long and impressive history, full of innovations.

Our company offers you a rich variety of drinks: Brandy, Vodka, Ouzo, Liqueurs, Fruit Schnapps, each sealed in the bottle it deserves.

Callicounis Distilleries

7^th km Kalamata – Μessini Road

24100  Kalamata  Messinia

Tel.: +30 27210 69805-6

Fax: +30 27210 69706

Email: info@callicounis.gr

Website: www.callicounis.gr

The history of Callicounis Distilleries begins in 1850, when the Greek industry was taking its first steps. That year George Callicounis established in Kalamata of the Prefecture of Messinia the first steam powered distillery equipped with the best known machinery of the time. He performed the creation of “elixir” drinks by distilling mixtures of aromatic plants (mastic, anise, cherry, clove, almond, rose, lemon blossom, etc.), most of them picked up from the lush mountains surrounding the city of Kalamata.

Since 1980 the company has passed to the fourth generation of the family, George and Basil Callicounis, who continue to promote its production both to Greek and international market. Callicounis Distillery exports ouzo and brandy to Germany, the USA, Canada and Australia, and has the privilege of exclusive ouzo supplier of the State monopoly of alcohol in the province of Quebec, with its sales constantly growing.

In 1991 the company built a new modern private distillery in the industrial area of Kalamata, with four major lines of bottling, a large number of oak barrels for aging of the spirits, and fully equipped chemical research laboratory. A few years later the company turned to the markets of the countries of the former Soviet Union and Bulgaria, reaping high profits. At the same time it puts emphasis on the internal market by creating new products (e.g. ready-made cocktails).

Today Callicounis Distillery can offer 70 different products, covering the full range of drinks in modern consumption. The bulk of the company’s sales falls on export to the USA, Canada, Switzerland, Israel, Holland and Germany.

Our products:

Alexander Imperial X.O. Brandy

Wine distillates from the best wine producing areas of Greece are matured into small oak casks into the big cellar of the Distillery. During the long time of maturation the selected distillates blend and mellow slowly nearing perfection with every passing year.

Only when they have reached full maturity and velvet smoothness, they are ready for the proceeding of blending. Blending and marrying of distillates of different origins still remains a fine art gained over years of experience.

Distillates

Ouzo, Raki, Mastiha and Tsipouro Callicounis produced in Kalamata are recognized officially by the European Union regulations as a product worthy of the honorary distinction “APPELATION D’ ORIGINE CONTROLLEE DE QUALITE SUPERIEURE”.

Vodka Status

Crystal clarity Vodka filtered through activated charcoal tower filters.

Liqueurs

The cumulative experience and skill of four generations of Callicounis Distillers combined with the natural advantages of Messinia leaded into the creation of a wide range of fine liqueurs.

Series of liqueurs:

- HERBAL LIQUEURS – made of raw materials (Bitter Amaro, Hot Shot, Herbmaster)

- SPECIALITY LIQUEURS

- CREAM LIQUEURS

Rakomelo Despotiko

The secret recipe of the “Elixir of longevity”,as this liqueur was called, had been learned by Nicholas Callicounis from an old monastic manuscript, and its production was started in 1850 at the first distillery in the historical center of Kalamata. Since then “Rakomelo Despotiko” has been rewarded with 56 gold medals at the International Exhibitions for its quality and superiority.

The liqueur is always produced and bottled according to the same traditional recipe, exclusively from tsipouro, with the unique flavour provided by honey and the natural extract of cinnamon.

White Spirits

Gin Jacksons, Rum Albatros, Marabou, Amiga and Sambuca

Fruit Schnapps

Fruit flavoured extracts are used for the production of fruit schnapps with a refreshing note, ideal for cocktails and accompaniments of ice creams and fruit desserts.

Carbonated Drinks (ready-to-drink cocktails)

Smoothly carbonated low alcohol beverages combining Vodka with citrus tones and Vodka with blueberry liqueur.

Miniature bottles with Ouzo, Brandy and Liqueurs

Ouzo, Brandy, Limoncello and other beverages into elegant presentations

The Callicounis Distillery is located very close to the airport of Kalamata.

  You can visit easily our plant premises in order to discover unique scents,

  delicate flavors and distinctive aromas,

  closed in small or large elegant bottles.