Distiller Notes
Skinos is the ancient name for Mastiha. The remarkable flavor of this clear spirit is hard to describe: it smells like a sun-drenched rocky Mediterranean hillside covered in wild herbs, like crushed juniper berries and fresh-torn spearmint leaves, like the hauntingly deep aromas of rain-soaked cedar wood and violet essential oil. It is gently sweet yet refreshing, fulsome yet delicate, and its balance makes Skinos highly versatile. It can be served neat, chilled, as an aperitif or digestif, or used in innovative cocktails or as a flavor enhancer in the kitchen with fish and other foods for a distinctly Mediterranean twist.
First prepared by 13th century Italian monks as herbal medicines and elixirs, Liqueurs are distilled spirits that have been combined with flavoring agents. A range of herbs, spices, nuts, fruits and flowers can be used, and a sweetener such as sugar or corn syrup is often added. While typically rather sweet, some examples are herbaceous or tart and pair exceptionally well with desserts or act as a delightful addition to cocktails.