Babatzim Tsipouro

Nose: Very like vodka, slight vanilla but with little nuance. Not a very interesting nose. Palate: Mild vanilla and light herbal/woody notes but nothing particularly noteworthy. The texture is neutral. Finish: Short. The simple sweetness of alcohol, but to be fair there were no harsh or metallic notes. Following my recent review of Katsaros tsipouro (which was pretty good and I suspect one of the better spirits of this type) I thought I should try a cheaper brand to gain context. This pour did provide that experience and proved that all tsipouro is not created equal. The better brands are comparable to a good eau-de-vie, but this is a rougher spirit intended for mixing or doing shots. I was not particularly impressed. “Adequate” : 70/100 (2 stars)

Tsipouro is a simple, rough and ready drink, and it is hard to compare it on the same 1-5 star scale as, for example, an aged scotch. However, as Tsipouro goes, this is a good entry level option. Clear and smooth tasting, its full flavor makes it a good accompaniment to meat.

Strong and powerful. Will clean out your system very quickly. Served after dinner at manh Greek restaurants in pitchers. Fun to take in a party setting and slightly more tolerable than cheap vodka.