Distilled beverages

Literature scholars believe the name ouzo to come from the ancient Greek verb "to smell," or "ozo." Romantics prefer to think it comes from the phrase "Ou zo," or "Without this I can't live." Others see its roots in the Turkish word for grape, "uzum," and others say it can be traced back to a story about a Turkish consulate doctor in Thessaly in the 18th century who tasted the local raki and cr

The European Commission has requested that Greece amend the consumption tax on traditional Greek sprits tsipouro and tsikoudia (strong distilled spirits containing a high degree of alcohol).

The know-how of cultivating mastic, the aromatic resin of an evergreen that grows on the eastern Aegean island of Chios, has been included by UNESCO on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The recession in Greece has led to a major decrease in the consumption of alcoholic beverages, particularly in bars, clubs and restaurants. Market estimates put the decline at up to 45 percent since the start of the recession in 2008.

The second edition of the Balkan Rakia Fest will take place in Hall 6 of Sofia's National Palace of Culture (NDK) between October 23 and 26.

More than 200 rakia brands and spirits beverages from Bulgaria and the neighbouring countries will be presented. The ticket, costing BGN 7, includes tastings of fruit, grape and anise brandies, as well as other Bulgarian and imported spirits.