Athens: Ouzo Tasting at Brettos Plaka

Exploring Athens’ Oldest Ouzo Distillery: Brettos Plaka

If you’ve ever wanted to see how Greece’s most iconic spirit is made and tastes, the Ouzo Tasting at Brettos Plaka offers a charming glimpse into tradition. Founded in 1909, Brettos is Athens’ oldest distillery, and stepping into its cellar-like space feels like visiting a piece of living history. The experience promises a tasting of five carefully selected ouzo labels, each with their own character and strength—ranging from 40% to 50% alcohol—brought to life by expert certified sommeliers who love sharing their knowledge.

Two things I particularly appreciated about this tasting are the small, intimate setting—which feels more like visiting a friend’s cozy cellar than a commercial tour—and the educational aspect, where guides like the friendly staff make the complex world of ouzo accessible and interesting. The chance to sample five different distillations—single, double, triple, quadruple, and quintuple—is a real treat for anyone curious about how distilling strength and smoothness interplay. One potential downside? If you’re expecting a large group or a boisterous atmosphere, this experience is quite the opposite; it’s a quiet, focused session suitable for those who enjoy savoring and learning.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Historic Venue: Brettos has been distilling since 1909, making it a true Athens institution.
• Authentic Greek Spirit: Tasting five premium ouzos reveals the variety and craftsmanship behind Greece’s national drink.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable sommeliers explain the differences between labels, including distillation methods and alcohol strength.
• Intimate Setting: Limited to 10 participants, creating a relaxed and personal learning environment.
• Value for Money: At around $24.84, you get a meaningful and well-guided introduction to ouzo, with five tastings included.
• Location & Convenience: Starts at the basement of Brettos Bar in Plaka, perfect for combining with other sightseeing.

The Charm of Brettos: Athens’ Oldest Distillery

Visiting Brettos feels like stepping back in time. Its cozy, cellar-like space adds to the sense of tradition—this isn’t a flashy tourist trap but a genuine, family-run hotel that’s been perfecting ouzo since the early 20th century. The fact that it’s the oldest in Athens lends a certain authenticity that’s palpable as you walk through. The tasting takes place right in this historic setting, giving you a true taste of Greek craftsmanship.

Guides like the friendly staff or certified sommeliers lead the tasting, sharing insights into the nuances of each label. Many reviewers praise the guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm—Clara notes, “We learned so many interesting things and tasted very delicious Ouzo,” which underscores how accessible and engaging the experience can be. The guides’ ability to explain the distillation process, including the differences between single, double, triple, quadruple, and quintuple distillations, adds a layer of appreciation you won’t find just sipping at a bar.

What You Can Expect During the Tasting

The experience lasts approximately 30 minutes, during which you will sample five distinctive ouzo labels. The labels are color-coded—Blue (40%), Gold (42%), Green (46%), Red (48%), and Black (50%)—each representing different distillation techniques and alcohol concentrations. The progression from lighter to stronger ouzo allows you to taste how the spirit becomes smoother yet more potent with additional distillations.

Your guides will explain that ouzo is primarily made from aniseed, fennel, and star anise, with the flavor directly linked to the compound anethole. As you sip, you’re encouraged to notice how the flavor profile shifts as the alcohol content increases—more potent but still smooth, thanks to the multiple distillations.

While the tasting does not include food or additional drinks, the value lies in the educational component and the chance to taste premium Greek spirits you likely won’t find elsewhere. The small group size ensures you get personalized attention and ample opportunity to ask questions.

Why This Experience Is Worth It

For just under $25, this tasting delivers more than just a few sips—it provides an insight into Greece’s national drink, accompanied by the stories of a historic family business. The small group format makes it ideal for travelers who prefer a relaxed, intimate experience where learning and tasting go hand-in-hand. It’s particularly suited for those curious about spirits, lovers of local traditions, or anyone seeking a meaningful activity in Athens beyond the usual sightseeing.

The reviews reinforce the positive sentiment: Rocco calls it “well worth it,” appreciating the chance to learn about different makes of ouzo, while Jonathan highlights the knowledgeable guides and the beautiful space. The fact that this activity is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 16 reviews speaks to its consistent quality.

Practical Details for Planning Your Visit

The meeting point is the basement of Brettos Bar, an easy-to-access location in Plaka, one of Athens’ most charming neighborhoods. The activity lasts approximately 30 minutes, with varied start times—be sure to check availability. It’s a reserve-now, pay-later option, giving you flexibility in your plans. Since hotel transfers aren’t included, plan to arrive on foot or by public transport.

Remember, this experience does not include food or additional drinks, so if you’re craving a meal, it’s best to plan that before or after your tasting. The limited group size (up to 10 participants) ensures a cozy atmosphere, but it also means booking ahead is wise, especially during peak seasons.

Who Will Love This Experience?

If you’re genuinely interested in Greek culture and spirits, this tasting will deepen your appreciation for ouzo’s nuances. It’s ideal for adults who enjoy small-group experiences, especially those who enjoy learning about local traditions in an authentic setting. It’s also a perfect activity for couples, curious travelers, or small groups who seek a relaxed, educational, and memorable activity in Athens.

This tasting might be less appealing if you’re seeking a lively, large-scale party atmosphere or if your main focus is sightseeing rather than spirits. However, for those who value quality, authenticity, and expert guidance, it’s a worthwhile addition to your Athens itinerary.

The Sum Up

The Ouzo Tasting at Brettos Plaka offers an authentic slice of Greek tradition in a setting that’s both historic and intimate. It’s a fantastic value for anyone wanting to learn about ouzo’s craft, enjoy five distinct labels, and hear stories about one of Athens’ oldest family businesses. The knowledgeable guides, combined with the cozy cellar ambiance, make this a memorable experience for spirits lovers and culture curious alike.

If you’re looking for a small-group activity that combines education with tasting in a charming historic venue, this experience hits the mark. It’s a chance to deepen your understanding of Greek customs while savoring some of the finest ouzo the country has to offer—an authentic taste of Athens’ spirit.

FAQs

Is this activity suitable for all ages?
Yes, but it’s primarily for adults, as it involves tasting alcoholic spirits. Minors might be allowed, but they wouldn’t participate in the tasting.

How long does the tasting last?
The experience lasts about 30 minutes, making it a quick but interesting activity to include in your day.

Are there options for different languages?
The activity is conducted in English, ensuring clear explanations for international visitors.

What is included in the price?
The price covers tasting five premium distilled ouzos, guided by a certified sommelier in a small group setting.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your travel plans.

Is transportation included?
No, you need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point at Brettos Bar in Plaka.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing is fine—just be prepared for an indoor tasting in a cozy cellar environment.

Is this activity good for groups or solo travelers?
It works well for both—small groups are limited to 10, making it ideal for intimate experiences whether you’re alone or with friends.