Product: Grozd Strumica Mastika Producer: Grozd Strumica Category: Other Country of Origin: Macedonia Reviewer: Layla Tichtchenko The F Words: Flavor – Fragrantly spicy and slightly sweet. Feel – Smooth and warm. Finish – Some anise but clean for the most part.

Rating:

Mastika is a crystal clear spirit distilled from grapes, anise, honey and natural flavors. It is an unusual and smooth liquor. The grapes give it a good base for a surprisingly smooth beverage. The anise combines with it to add a unique zing. On the nose, initially, it smells slightly of honey and the anise is only a hint. But don’t be put off by the sight of ingredients like honey and anise. I don’t care much for anise and fragrant seasonings of that ilk. But I was pleasantly surprised by the silky quality of these spirits when trying it at room temperature. It seems a bit warm but doesn’t have an oily or syrupy feel. It leaves your palette clean, with a spicy finish. Even with the honey and grapes factored in, it doesn’t leave you feeling like you need a visit to the dentist.

At room temperature, it goes down a bit warm like brown but not as intense. When I drank it chilled and straight, it became cloudy in the glass, but went down more smoothly and cooler than before. Then I tried Mastika with cranberry juice. The blend is somewhat reminiscent of a spiced, mulled wine enjoyed by a roaring fireplace. But as all good research requires, I pressed ahead by mixing it with orange juice. But despite the powerful flavor of O.J., the mix felt too rough on the tongue.

Ginger ale is a much better idea when mixed with Mastika. Obscure and not well-known in America, it’s similar to the Greek Ouzo but not as sweet or syrupy so it allows for more versatility in mixing. Although it looks like dishwater, it is palatable paired with the ginger ale. Then for my final taste challenge I mixed the Mastika with Pepsi.

Combining it with Pepsi was one of the most promising combinations of all. The cola flavor is subtly enhanced by the anise and they both complement each other. This particular variety of spirits would best be served in various cocktails and mixed drinks. More research needs to be done. But for the time being, enjoy the unusual and rare taste of Mastika over ice, with cola, or find some Macedonians who can give you some suggestions. For what it’s worth, the flavor is spicy fragrant with a hint of sweetness. The feel is smooth and easy on the palette. It finishes with a trace of anise rising in your mouth like a cloud of fog. It lingers for a while afterward to remind you of what you have imbibed, but only in the way that quality spirits can without being obnoxious.