The ‘Birth’ of Ouzo in Tyrnavos

Ouzo, the potent spirit once known simply as "matavrasmeno raki" (re-boiled raki), received its legendary name ("was baptised") right here in Tyrnavos during the 19^th century, in the waning years of Ottoman rule over Thessaly. Here's how the esteemed Tyrnavian philologist and linguist, Achilleas Tzartanos, recounts the fascinating "christening" process: 

"Living in Tyrnavos at the time was a military doctor serving the Turkish army, an Armenian named Stavrak-bey. He enjoyed a close friendship with two prominent local figures: Antonios Makris, a textile merchant, and Dimitrios Doumenikiotis, a grocer and distiller. This trio of friends regularly gathered, morning and night, to enjoy their aperitif – the 'matavrasmeno raki,' which we'd essentially call ouzo today, so to speak.

Stavrak-bey, it seems, held a particular fondness for this spirit. One day, he visited Dimitrios Doumenikiotis's distillery and, right there on the spot, as we say, suggested adding a certain other ingredient to enhance the raki's quality. And indeed, when the distillation proceeded according to the doctor's advice, the three friends gathered to sample that day's batch. Antonios Makris was the first to taste it. Overjoyed, he immediately exclaimed: 'Moreh, what is this? This is Ouzo Massalias!'" 

In that era, goods destined for export, particularly high-quality silk cocoons shipped from Thessaly to France, were marked "Uso Marsiglia" – Italian for "For use in Marseille" – stamped on the crates to indicate their destination. This mark rapidly became synonymous with superior quality. Thus, Makris's exclamation meant "This is top-notch stuff!"

You can delve deeper into these stories and learn much more about the celebrated distillates of Tyrnavos at the Museum of Vine – Wine – House of Man (Tel: +30 2492350100), housed within the elegant Karassos Mansion, one of the town's most beautiful historic buildings.