Distillery “PURO Karathanos – Artisan Spirits”

At the foot of the Agrafa mountains, in the village of Paliouri, just 20 km from Karditsa, this small facility has redefined the Greek tradition of distillation. It is a “life’s work” of Thanos Karathanos, whose multiple roles (Chemist-Oenologist, president of the Greek Oenologists’ Association, master blender, distiller, vine grower, professor, quality consultant, competition judge, author) are all “distilled” into this old family warehouse, now transformed into a state-of-the-art distillery. With the help of architect and University of Thessaly professor, Spyros Papadopoulos, the space has also become a modern industrial facility of high aesthetic quality.

Getting to know the distillery
A visit to the distillery is a complete experience. It begins with the custom-designed distillation still (“kazani”), manufactured in Greece exclusively for PÚRO, featuring advanced technology (a fractional redistillation column with four plates, sloped towards the boiler, and a reflux condenser) that ensures precision and quality in production. The process continues through the liqueur lab and the bottling unit, where meticulous care—from water processing to bottling—guarantees spirits of unique character.

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The aging cellar is the “treasure vault” of the distillery: dozens of French oak barrels, each with different origins and toasting techniques, house the spirits until they reach perfect maturity. In the specially designed laboratory, Thanos Karathanos’ many years of scientific experience ensure the final quality, while the tasting room gives visitors the opportunity to sample the fine products right where they are crafted.

The signature products

The oldest (in terms of production) spiritual “child” of the distillery is PÚRO, the first Greek premium aged tsipouro that proudly stands alongside the world’s great spirits, restoring the honor of this once-underestimated classic Greek drink. Made from Black Muscat grape pomace, it is complex on the nose, with floral, honey, dried fruit, spice, and wood notes, offering a multidimensional experience that soars on the palate and finishes with a long, aromatic aftertaste.

Even more impressive is PÚRO SINGLE BARREL, the first Greek single barrel aged spirit, bottled undiluted. The deep, rich flavors and aromas developed in this unique barrel offer an exceptionally rare and elegant result, creating a harmonious whole with a singular character. It pairs beautifully with nuts, dried fruit, desserts, dark chocolate, smoked delicacies and, for those who smoke, a fragrant and complex Cuban cigar!

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With only 280 bottles and handwritten numbering, PÚRO SINGLE BARREL AGED 10 YEARS is the first Greek 10-year-aged tsipouro. This specific release, as its name suggests, comes from a single barrel (half of which evaporated over the decade—what’s known as the “angels’ share”!) and was bottled undiluted, straight from the cask, at 54% ABV.

Even stronger, the PÚRO SINGLE BARREL AGED 10 YEARS 57.5% vol is the latest addition to the distillery’s “arsenal,” originating from barrel No. 20 made of French oak, bearing the symbolic name “Révélation.” Its alcohol level—unprecedented for a Greek spirit—has been masterfully tamed, blending harmoniously with the dense and complex aromas of the indigenous Black Muscat grape and the layered bouquet of aging. It gained a richly concentrated and powerful flavor profile through a decade-long interaction with wood. This edition was also limited to 280 bottles, each housed in a custom wooden box, hand-numbered and signed by the producer.

The vineyards and “Chilia Klimata” wines

The Karathanos family cultivates over 100 privately owned stremmata (10+ hectares) of vineyards using natural methods, free from chemical fertilizers and pesticides, in the winegrowing zone of Dafnospilia–Paliouri. The grape varieties grown include indigenous ones like Limniona, Batiki, Mavro Messenikola, and Zaharakokkinoudi, as well as exceptional Greek grapes such as Assyrtiko, Malagousia, Xinomavro, Roditis, Muscat, Malvasia, and the international Syrah. From these, the “Chilia Klimata” (A Thousand Vines) wines are produced—one white and one red, both limited production—also available for tasting at the distillery.

The distillery is open for visits by appointment and offers personalized tours and tastings. Guests may also enjoy a meal at the family-owned KAZARMA LAKE RESORT & SPA near Lake Plastira.

Contact Information:

Paliouri, Karditsa, P.C. 43300
Tel: +30 24410 69559 | +30 6944447090
Email: info@purokarathanos.gr
Website: www.purokarathanos.gr