For a century, the art and secrets of making traditional tsipouro with bronze abysses are the Krommida family story and a journey that gave thousands of beautiful moments to create the incomparable taste of a unique, authentic tsipouro.
In a country where tsipouro is a centuries-old tradition, the secrets of its distillation vary from region to region. Proto Thema questioned how many of these “secrets” are based on actual, proven knowledge.
And what is the experience of the authentic and traditional tsipouro?
In all countries with a remarkable centuries-old tradition in spirits, some common elements unite history with quality.
However, one thing always makes the difference: The inspiration of a specific person who invented the recipe for a particular taste complexity, following the appropriate distillation steps.
In 1947, Charalambos Krommidas was the most sought-after glazier in the mountain villages of Morgana, north of Thesprotia’s prefecture and along the Greek-Albanian border.
During his tour of each village, he cleaned and maintained the copper utensils of each family using tin.
In this way, the same utensils could continue to be used without the risks of oxidation.
The secret of clean utensils led Charalambos Krommidas or “Kalaitzi” (glazier), as he was called because of his profession – to acquire the knowledge of the appropriate copper distillation of tsipouro.
Quickly, Kalaitzi tsipouro became the sought-after distillate of the region.
When he and his family moved to the village of Vasiliki in Trikala in 1947, he continued to make the most famous tsipouro there, a place that acquired its distinct taste tradition over time.
Kalaitzis’ secret was never actually deciphered, except by his family members, who continued the distillation over time with the step-by-step process.
Elegant, clean, and soft, the distillation highlights the varied aromas of the grapes of the Thessalian land, including Moschato, Malagouzia, Savvatiano, Assyrtiko, and Roditi.
The selection of the appropriate marcs hides the importance of the suitable raw material, which will determine the composition and character of the final distillate.
It is worth just a sip to realise the velvety texture and high quality of Kalaitzi tsipouro.
Aromatically complex, as evidenced by its double distillation. Tastefully refined but authentic tsipouro. A distillate with two labels: With Anise and Without Anise.
Through all these processes, Kalaitzi tsipouro has protected its authenticity, and with modern winemaking methods, it maintains the distillate’s perfect personality.
The importance of family care is a powerful feature that plays a crucial role in preserving traditions over time in Greece.
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