I just came across a lovely website based in Crete. It gives give a fine detailed description, history and fine information all about Cretian Raki or Tsikoudia. There are some very interesting pictures that accompany the fine writing. I enjoyed the read immensely and wholeheartedly recommend you visit.
Here are a couple of paragraphs from the start of the site page to get you going:
Here are a couple of paragraphs from the start of the site page to get you going:
Every autumn after grape harvest, various wine festivities begin throughout Greece. A few days later, in Thessaly, Epirus, Macedonia and on the island of Crete the "Celebration of Tsipouro" takes place.
Tsipouro is a strong distilled spirit containing approximately 37 per cent alcohol per volume and is produced from the must-residue of the wine-press. The name tsipouro is used throughout the country, except for Crete, where the same spirit with a stronger aroma is known as tsikoudia. Also the Oriental name raki is used, from which the term "rakizio" is derived, used to refer to the drink's distillation process, which usually turns into a huge celebration among family, friends and neighbours.
Turkish raki, its traditional drink, is not the same drink as the Cretan one. In Turkey raki was first produced from the residue of grapes left over from wine making only. When a shortage of residue started, spirits from abroad were imported and processed with aniseed.
If you want to read just click on this link: http://www.sfakia-crete.com/sfakia-crete/raki.html
Natrave Crete!
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