Zorba the Greek

"Tsik" is made when winemakers take what is "leftover" from pressing the grapes to make wine and distill it. Skins, stems, seeds, pulp...all of the above (along with whatever happens to make it into the mix) is distilled. The Italans call it "grappa" and have actually tricked other Europeans and Americans into believing that it can be a "luxury good". I have tasted some very expensive grappa that totally destroys the rural essence of the drink. I was in a wine store in Utah once an an employee was telling me about this "wonderfully sophisticated" grappa they were selling. I gave him a really puzzled look and bought the high alcohol content stuff that tasted like it was made in a bathtub. That's the way grappa and tsikoudia should be....harsh, rural, strong.

Best,

John

I puzzled over that high-end grappa when I saw it too, John. The clerk seemed to be more 'informed' than I.

Living in Astoria, New York (still the largest Greek pop outside of Greece, I believe) you would think I'd be able to find Kitro. No luck as of yet. And why doesn't anyone import those oregano potato 'xhips' I love?

Regards,

Senator Jack

Senator,

Rest assured that the "informed clerk" was a pretentious idiot and little more. Making "sophisticated grappa" is like making a "luxury jeep"...it misses the point. Living in Astoria among Greeks, my suspicion is one can find everything (legal or illegal according to New York Law )....it's just a matter of knowing where to look.

Best of luck,

John

JohnTheGreek said:

"Tsik" is made when winemakers take what is "leftover" from pressing the grapes to make wine and distill it. Skins, stems, seeds, pulp...all of the above (along with whatever happens to make it into the mix) is distilled. That's the way grappa and tsikoudia should be....harsh, rural, strong.

Click to expand...

John called 'pisco' in Chile and Peru. The national drink is 'pisco sour' done with lemon.

Living in Astoria, New York (still the largest Greek pop outside of Greece, I believe)

Wrong Senator Jack - you forgot Melbourne also known as Melvurni!