Metaxa Masters Constantinos Raptis and Konstantinos Kalpaxidis about the new METAXA Orama

Since 1888, METAXA has stood for a unique Greek spirit made from a combination of Muscat wine from the Aegean island of Samos, fine, matured wine distillates and aromatic Mediterranean botanicals. METAXA is neither a cognac nor a brandy – it is unconventional and represents a category of its own. The flavor secrets of the “Original Greek Spirit” have always been guarded by the Metaxa Master. For the first time in the company’s history, a product was created by two Metaxa Masters at the end of 2023. Private Reserve METAXA Orama not only combines METAXA’s Greek origins and unique craftsmanship, but also heralds a unique generational change and a new sustainability strategy.

We spoke to Constantinos (Costas) Raptis, the fifth Metaxa Master, and his successor, the sixth Metaxa Master Konstantinos (Kostis) Kalpaxidis, in this interview about METAXA Orama.

What exactly is a Metaxa Master and what are his tasks?

Constantinos Raptis: The Metaxa Master is the only person in the world who knows how to craft the one- of-a kind Greek amber spirit. The Master needs to combine the know-how of a Winemaker, a Distiller and a Cellar Master and excel in the arts of selecting, aging and blending. He oversees the entire production process and is entrusted with ensuring the quality and consistency of METAXA. Since 1888, each of the Metaxa Masters has been crafting new expressions to build on the legacy of the House.

How do you become a Metaxa Master?

Constantinos Raptis: To be a Metaxa Master is a combination of art and craft, of science and talent. You need to have the scientific background, but you also need to be curious, risk taking, innovative and of course have developed senses in the nose and palate, that you always need to cultivate. You need to be patient and humble and be mindful of the fact that sometimes nature will not be generous and will not offer you the best quality ingredients that you are looking for.

Personally, I was taught all there was to know about the craftsmanship of METAXA by Elias Metaxa, the grandson of Spyros Metaxa the Founder of the House. I learned attentively for a few years, before having the chance to forge my own path. I spent endless hours exploring the METAXA blends that were kept in the casks, I experimented, and I also brought in a new scientific approach in the cellar management, in the blending and ageing process.

My mission was to protect the heritage that was given to me, and to preserve the unique style of METAXA, which I believe that I have managed to do in all these years. But, my dream, since the day I joined, was to place METAXA within the premium aged spirits and propose more sophisticated expressions. And I have been blessed, as I had the opportunity to release the most premium METAXA expressions, from the METAXA 12 Stars, to METAXA Private Reserve, the Angels’ Treasure and the three releases of METAXA AEN, the most precious METAXA ever.

How long have you been working in this position?

Constantinos Raptis: It has now been close to 30 years. The story started this way… My father was an amateur, but a very passionate wine maker. He had a small vineyard and every time he went to tend to his vines, he would take me with him. This is how, as of a young age I fell in love with the world of the wine. Later, I studied Chemistry in the University of Athens and decided to pursue further this passion and got a second degree in Oenology.

When I graduated and started looking for a job, I sent my CV to several Winemakers in Greece, and to METAXA- as I already knew that to make METAXA you need the wine! I was offered a job at METAXA and since 1985 I never looked back! At METAXA I discovered the crafts of distilling, aging and blending and came to love the wine distillates as much as the wine! I was officially appointed the 5th Metaxa Master in 1992, after 7 years of training.

What were some special METAXA moments that you remember?

Constantinos Raptis: Countless memories of moments shared with my colleagues from METAXA and with partners from all around the world. I have travelled to many places to educate our partners, the trade and even consumers on what makes METAXA unique, and I remember fondly even the most adventurous travels. Beyond the travels, amongst the most special moments I would include the celebration of METAXA’s 100th anniversary, that I attended only 4 years after I joined.

Then, in 2008 there was the 120th anniversary which became even more significant for me as I released at the time the first METAXA AEN. And more recently the first event to celebrate the release of Private Reserve METAXA Orama, which brough me back to Germany after several years. It was a special moment, and I will always cherish the warmth of our German guests.

Konstantinos, what goals do you have for yourself and for the brand in your new position?

Konstantinos Kalpaxidis: I wish to continue building on the legacy of Costas and all the Masters before him. However, the imminent climate crisis poses a real challenge to keep our flavor consistency. This is why my ambition is to continue creating METAXA in a more sustainable way, as well as to preserve our Terroir. On top of this, I plan to experiment and explore all the possibilities the METAXA taste universe can offer and add my own personal style to it with innovative new product expressions.

You created METAXA Orama together. What was your inspiration for it?

Konstantinos Kalpaxidis: “METAXA Orama” is an umbrella name, from the Greek word for “vision”. Under “Orama” we include all our projects linked to sustainability and that we initiated with the objective of reducing by 50% our CO2 emissions by the year 2030. This is our inspiration behind the new Private Reserve METAXA Orama release, which will progressively include more organic Muscat wine and will soon – a few years from now – be made with Muscat wine coming exclusively from organic grapes from Samos.

How is the product actually made?

Konstantinos Kalpaxidis: Private Reserve METAXA Orama is made by blending aged wine distillates, mature sweet Muscat wine from Samos and a blend of herb and plant extracts together, and further aging them in old 3500 liter oak casks in our cellars in Kifissia, Greece.

What role does “the natural heritage of Samos” play in this?

Konstantinos Kalpaxidis: Samos is an island of very rich biodiversity thanks to its landscape, natural resources and proximity to Asia Minor. The diversity of this ecosystem coupled with the mountainous vineyard, the stone terrasses and the Mediterranean climate, enhance our Terroir, producing excellent Muscat grapes, with aromatic richness and depth, qualities which are reflected in our Muscat wines and eventually within METAXA.

How does Private Reserve METAXA Orama taste?

Konstantinos Kalpaxidis: Initially there is a sense of dry fruits like dry apricots, raisins and figs. As the tasting progresses, notes of old oak, honey from the forest and empty cigar box appear, coupled by light notes of caramel and toffee. On the palate we have a velvety sensation with dry fruit and syrupy notes accompanied by notes of sweet spices like nutmeg and clove, which are carried out all the way to the exceptionally long and rewarding aftertaste. A product to be sipped, in the presence of nice company.

How, when and where do you prefer to enjoy your METAXA Orama?

Konstantinos Kalpaxidis: For me the best moment to enjoy Private Reserve METAXA Orama, is in the presence of good friends and family after a dinner sharing an intriguing conversation. And this is how I would recommend for anyone else to enjoy it.

Is there any METAXA experience that you would recommend for our readers?

Konstantinos Kalpaxidis: We have recently opened to the public, METAXA LIKNON, the award-winning home of METAXA on Samos island! Here, from May to October, visitors are welcome to experience the art of crafting METAXA, immersed into the unique terroir of Samos, and learn more about our vision for a sustainable future. It’s a truly unique experience of authentic Greek hospitality that I warmly recommend to all lovers of METAXA, or those who are eager to discover our Greek spirit! Learn more on our website.

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+++ We thank Constantinos Raptis and Konstantinos Kalpaxidis for the open and very interesting interview! If you also have an interesting brand, then we should talk. Just send us an email with the subject “about-drinks interview” to redaktion@about-drinks.com – we look forward to hearing from you! +++