Our
story

EXPLORE YOUR CURIOSITY

Axia Spirit black and white illustration of a greek statue chest with white paint covering the eyes

Spirit of the curious

Axia is an extra-dry Mediterranean spirit like no other

Distilled from the aromatic resin of the Mastiha tree, found on the rugged hillsides of Chios in Greece, Axia reimagines millennia-old Mastiha-making techniques for the modern palette. Its complex botanical profile is both distinctive and approachable, making it a versatile choice for cocktails or sipping neat. Axia is for those who savour culturally rich, vibrant experiences that take them off the beaten path.

Bottle of Axia Mastiha Spirit on a dark blue background with red flower and snake illustrations
Axia Spirit black and white illustration of a greek statue chest with white paint covering the eyes
Axia Spirit dark blue snake illustration Axia Spirit dark blue flowers illustration

The
process

Close-up of a mastiha tree with some sap droplets Close-up of someone making small cuts in a mastiha tree to produce sap

The process

The cultivation

The sap of the mastic tree is activated by making small ‘cuts’ in the tree bark to produce the sap droplets that form the crystals.

Two mastiha trees

The process

The drying

The sap is left to dry naturally in the coastal breezes. The area around the base of the trees is cleared and sprinkled with limestone to help with the drying process.

A close-up of translucent, pale yellow mastiha resin droplets with irregular shapes and shadows on a textured, light brown surface. More droplets are softly blurred in the background

The process

The harvest

The resulting tiny golden drops of resin are collected by hand, meticulously cleaned and naturally air dried. The resin is then shipped to our Plomari Distillery on the neighbouring island of Lesbos.

A close-up, slightly blurred view of a dark, granular substance submerged in a cloudy liquid, part of the maceration process for mastiha spirit

The process

The maceration

The maceration or ‘extraction’ process involves a complex balancing of alchemy that the science geeks among us describe as the prolonged “stratified” process, lasting three weeks.

A close-up of a bronze-toned valve with a circular handle and threaded stem, attached to industrial machinery, with blurred copper vessels and pipes in the background for mastiha spirit blending process A person wearing a grey t-shirt and a cap, crouched down, holding the brass handle of a large copper still for mastiha spirit blending process

The process

The blending

The resin is ‘macerated’ in a blend of local purified water and alcohol over a period of three days. This is to ensure we get just the right combination of botanicals to influence the desired flavour profile of our unique spirit.

A close-up shot of gleaming copper distillery equipment, featuring rounded viewing windows with dark interiors, set against a softly blurred background of more copper machinery and industrial elements.

The process

The enhanced distillation

The resulting crystals are then ‘double-distilled’ at a temperature of 80°C in a 10-hour process that brings together artisanal hand-crafted traditional copper pot stills with the science and experience of our master distiller, Maroussa Tsachaki. Athens-born Maroussa trained in France’s Champagne region and is the first female master distiller in Greece.

A detailed view of several large, cylindrical stainless steel tanks with textured, dimpled surfaces reflecting light for the mastiha spirit resting process

The process

The resting

Extended ‘resting’ is what makes our spirit so distinct. The combination of double distillation, skilled blending, prolonged maceration and resting is done over a period of three weeks and leads to a highly purified, and complex botanical profile that is entirely unique - our premium 40% ABV Mastiha Spirit.

  • Black and white portrait of Adrian Clarke, Chairman at Delarki Limited

    Adrian Clarke

    Adrian is an investor and entrepreneur with extensive understanding of the international spirits industry and premium discretionary spend category. He is chairman of Delarki Ltd and Tenacious Labs, who have recently formed a landmark partnership with global cannabis investment fund Artemis Growth Partners to create Artemis Tenacious Group, Europe's largest cannabis investment platform. With seven generations of spirit-making running through his DNA (Bacardi LTD), Adrian brings together an innate understanding of the industry, an enthusiasm for product innovation and a deep understanding of consumer behavior.

  • Black and white portrait of Nikos Kaloyannis, former CEO and Chairman of Greek distillery Plomari and former President of the Greek Federation of Spirits Producers

    Nikos Kaloyannis

    Nikos is a fifth-generation distiller and former CEO and Chairman of much-loved Greek distillery Plomari, one of Greece’s largest distilleries, exporting Ouzo to 46 countries worldwide. Nikos is the former President of the Greek Federation of Spirits Producers and with a lifetime in the industry, instinctively knows how to cultivate a Grecian spirit. It was thanks to his artistry and experience, combined with Adrian’s flair for the new, that Axia began its evolutionary journey.

  • Black and white portrait of Nick Morland, Co-Founder of Delarki Limited

    Nick Morland

    Nick is a qualified chartered accountant with significant experience in the London international insurance market as well as in international private equity. He is co-founder of Delarki Ltd and CEO of Tenacious Labs, who have recently formed a landmark partnership with global cannabis investment fund Artemis Growth Partners to create Artemis Tenacious Group, Europe's largest cannabis investment platform. Nick holds directorships in a range of geographies from Europe to South Africa, and in industries including publishing, commodities, wellness and premium F&B and finance.

  • Black and white portrait of Demetri Argyropoulos, founder & CEO of Avant Global

    Demetri Argyropoulos

    Demetri is a charismatic dealmaker who knows a brilliant idea when he sees one. He is a YPOer and alumnus of Harvard Business School and founder & CEO of Avant Global, which has generated over $20 billion in value creation, with investment in over 100 start-ups.

    Demetri is highly regarded in the global business community for his proven track record in assembling talent and capabilities in founding companies to acquire an exceptional competitive advantage. It was thanks to Demetri that Adrian and Nikos joined forces to create and launch Axia.

  • Black and white portrait of Maroussa Tsachaki, Master Distiller at Axia Spirit

    Maroussa Tsachaki
    Master Distiller

    Athens born Maroussa Tsachaki is the Master Distiller behind Axia. Maroussa is an oenologist with 25 years experience in the Wine & Spirits industry including Champagne Pommery, Maison Trimbach and Domaine Chatzimichalis and has been working at Plomari Distillery for more than a decade. She studied Oenology and Beverage Technology and earned a Master’s Degree in Wine Production Management from Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne followed by a PhD in Food Science from the University of Nottingham. Maroussa is co-author of 8 peer reviewed publications in highly respected scientific journals, also contributing two published book chapters in Flavour Science.

  • Black and white portrait of David Steward, International Sales Director at Axia Spirit

    David Steward
    International Sales Director

    David brings over 30 years of expertise in sales, marketing, and international distribution within the premium spirits industry.

    He possesses a comprehensive, multi-channel perspective on brand management, sales, marketing, and distribution, with experience spanning both corporate giants, like Pernod Ricard and Proximo Spirits, as well as start-up ventures. David has played a key role in the success of numerous renowned spirits brands across the UK and international markets, including Ireland, France, Poland, and the USA. Notable brands he has worked with include Kraken Rum, Jose Cuervo Tequila, Bushmills Whiskey, Maker's Mark Bourbon, and Polish vodkas Wyborowa and Zubrowka.

  • Black and white portrait of Saskia Phillips, Events & Activations at Axia Spirit

    Saskia Phillips
    Events & Activations

    Highly motivated, focused, and passionate, Saskia is a creative problem solver who thrives in fast-paced, challenging environments. Constantly striving for improvement, she is not only an effective communicator but also a proactive networker. With extensive experience in business development, PR, marketing, and communication, Saskia has discerning taste, having worked directly for HRH The Prince of Wales’s Office (now King Charles II), British Olympic Association, and Mosimann's Private Dining Club. Her deep commercial acumen reflects an exceptional awareness of the industry and a comprehensive understanding of the communications mix, including social media and the rapidly evolving digital PR landscape. Showcased through her 20+ year tenure running boutique beauty agency, Kilpatrick, Saskia is well-versed in the consumer event and activation space.

  • Black and white portrait of Timos Spanis, Sales and Marketing Manager of Axia Spirit

    Timos Spanos
    Sales & Marketing Manager

    With over 20 years of industry expertise, Timos has held Sales & Marketing Manager roles across various markets, representing brands like Neptune Rum, Bottega Prosecco, and Three Cents.

    Excelling in new product development, he created an award-winning blended rum (Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition), bourbon and Irish whiskey. A skilled mixologist, his Penicillin cocktail twist was featured in Matthias Lataille’s A Cognac Lover’s Guide to Classic Cocktails and a recipe in Gaz Regan’s 101 Best New Cocktails of 2014. Certified by the Regulatory Council of Jerez-Xeres-Sherry & Manzanilla-Sanlucar de Barrameda, Timos, originally from Greece, has called the UK home for 14 years. In the last 18 months, he grown the Axia brand in the UK, Monaco and Greece, notably on high-end accounts.

  • Black and white portrait of Giannis Miliotis, Global Brand Ambassador of Axia Spirit

    Giannis Miliotis
    Global Brand Ambassador

    Hailing from Athens and embracing the heritage of Chios, Giannis Miliotis is a connoisseur and ambassador of mastic based beverages.

    As the former head bartender at Oz Cocktail Bar and manager of Oz Bay, Veranda, Giannis brought mastic's distinct flavour to the forefront. His artistry and vison were acknowledged through his role in the ‘Mastiha Experience’ team, culminating in international acclaim and numerous awards. Now, Giannis channels his zeal for mastic as the global ambassador for Axia, creating a benchmark for artisanal yet modern, premium drinks experiences.

  • Black and white portrait of Mitchel Bauer, Brand Ambassador of Axia Spirit in the USA

    Mitchel Bauer
    Brand Ambassador, USA

    Born in California, Mitchel has moved around the United States before settling in Miami in late 2020 to pursue a job opportunity with LPM Restaurants. Currently part of the Sexy Fish Bar program, Mitchel has worked in the hospitality industry for over 9 years in locations across the US, Mexico, Greece, and France. An active member of the vibrant Miami F&B scene, he is a self-described "community creator", passionate about developing authentic relationships and connections in the hospitality industry. Borne into a family of American Farmers, Mitchel has always been passionate about agriculture and is very conscious of the sources of his food and drink, and the ingredients he uses.

  • Black and white portrait of Jenny Briani, Assistant Brand Ambassador of Axia Spirit in Greece

    Jenny Briani
    Assistant Brand Ambassador, Greece

    With over a decade of experience in the hospitality sector, Jenny has worked at some of the most notable venues in the world, including Zuma Dubai (voted one of the World's 50 Best in 2022).

    Certified by Bar Academy Athens, Jenny is not limited to her cocktail-making prowess but also possesses a deep understanding of the history of alcohol in its many forms – spirits, wines, cocktails – and is well versed on optimal food pairings. Her great attention to detail is evident in her craftsmanship, where she showcases her flair and passion by putting the consumer first in notable locations like Bungalow 7 in Athens.

  • Black and white portrait of Babis Baldoumis, Assistant Brand Ambassador of Axia Spirit in Greece

    Babis Baldoumis
    Assistant Brand Ambassador, Greece

    Babis is a passionate young bartender known for mixing up creative cocktails with a personal touch. With a knack for flavours and a love for the craft, Babis brings energy, skill, and innovation to everything that he does. Born and bred in Thessaloniki, he has worked at some of the most notable locations in the area, including Ensayer Bar at Four Seasons, Vanilla World Sky Bar, and CIN CIN where he currently resides as Head Bartender. Babis quickly built a reputation for inventing unique drinks that reflect current trends, seeing him land a finalist position at the Flor de Cana Zero Waste Competition. Whether Babis is making you a drink or chatting to you about drinks, his aim is to always deliver an experience that's both refreshing and memorable. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic or looking to try something new, he is ready to shake, stir, and serve up something special.

Endlessly curious

Axia is the spirit of the curious.

We believe life is richer when lived with open eyes, open mind… and open heart.
An invitation: to wonder, to discover.

From the ancient Mastiha tree of Greece to the latest bars of the world.
A story that’s thousands of years old, crafted into something entirely new.
For those who know life’s best moments aren’t planned, but discovered.

Step off the beaten path.
Taste the unexpected.
Explore your curiosity.

Shop Axia
Axia Spirit bottle with two cocktails on top of a black and white picture of St Paul's Cathedral in London