Our
story
EXPLORE YOUR CURIOSITY

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.





The
process


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.

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.

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.

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.


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.

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.

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.
The founders
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.
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.
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.
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.
The makers & shakers
Maroussa Tsachaki
Master DistillerAthens 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.
David Steward
International Sales DirectorDavid 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.
Saskia Phillips
Events & ActivationsHighly 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.
Timos Spanos
Sales & Marketing ManagerWith 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.
Giannis Miliotis
Global Brand AmbassadorHailing 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.Mitchel Bauer
Brand Ambassador, USABorn 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.
Jenny Briani
Assistant Brand Ambassador, GreeceWith 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.
Babis Baldoumis
Assistant Brand Ambassador, GreeceBabis 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.
