Collection
HIOTISSA,
Distilled from Dried Figs , Crafted in Fragrant Chios
Τhe packaging of the Hiotissa has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the history, culture, and aesthetics of Chios while paying tribute to the tradition and uniqueness of its women. Each element of the design carries symbolic meaning:
The blue color represents Greece, evoking the azure sky and the Aegean sea surrounding the island of Chios, while it symbolizes the natural beauty of this island.
The gold color symbolizes the luxury of the traditional attire of Chian women, renowned for their elegance and sophistication. The choice of gold conveys a sense of nobility and meticulous craftsmanship.
The white color, combined with embossed patterns reminiscent of lace, reflects the intricate decorative embroidery that adorned the local traditional costumes, showcasing the high aesthetics and artistry of Chian women.
The shape of the cork is inspired by the large, uniquely shaped hats worn by the noblewomen of the island. These hats were a distinctive feature of their appearance, symbolizing social status and the unique culture of Chios.
The shape of the bottle evokes the graceful curve of the Chian woman’s slender shoulders
This design not only connects the product to the historical and cultural heritage of Chios but also serves as a living reminder of the island’s rich traditions and timeless elegance that characterized its people and especially its women.
HIOTISSA, 1st Batch – Remebrance edition
This limited edition is made from the 1st batch of our distillery and it is the first bottling of this unique spirit. Only 200 bottles were produced. It is dedicated to the women and children who suffered the horrors of slavery following the Massacre of Chios. As part of this release, Hiotissa collaborates with the non-profit organization A21, an international organization fighting against trafficking and modern slavery, donating a portion of the sales proceeds to support its essential work.
The Massacre of Chios in 1822 marked one of the darkest moments in Greek history. Thousands of people were sold into slavery, while the once-thriving and progressive society of Chios—with its women renowned for their independence and luxurious lifestyle—was utterly destroyed. This special edition of Hiotissa honors the memory of those people while also highlighting the ongoing plague of modern slavery, which endures in new forms, such as trafficking.The label prominently features the famous painting by Eugène Delacroix, “The Massacre of Chios.” This artwork, through its realism and emotional intensity, shocked the European public in the 19th century. It inspired a wave of support that ultimately influenced European nations to aid Greece in its fight for independence. The painting captures the horror of the destruction while simultaneously standing as a timeless symbol of hope for freedom and human dignity.
Our collaboration with A21.org strengthens this historical connection, delivering the message that freedom and justice are values we must defend in every era. Through this initiative, Hiotissa not only honors history but actively participates in the contemporary fight against exploitation and modern slavery.By purchasing the special edition of Hiotissa, you become part of this effort, supporting A21’s work and contributing to the fight against trafficking, giving a voice to the vulnerable, and helping to build a world free from slavery.If you want to learn more about A21, visit https://www.a21.org/content/greece/gr4wco
How it tastes
I guess you wonder how this rare spirit tastes. Here is our tasting profile:
A tapestry of flavors unfolds when the aroma of the figs, vibrant and sweet, mingles with notes of carob, sundried tomatoes, fresh cardamom, green almond and the subtle
nutyness of dried chickpeas in the aftertaste. The minerality of the earth, kissed by the salt of the sea, lingers on the tongue – a reminder of the terroir from which “Hiotissa” springs.
The perfect serve
Glassware – Using the right glassware for the right drink is paramount for the presentation of a beverage. Not only does the glassware affect the appearance, flavours and aromas of the drink, but it can also affect the guests perception of the drink. Use a stemless balloon glass for a perfect experience of the taste and the aromas of Hiotissa, Chios Souma.
Ice – ice is the unsung hero – or villain – in your cocktails. Firstly, you want a large solid cube, preferably clear, produced with filtered water.Then stir gently to achieve sufficient chilling .
Pour – The perfect drink isn’t just about the quality of the spirit in the glass but also about the quantity of it .Fill until the widest diameter of the glass. This will give critical space for the aromas to develop and maximise the flavour.
Enjoy!
Coctail Recipies
Explore Recipes for Perfectly-Mixed coctails
Mediterranean Old Fashioned
A savory twist on the classic Old Fashioned, highlighting the spirit’s earthy and nutty tones.
Ingredients:
2 oz Bourbon
0.50 oz Hiotissa, Chios Souma
2 dashes cardamom bitters (or a few crushed cardamom pods)
Small pinch of sea salt
Orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
In a mixing glass, combine the Hiotissa, Bourbon, bitters, and salt.
Add ice and stir until well-chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Express the orange peel over the drink, then drop it in as garnish.
Salted Carob & Almond Martini
Inspired by earthy and nutty notes, this cocktail brings out the Hiotissa’s almond and carob richness.
Ingredients:
2 oz of Hiotissa, Chios Souma
0.5 oz Amaretto or almond liqueur
0.25 oz carob syrup (or honey if unavailable)
Small pinch of sea salt
Green almond or olive for garnish
Instructions:
Combine the Hiotissa, Amaretto, and carob syrup in a shaker with ice.
Shake well and strain into a chilled Martini glass.
Add a small pinch of sea salt on top and garnish with a green almond or an olive for a savory touch.
Instructions:
In a mixing glass, combine the Hiotissa, Bourbon, bitters, and salt. Add ice and stir until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Express the orange peel over the drink, then drop it in as garnish.
Salty Coast Negroni
A coastal-inspired Negroni with a hint of saline, perfect for sipping slowly.
Ingredients:
1 oz of Hiotissa, Chios Souma
1 oz dry vermouth
0.75 oz Aperol (for a lighter twist) or Campari (for more bitterness)
A few drops of saline solution (or a small pinch of sea salt)
Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
Combine the Hiotissa, vermouth, and Aperol or Campari in a mixing glass with ice.
Add a few drops of saline solution or a pinch of salt.
Stir well and strain into a rocks glass over ice.
Garnish with a lemon twist
Fig & Cardamom Sour
A bright, refreshing sour that balances the spirit’s sweetness with citrus and spice.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz of Hiotissa, Chios Souma
0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz fig syrup (or muddled fresh fig)
0.25 oz honey syrup
1 dash of cardamom bitters (optional)
Egg white or aquafaba (for texture, optional)
Fresh fig slice or lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
Dry shake all ingredients (without ice) if using egg white or aquafaba, then add ice and shake again.
Strain into a coupe glass.
Garnish with a fresh fig slice or lemon twist.
Aegean Coasts Spritz
A refreshing, bubbly cocktail that enhances the spirit’s mineral and saline notes. Ingredients: 1.5 oz of Hiotissa, Chios Souma 0.5 oz fresh lime juice 0.5 oz herbal liqueur (like Benedictine or Chartreuse) 2 oz soda water or tonic Fresh thyme or rosemary sprig for garnish Instructions: Fill a wine glass with ice, and add the Hiotissa, lime juice, and herbal liqueur. Top with soda or tonic water and gently stir. Garnish with a sprig of thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
Notes for mixologists
This spirit’s layered profile makes it an outstanding choice for cocktails due to its versatility and complexity. Here’s why it works so well:
1. Depth of Flavor for Complexity
With its sweet, savory, spicy, and earthy notes, this spirit can add dimension to cocktails, requiring fewer ingredients to achieve a well-rounded drink. Its fig and carob sweetness, paired with the umami of sundried tomatoes and the freshness of cardamom, can easily replace the need for multiple separate flavors.
2. Versatile Pairing Possibilities
Its unique combination of nutty, earthy, and mineral notes pairs well with a broad spectrum of mixers, from herbal and citrus to sweet and saline. This allows mixologists to experiment widely, creating balanced cocktails across the spectrum, from light spritzes to spirit-forward sips.
3. Aromatic and Textural Play
The spirit’s aromatic complexity with figs and cardamom means it can be paired with similarly fragrant ingredients like basil, thyme, or orange peel, enhancing both the nose and taste. The subtle bitterness and mineral finish give cocktails a lingering complexity and texture that makes each sip interesting, ideal for sipping cocktails like Old Fashioneds or Negronis.
4. Evocative of Terroir
The saline and mineral notes evoke a sense of place, making the spirit perfect for Mediterranean-inspired cocktails. Bartenders can play up these terroir elements with ingredients like olive brine, capers, or citrus, crafting drinks that tell a story of the coast.
5. Enhances Both Sweet and Savory Cocktails
Its nuanced nuttiness and earthiness are especially intriguing for savory cocktails, while the fig and carob sweetness mean it can also complement dessert-like or fruity cocktails. This balance makes it a versatile addition to both classic cocktails like a Martini or a more innovative fig-infused Manhattan.
In short, the spirit’s intricate flavors provide a foundation that shines in cocktails, giving them depth, storytelling potential, and a unique twist on familiar profiles
Our story
Nestled amidst the idyllic island of Chios, where the azure waves of the Aegean Sea kiss the sun-kissed shores, artisans meticulously craft a truly rare spirit using traditional methods passed down through generations. In the heart of this serene setting, small copper stills stand as silent sentinels, guardians of an ancient artistry that captures the essence of the land.
This remarkable elixir begins its journey with the careful selection of figs, each one a testament to the bountiful harvest gathered by skilled hands under the Mediterranean sun. These figs, rich with the warmth of the Greek soil and the whispers of salty sea breezes, are then transformed through a process of sun-drying as timeless as the land itself.
Within the confines of these copper stills, the spirit of Chios is distilled, its essence coaxed forth with a patience known only to those who understand the alchemy of the craft. The traditional discontinuous method, honored for its ability to preserve the purity of flavors, is the vessel through which this rare spirit is born.
As the liquid flows, it carries with it the soul of the Aegean Sea, weaving a tapestry of flavors that dance upon the palate. Fresh figs, vibrant and sweet, mingle with notes of carob and unripe almond, a tribute to the bounty of the land. Yet, beneath these familiar flavors lies a subtle complexity – dried chickpeas lend their nutty essence, while hints of iodine evoke the tang of sea fret. The minerality of the earth, kissed by the salt of the sea, lingers on the tongue, a reminder of the terroir from which this spirit springs.
With each sip, one is transported to the sun-drenched shores of Greece, where the timeless rhythm of the sea echoes in every drop. This is more than a spirit; it is a sensory journey, a celebration of tradition, and a testament to the rich tapestry of flavors that define the Greek landscape
Get invloved
Wether you are a proffesional or a spirit enthousiast, you can fill the form and we will get in touch.
Please do not share with anyone under 18.Drink responsibly.
© 2024 Chios Souma Distillery
CONTACT INFO:
- Address: Dimarhou Kalvokoresi 8, Kampos, Chios , Greece
- Phone: +30 2271300313
- e-Mail: hello@hiotissa.gr