“When in Rhodes…” to modify a well-known saying.

Virtually every region of Greece boasts to be the “best” at something, and when it comes to ouzo, Mytilene, capital of the island of Lesbos, arguably earns that distinction.

That is not to say, however, that there aren’t perfectly good ouza produced in numerous other parts of Greece, including another  island that is already blessed at being the best at many other things: Rhodes.

One such ouzo made on “the  island of the sun” is Rodini, named after a neighborhood in Rhodes Town, which also houses the famous Rodini Park.

Rodini is a straightforward, clean, crisp, refreshing ouzo. It is lighter than most, with a bit less alcoholic content, it’s 76 proof – than the standard of 80. The anise flavor is so one-dimensional that is almost minty.

Personally, I prefer a stronger and more complex-flavored ouzo. But Rodini is perfectly drinkable, and in those cases when you’re short on accompanying mezedes, its simplicity and light feel make it an ideal standalone ouzo.