A truly exceptional artifact from the golden age of Greek spirits, this bottle of Sans Rival Ouzo represents a significant piece of distilling history from the renowned Piraeus-based producer, P. Thomopoulos & Sons. The name "Sans Rival," French for "without rival," was a bold declaration of quality, backed by a formidable collection of international accolades. This particular bottling is a testament to the brand's celebrated heritage, which began with its founding in 1905 and its prestigious appointment as a distiller to the Greek Royal Court.
The spirit inside is crafted from a treasured recipe involving multiple distillations of pure alcohol, sweetened grape juices, and a carefully selected blend of the finest aromatic seeds, including aniseed, mastic, and coriander. This meticulous process yielded an ouzo of exquisite flavor, earning it gold medals across the globe from Brussels (1908) and Rome (1911) to Cairo (1912) and the World Exposition in San Francisco (1915). This edition prominently features the Milano 1926 trademark registration, a key marker of its provenance.
As one of the first ouzo brands to achieve major international success, Sans Rival became synonymous with Greek quality and tradition. This remarkably well-preserved bottle is a rare collector's item, offering a direct link to the award-winning legacy of the Thomopoulos Distillery and the timeless character of authentic Greek ouzo.
The bottle's presentation is a masterclass in early 20th-century design. The front label proudly announces the distillery's establishment in 1905 and its royal appointment, alongside a prestigious list of gold medals from international expositions. Across the center, a bold, dark blue band features the "SANS RIVAL" name in a strong sans-serif font, above "Ouzo" rendered in an elegant, decorative script. A central feature is the ornate monogram of intertwined Greek letters 'Θ' and 'Α', signifying the Thomopoulos & Son identity, which is flanked by the words "TRADE MARK." A distinct stamp notes the "TRADE MARK REGISTRED MILANO 1926."
Further details enrich the presentation; a small peach-colored neck label charmingly states it is "A most appetising and delicious drink." The back label provides detailed text in both English and Greek, outlining the meticulous production process and the brand's commitment to quality. The original dark blue screw cap remains intact, featuring white text and a stylized geometric symbol. The combination of serif, sans-serif, and cursive fonts across the various labels creates a rich and historically significant visual tapestry.
This bottle is in exceptional condition for its age. The fill level is excellent, resting high in the neck well above the shoulder, indicating superb preservation with minimal evaporation. The glass and labels have been beautifully maintained, showcasing the vibrant colors and intricate details of the original design.
This product is from a private seller. Please be aware that cabinet7 merely provides a platform to buy and sell. When sold, the seller will pack the bottle themselves and send it to the buyer. We do our best to make this process as smooth as possible, however there may be some delay.
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Max von Olfers
Max von Olfers is the founder of cabinet7, and has 10 years of experience with collector item appraisals. The oldest Cognac Max has consumed is from 1855.
Malte Lukowski
Malte Lukowski runs the operations & collector item departments at cabinet7, and has 4 years of experience with collector item appraisals. The oldest Cognac Malte has consumed is from 1920.
