Tsoklis' pilsner "Nisos" 2nd best globally

"Nisos" was born in Vaya, and is manufactured by local workers on Tinos. The beer that was based on the materials and the value of a site to create a strong brand, embodying the values of the land itself, triumphed.

It was, however, also a triumph of possibility. The concept of opportunity, that wealth can be created by investing in small firms based on clear values, clear principles and certainly thoughtful and sophisticated marketing. “Nisos” is the Cyclades Microbrewery on Tinos established about two years ago by well-known travel commentator Maya Tsokli, Alexandros Kouris, Elina and Costis Dallas.

The competition involved 1,613 beers from 42 countries from all continents. The evaluation was made by 105 judges who undertook blind tasting. The criteria of evaluation for the contest, which takes place in Europe, but is in fact global, were taste, color, flavor, and overall impression of the drinker.

17 months after its creation, the "Nisos" excelled between difficult and traditional competitors in the pilsner class, like the Czech Republic and the US, which usually sweep these awards. Alexandros Kouris after receiving the award, stated: “The whole NISOS team is especially proud and excited. We have on the market for only 17 months and we dared to take part in the competition for the experience of the participation. We knew that we make a good beer, but did not expect the second place on the podium," adding "Now for the first time, Greece is placed on the world map of top beers. Incredible but true."

Alexandros Kouris and Maya Tsokli went to get their prize, as ambassadors of Tinos and the country and not only representing their personal business effort. They rose wearing shirts emblazoned with the Greek flag and the word Tinos written in capital letters.