Arak Razzouk is the anise-based spirit from Lebanon
distilled from grape juice with fresh aniseeds, imparting its distinctive fresh
savor, and making it the national beverage of its mother country. Arak Razzouk
is made with special varieties of sweet mountain grapes, which are crushed and fermented,
and then distilled over a low fire. Natural aniseed is then added and the
mixture is distilled. The distilled product is poured into earthenware jars to
age and mellow for at least six months.
Arak Razzouk is made with special varieties of sweet
mountain grapes.
The grapes are crushed and fermented, and then distilled
over a low fire. Natural aniseed is then added and the mixture is distilled.
The distilled product is poured into earthenware jars to age and mellow for at
least six months.
Arak should be served cool and not cold. The Crystal
clear Arak turns milky white when water is added to it in the portion of 30%
Arak and 70% water, or 50% Arak and 50% water depending on each one’s own
taste. An ice cube or two is then added to the glass to refresh the drink. It
is served before and during the meal and symbolizes a relaxed approach to
drinking and eating. The best way to enjoy Arak is to sit behind a delicious
Middle Eastern Food Table surrounded by good company.
Tracing its roots to the early 18th century, Arak Razzouk
has provided refreshment for generations. Today, it is most often served on the
rocks with an equal amount of water.
In 1918, itinerant dealers used to score the streets of
the Lebanese Capital and refill customers’ jars as was the tradition at that
time. Arak Razzouk Distillery then distinguished itself as the first company to
bottle Arak under a brand name and sell it to the public. Historians and
researchers widely attribute the discovery of distillation to Arab alchemists
in the 13th century. When Arak Razzouk pioneered the sale of Arak to the
public, a motto was created that to this day embodies this brand’s Middle
Eastern character: “The Prince of the Souk is Arak Razzouk” (Souk means market
in Arabic).
50% ABV/100 Proof