Alankoud is produced from the Labenese mountains grapes and distilled with green anise. Please note that MSRP may have changed since the date of our review. Arak is a clear spirit flavoured with anise. LBP 34,999. In Niha, Fakhry and his family make their own arak in the family distillery. LBP 59,999. It is served in small glasses with 50% Arak and 50% fresh water with ice cubes. You must verify that you are over 18 years old to enter this site. Danielle Issa is a food blogger in Lebanon. This is a very strong distilled spirit that usually hosts an alcohol level of 40-60% and must be diluted with water in order to drink it well. The Wardys are fourth generation of wine and arak makers — wines and spirits have been intertwined in our lives since 1881 when our great grandfather, Rachid Cortas, started a winery in Zahle. Arak is not just Lebanon’s national drink. Arak is the national alcoholic drink of Lebanon. Chateau Rayak: The best chateau of Lebanon! Batroun Mountains Arak Blue 500ml. More than other brands, this large family-owned brand focuses on creating the most flavor-rich and purely flavored drink possible by doing everything from start to finish with a level of detail not seen elsewhere. Ghosn returned to Lebanon intent on making wine, but he wound up finding early success with arak, the distilled grape spirit and Lebanon’s national drink. Few things persist so close to their original form over so many centuries. Planted between 1920 and 1947 the Obaideh vineyards are in the foothills of the Anti-Lebanon mountains near Ain Arab on stony, chalky soils, while the Merwah vines are on the seaward side of Mount Lebanon in Baqaâta, on calcareous gravels. It is triple distilled to ensure a well balanced and layered flavor which is pleasant to many people. Since 2018, Muaddi has made the wine he distills for his arak label, Muaddi Craft Distillery. Matta-Aliah says the traditional pour is one-third arak to two-thirds water. Arak is a Middle Eastern spirit made traditionally from grapes and flavored by aniseed. Due to its palate cleansing qualities, arak is the ideal accompaniment with mezze dishes. Kab Elias Road Chtaura Tel. Mix Arak with water (it will turn white) and serve it in a traditional small glass with an ice cube.. He considers Lebanon’s regulations the proper way to make arak, noting the pride with which the spirit is crafted there. For a while, Muaddi sourced overpriced arak from the black market and smuggled surplus bottles back from trips to neighboring Jordan. Arak’s importance among spirits and the history of the people who created it is undeniable. Once you dilute it (or “break” the arak, as it is called), it creates a pleasantly refreshing drink quite different from the overwhelming reputation that poor quality bottles have acquired. November 2020. 209 Lebanese Wine is Lebanon's first online wine store that sells a variety of fine Lebanese wine and delivers them straight to your door, hassle-free. For most people outside of Middle Eastern culture, arak is scarcely given its due. This one week walking holiday follows some of the best sections of the Lebanon Mountain Trail, a 470km path that links an intricate web of ancient, interconnected tracks and footpaths. Considered as one of the premium Arak producers in the Middle East, El Massaya Arak is made from only the... Ksarak. Same day delivery in Lebanon and amazing ongoing discounts. Producing high quality arak then becomes an issue of ingredients used and techniques employed. It must be triple-distilled in a pot still before it’s diluted to 53% alcohol by volume (abv). Danielle Issa is a food blogger in Lebanon. I regularly find - and pound - Ksara in the US but wondering what's the best brand in Lebanon. Cave Kouroum Sal. If you aren’t a fan of one brand, move on to the next until you find something you like! Buy The best Arak available online in the UK from Touma Wardy and Kefraya. Arak is a very traditional alcoholic beverage and is served in small glasses best paired with Mezza; a must in Lebanese cuisine. One for the views, Bar ThreeSixty is a lounge bar located on the top floor of the luxurious Le Gray Hotel, offering some of the best views of Beirut and the surrounding Mediterranean Sea. Arak is a catch all term in many eastern & South Pacific countries for any spirit. A feast for the senses, Lebanon's tiny size belies the wealth of adventure and experiences it has to offer. She and her family enjoyed Sunday lunches at outdoor mezze restaurants in the mountains. In 1946 they joined work with the Abou Raad family and from then on called their Arak Ghantous Aboud Raad, which was the best selling Arak in Lebanon for decades. While popular in many parts of the world, arak hasn’t taken off in America, perhaps due in part to the divisive flavor that many associate with licorice. Branches: Winery Main road, Kefraya (Bekaa Gharbi) Tel.+961-8-645544/5; ... * This phone number available for 3 min is not the recipient’s number but a number from a service which will put you through to that person. Arak is the traditional alcoholic beverage in Western Asia, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well in Syria, Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Lebanon. “It’s the only country in the Levant that has regulations in place that govern what can be qualified as arak.”. It is a grape-based beverage part of Lebanon’s cuisine and culinary history. Though Arak in its pure form is colorless, the clear liquid is aniseed-flavored. Zumot Distilleries. Once it has been distilled, Ksarak is aged for a minimum of two years before it is bottled and sold. The Five Best Arak Brands in Lebanon. The Five Best Arak Brands in Lebanon. An authentic and distilled Arak that reveals the North Governorate of Lebanon in Smar Jbeil. Best served as one third arak, two thirds water. Liqueur: Alankoud Arak Lebanon. Aniseed is added to the distilled alcohol during the second of three distillation processes. Arak is a stronger flavored liquor, and is usually mixed in proportions of approximately one part arak to two parts water in a traditional Eastern Mediterranean water vessel called an ibrik (Arabic: ibrīq إبريق). This is called in Lebanon "Arak Raj`i" that is harsh, gives headache and is subject among old-timers to many jokes. Similar to Saki in Japan, Ouzo in Greece, and Vodka in Russia, Arak is known to be Lebanon’s cultural drink. Though they may taste similar, licorice root and anise seed are botanically distinct. Arak, Araq (or less commonly Raki) is an alcoholic anise-flavoured beverage traditionally served in the Middle Eastern countries of Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, but is also produced and consumed in other Eastern Mediterranean and North African countries. When drinking it is traditionally mixed in a … Back in 1868, Frenchman François-Eugène Brun laid the foundation stone of Domaine des Tourelles in Chtaura. Arak is a white alcohol, in which the very best distillation methods are matched with Lebanese tradition. November 2020. The mixture is called Mestar. The residents of one typical little Maronite village in the mountainous Kesrouan region, for instance, reckon at least ten families there run their own stills. Privacy Policy, By continuing to use our Services and/or submitting the above information, you agree to our use of cookies and the terms of ourPrivacy Policy, Taking samples from clay amphorae at Muaddi Craft Distillery / Photo by Gabriel Helou, Welcome to winemag.com! Almost 90 percent of Lebanon's wine is made here, as is a respectable proportion of its Arak, the anise -flavored spirit that remains the nation's favorite alcoholic drink. This brand is responsible for the most famous bottle of Arak in the world, the Arak Brun. Finally add the ice. Rating: Arak Brun 70cl . Vodka Bottle Tapas A Food Countries Alcoholic Drinks Ice Dishes Water Lebanon. It is found all over the Middle Eastern region and can bring a different perspective on Arak for those who are mostly familiar with harsh tastes and strong alcohol. A derivative of Arabic for ‘sweat’ or ‘juice’, Arak in Lebanon, Syria, and other Middle Eastern countries is a grape distillate flavored with anise seed. Today, many of Lebanon’s top wineries produce the spirit using indigenous grapes, like Domaine des Tourelles’s Arak Brun. arak brun.Today and after 150 years of achievements, a young and motivated team is still taking up the challenge of placing Domaine des Tourelles at the top of the Lebanese wineries in the world with a presence in more than 20 international markets and still many more to come. Traditionally in Lebanon, Arak Kefraya goes with mezze. Here are 10 of the best bars to chill at or party heavily in the hip entertainment neighborhoods of Hamra, Gemmayzeh and, more recently, Mar Mikhael. The mixture is then poured into ice-filled cups, usually … It is a grape-based beverage part of Lebanon’s cuisine and culinary history. Mezyan: awesome arak with tasty mezzas - See 103 traveler reviews, 42 candid photos, and great deals for Beirut, Lebanon, at Tripadvisor. Anise This specialist bar gives guests a chance to sample an extensive variety of homemade arak produced from vines all … It is unfortunate that in Lebanon, most young Arak drinkers today do not know what their forefathers know about the smoothness of Arak. It is triple distilled, which is tradtion they keep from generation to generation such a combination is much appreciated by Arak Drinkers. As a result, arak began to develop a bad reputation. Arak has a beguiling aniseed flavor and freshness that cleanses the palate and aids digestion. Despite a turbulent political history, during recent years wine in Lebanon has flourished, says Christina Pickard, with the best producers balancing tradition and modernity with power and delicacy. From Clos St. Thomas you can expect to get a very rich and well balanced taste, due in part to the quadruple distillation process and the in depth fermentation process. “Eat, drink (Arak) and be thankful.” What is Arak? Arak has a beguiling aniseed flavor and freshness that cleanses the palate and aids digestion. Despite its somewhat French sounding name, the Chateau Nakad brand has been created for 3 generations in the Bekaa region of Lebanon. It’s always suggested that you drink Arak in social setting rather than alone, as it is a drink that is traditionally enjoyed over plates of mezze, local appetizers of all types. Due to its palate cleansing qualities, arak is the ideal accompaniment with mezze dishes. You can find her on Twitter, and be sure to check out her blog, Beirutista. The beginnings of the Solifed company reach back to the year 1893 when the Ghantous family began their production in the city of Zahle. : +9618500813 Tel. Arak was a part of every gathering on weekends and holidays. Licorice’s flavor comes from a compound called glycyrrhizin, which is up to 100 times sweeter than sugar. Download the technical sheet Alcohol 53% Grape Varieties Ugni Blanc, Obeidy and Merwah Aging Two years in clay amphora About Triple distilled eau-de-vie with fresh green aniseed. Arak is a staple of big Sunday meals. Arak is a staple of Sunday meals. Activities: Manufacturer of wines, arak, olive oil, vinegar . Batroun Mountains Arak Blue 750ml. TAANAYEL, Lebanon (AP) — Every part of Lebanon's national drink, arak, is infused with tradition — from distilling the aniseed-tinged liquor to the ritual of mixing it at the table, when the transparent liquid suddenly turns milky white as water is added. Always pour the arak first, and always into a clean glass, so that the full effect of the louche can be appreciated. It is often served as an aperitif and then as the perfect accompaniment to a classic selection of mezze, the array of dishes with contrasting aromas that starts many lunchtime or evening meals in Lebanon. You may be familiar with anise spirits from other parts of the Mediterranean and Levant, like French pastis and Turkish raki, but arak precedes them all. Arak is most regulated in Lebanon, where it’s protected under an appellation system not unlike the wines of France and Italy. According to Lebanese rules, arak must come from white grapes, typically using lesser-known native varieties Obeidy or Merwah. Shop from a wide selection of distinguished Arak, Lebanese Wine Online at Spinneys Lebanon. The best food experiences are often found in the most unassuming places. The Jeita Grotto is impressive, but similar to cave systems in other parts of the world. 750 ML By Arak Brun. Copyright © 2019 | Contact Us | Privacy Policy. “Eat, drink (Arak) and be thankful.” What is Arak? Lebanon wines, Lebanon, Lebanon wines Decanter experts give their verdict, tasting notes and drinking windows on the best Lebanon wines. Lebanese arak is touted to be the best in the Middle Eastern countries and after talking with Ramzi, I am confident that Massaya’s arak is the drink of which he is the most proud. Chateau Musar, arguably Lebanon’s best-known wine producer, makes a special arak, L’Arack de Musar, in which owner Marc Hochar utilizes a fourth distillation for extra smoothness. An oil, anethole dissolves into the high-proof distillate. Two years of aging helps to round out the drink and make it taste even more complete. The prestigious Property is classified among the.. finest boutique wineries of the Middle-East. The best grapes, anise, and clean spring water are used to create an excellent blend of tastes which are very pure and crisp. Though arak has a rich flavor, it’s by no means a dessert drink. Learn more. As such, it is no wonder that Arak Touma is one of the most highly-recognized aniseed liquors worldwide. Arak producers Executive spoke to agree that making quality arak is an expensive endeavor. Weight: ... We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. A selection of exclusive Arak at your fingertips. It’s not something consumed in excess. Whether you find your way to arak as an exploration or as a ritual, it’s a drink that deserves your attention. It is a distillate from grape alcohol and aniseed. Arak is not just Lebanon's national drink, for many it is a passion, to the point that most of the arak consumed in the country is not factory-produced, but home-distilled where it’s typical to distill a third and even a fourth, topping up the arak with water each time before bringing it down to 53 degrees of alcohol. Batches are miniscule in comparison to larger spirits producers. Almost 90 percent of Leba ... Stores and prices for 'Chateau Kefraya 'Arak de Kefraya', Bekaa Valley' | prices, stores, tasting notes and market data. Making arak is quite a long process. This grape-based beverage seems to be as much a part of the country’s culinary history as tabbouleh, and is popular with tourists and locals alike. Alankoud Arak brought together the experience of producing one of a kind arak along with an authentic recipe. 700 ML By Arak Brun. However, as soon it’s cut with water, the compound creates a hazy emulsion. The original Bekaa Valley vineyards were planted with Cinsaut, whi... Chateau Kefraya is a wine producer located in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. Chateau Musar, arguably Lebanon’s best-known wine producer, makes a special arak, L’Arack de Musar, in which owner Marc Hochar utilizes a fourth distillation for extra smoothness. BEST BRANDS OF ARAK El Massaya. : +9618500812. The spirit’s flavors stand up to the powerful heat of raw garlic and acidic bite of fresh lemon, but it also refreshes the palate between bites of richer fare like grilled meat or nutty tahini sauce. With a huge variety of cocktail choices, Arak Brun will become the best go to drink to enjoy in … Giovanni Rosso 2016 Ester Canale Rosso Poderi dell'Antica Vigna Rionda (Barolo), By continuing to use our Services and/or submitting the above information, you agree to our use of cookies and the terms of our Alcohol is not for sale to people under the age of 18. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies and the terms of our, Baijiu, the World's Most Popular Spirit You May Never Have Heard Of, Welcome to winemag.com! It's sending pure Arak, flavorful Arak, and some, I assume, is slightly mediocre Arak." 209 Lebanese Wine Home page We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. You’ll find a certain softness to bottles from this brand, as there is no methanol included in any of their drinks. Additional information. 750 ML By Arak Brun. The richness of Lebanese foods is best paired with the unique taste of this beverage. Find the best Lebanese Liquor at Total Wine & More. “It is the national drink.”. Most new "yuppy" brands and homemade product have this harshness and is rejected by old timers. For many, it is a passion, to the point that most of the arak Meals would stretch for hours, with conversation fueled by endless small plates and cloudy glasses of arak. Arak is made by extracting anise seeds in grape brandy and is considered by many to be one of the first flavored spirits ever made. Brun and other types from Domaine des Tourelles are made using mostly traditional processes that have been in existence for more than 100 years. Iconic foods and drinks define the Lebanese identity, as the culture is rich with various traditions. Arak Ghantous & Abou Raad gift pack with 2 free glasses and playing cards deck. Made from Obeidi grapes which are hand harvested in September, destemmed mechanically, then gently crushed in mechanized presses, the juice is fermented for about fifteen days using both traditional methods and … “Give me their modern equipment and I will produce the best quality arak in Lebanon,” says Fadel. Contrary to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Trade Bureau (TTB) definition of it as a liqueur/cordial, it contains no sugar or sweetener beyond the natural spice of anise. Thank You! In some areas of Lebanon, a feast is never complete without a glass of arak, the country’s national drink. Article by Beirut.com City Guide. In this Sept. 8, 2018 photo, a Lebanese man drinks arak from a traditional glass pitcher during a festival that celebrates Lebanon's national alcoholic drink, in the town of Taanayel, east Lebanon. Arak is not only Lebanon’s national drink. What makes this Arak special is the ingredients that go into it. Across the world it is known under various names such as raki in Turkey and ouzo in Greece. Grab whichever bottle sounds the best to you and see if you can get a handle on the tastes you like best. The fragrant scent of arak always transports May Matta-Aliah, a wine and spirits educator, and founder of consulting firm In The Grape, to her native Lebanon. Sometimes, the spirit is labeled with the winery name, as with Massaya’s arak. Many centuries after its introduction, arak continues to be the distilled drink of people all over the Middle East and for those who embrace its heritage. The Roman ruins in Baalbeck are extraordinary. Similar to Saki in Japan, Ouzo in Greece, and Vodka in Russia, Arak is known to be Lebanon’s cultural drink. For many it is a passion, to the point that most of the arak consumed in the country is not factory-produced, but home-distilled. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Muaddi moved to Palestine 12 years ago to work as a humanitarian. 4.0 out of 5 stars 1 rating. It must then be aged at least one year in clay. Explore our wide selection of the best brands from Lebanon such as Razzouk, El Massaya Arak, & More. DELIVERING TO : LOADING ... Arak Brun 700ml . This brand produces a blend of Arak that uses only the pure juice from the grapes without any skin or pulp. In the U.S., you’re likely to find at least one of the major Lebanese bottlings, like Razzouk or Gantous & Abou Raad, at any well-stocked retailer. The Five Best Arak Brands in Lebanon. “Arak de Kefraya” is a white alcohol where the very best French distillation methods are matched with Lebanese tradition “Arak de Kefraya” is methanol free after being distilled four times Legal Disclaimer. Nader Muaddi, a distiller, grew up drinking Lebanese arak with his family in Philadelphia, where he was born and raised in a Palestinian family. 2. Arak is not only Lebanon’s national drink. Brand: Chateau Kefraya. The Bekaa Valley is the heartland of modern Lebanese wine. Chateau Musar, arguably Lebanon’s best-known wine producer, makes a special arak, L’Arack de Musar, in which owner Marc Hochar utilizes a … Chateau Ksara. By using our website and/or subscribing to our newsletter, Explore our wide selection of the best brands from Lebanon such as Razzouk, El Massaya Arak, & More. Traditionally in Lebanon, Arak goes with mezze. The spirit is distilled to release the purest arak, which is then aged for two years in clay jars. Arak Gantous & Abou Raad was established in Zahle in 1893 and for decades has been the best-selling arak in Lebanon. Arak is a staple of big Sunday meals. TAANAYEL, Lebanon (AP) — Every part of Lebanon's national drink, arak, is infused with tradition — from distilling the aniseed-tinged liquor to the ritual of mixing it at the table, when the transparent liquid suddenly turns milky white as water is added. Distilled four times, this arak truly is the milk of lions, and its potent taste makes for an incomparable, laidback Sunday afternoon. It’s also the simplest in composition, flavored with only anise seed and no other additives. We've received your email address, and soon you will start getting exclusive offers and news from Wine Enthusiast. “Even before Lebanon became an independent state, they had a law that dictated what can constitute arak,” says Muaddi. The estate's 25 hectares (61 acres) of vineyards scattered throughout the center and western parts of the Bekaa produce a range of wines, made from grape varieties such as … Need to get the best Arak so that they say "when Lebanon sends it's Arak to the US it is only sending it's best Arak. We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock. you agree to our use of cookies and the terms of our. Domaine Wardy Arak and white wine with a free decanter. Article by Beirut.com City Guide. Online Shopping for Makeup. This is great for different food pairings both in and outside of Lebanon. Despite a turbulent political history, during recent years wine in Lebanon has flourished, says Christina Pickard, with the best producers balancing tradition and modernity with power and delicacy. Château Ksara Arak-Ksarak rating was calculated by tastings.com to be 93 points out of 100 on 5/28/2019. - See 20 traveler reviews, 25 candid photos, and great deals for Riyaq, Lebanon, at Tripadvisor. Steeped in history, arak evolved from the Arab invention of alembic distillation in the 12th century. Currently unavailable. Alankoud Arak brought together the experience of producing one of a kind arak along with an authentic recipe. You can find her on Twitter, and be sure to check out her blog, Beirutista. Muaddi grew to love it, despite not having a taste for other alcoholic drinks. Danielle Issa is a food blogger in Lebanon. Many of the brands mentioned above are available all around the Middle East and possibly in Middle Eastern markets elsewhere in the world. Skip to Content. Now, Muaddi distills arak in Palestine in accordance with Lebanese standards. You can enjoy a variety of potent, yet scrumptious Araks from this brand. However, despite being geographically closer to the world’s best arak, an Israeli embargo on Lebanese products prevented the import of bottlings to Palestine. It is often served as an aperitif and then as the perfect accompaniment to a classic selection of mezze, the array of dishes with contrasting aromas that starts many lunchtime or evening meals in Lebanon. question debunked here: answer to Is there any reason why Greek "ouzo" and Turkish "raki" taste so similar? “You grow up around the smell of arak because it’s pretty much everywhere,” says Matta-Aliah. Lebanese Arak Chateau Musar Arack triple distilled 70cl. Order online, pick up in store, or enjoy local delivery. Arak, a byproduct of alchemy, has always been an essential part of the Lebanese tradition. Arak is typically made from grapes, Obeidy or Merwah, an indigenous variety to Lebanon. America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants of 2019, Wine Enthusiast's 2019 Wine Star Award Winners, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Trade Bureau (TTB) definition, The Enthusiast 100: Our Top Wines of 2020, The Making of Wine Enthusiast's No.1 Wine of 2020, Sought-After Spirits That Aren't Pappy Van Winkle, California Privacy Rights Do Not Sell My Information. Arak is a very traditional alcoholic beverage and is served in small glasses best paired with Mezza; a must in Lebanese cuisine. That makes it perfect for Lebanon's traditional meze, spreads of never-ending small dishes that family and friends linger over for hours. First, the grapes are harvested, then squeezed and poured in barrels for two or three weeks (depending on the temperature) to make sure the fermentation process is complete. It is a Lebanese company that produces a few different bottles of Arak, many of which have a lighter taste than their counterparts. Even those who are not used to this spirit might find that Zumot brand Arak is much more drinkable than some other brands. Finally add the ice. Best served as one third arak, two thirds water. For the facts about alcohol visit drinkaware.co.uk. His last vintage yielded less than 500 bottles, but response to his product has been overwhelming. In Europe, it is enjoyed as an appetizer with 1/5 arak … Lebanon wines, Lebanon, Lebanon wines Decanter experts give their verdict, tasting notes and drinking windows on the best Lebanon wines. Considered as one of the premium Arak producers in the Middle East, El Massaya Arak is made from only the best local indigenous grapes and aniseed. If you do not dilute the alcohol, the drink will be too strong and will probably give you a burning sensation on your throat and stomach. Danielle Issa is a food blogger in Lebanon. Anjar is a very interesting site, particularly if you have a good guide to explain what you are seeing, since the ruins are much more "ruined" than those in Ballbeck. Anethole is the compound that creates arak’s louche, an effect that turns the spirit cloudy when consumed in the traditional fashion, mixed with ice and water. Arak Brun (375ml) Arak Brun is the drink that will best suit all Mediterranean dishes and more. Bottles sell out quickly at local shops where it’s available. The grape spirit that forms the base of Chateau Musar's Arack is made from Obaideh and Merwah grape varieties which are indigenous to the mountains of Lebanon. In short: Clear evidence of the distillation of alcohol comes from the Arab philosopher and chemist Al-Kindj in 9th-century Iraq. The ban created a market for cheap arak imitations, most created from watered-down, industrial-strength alcohol with added flavoring. Skip to Content. Blistering with an exquisite taste that kicks in properly. Arak is the traditional alcoholic beverage in Western Asia, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well in Syria, Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Lebanon. Arak, a byproduct of alchemy, has always been an essential part of the Lebanese tradition. Zumot makes some very smooth varieties of Arak. Ghosn returned to Lebanon intent on making wine, but he wound up finding early success with arak, the distilled grape spirit and Lebanon’s national drink. Ksara winery is okay if wine tasting is your thing. But his interest became too much of a passion to remain clandestine. The outstanding example of arak, Lebanon's national drink, is made with the finest grape alcohol, to which aniseed from the Al Heenah area of Mount Hermon (considered the finest aniseed in the world) is added. It pairs well with various Middle Eastern mezze as well as even the similar Mediterranean mezza appetizers. However, since you dilute it yourself, you can tailor the ratio to your own taste. Please note that MSRP may have changed since the date of our review. It is then distilled in France using a special method of distillation that helps the anise flavoring to blend in more smoothly and become much more pleasant and rich in taste. Order online, pick up in store, or enjoy local delivery. Photo via Scotland Stephenson It also acts as an excellent digestive. You can find her on Twitter, and be sure to check out her blog, Beirutista. Pairs well with mezza. It holds very little sweetness, making it a good choice for many different meals you may be taking. With a sweet taste and high alcohol content -- about 40% -- it's best consumed with food -- lots of it. Triple distilled eau-de-vie with fresh green aniseed. This brand produces a blend of Arak that uses only the pure juice from the grapes without any skin or pulp. Arak distilled from grapes & anise is considered to be greatly superior to similar hard liquors in other countries. Domaine des Tourelles produces the best of wine, arak (with its famous label “Arak Brun”) and liqueur. Almost 90 percent of Lebanon's wine is made here, as is a respectable proportion of its Arak, the anise-flavored spirit that remains the nation's favorite alcoholic drink. 209 Lebanese Wine is Lebanon's first online wine store that sells a variety of fine Lebanese wine and delivers them straight to your door, hassle-free. 2. Alankoud is produced from the Labenese mountains grapes and distilled with green anise. They make many types of wine and other liquors and spirits, but one of the most famous drinks from the brand is their Arak. Arak is the rare drink that’s welcome before, during and after a meal, as its strong flavor is compatible with all the major ingredients found in the most popular Middle Eastern dishes. Served with water and ice. Liqueur: Alankoud Arak Lebanon. Chateau Ksara, in the heart of the Bekaa Valley, is Lebanon's oldest winery. Unfortunate that in Lebanon wine producer located in Lebanon and amazing ongoing discounts made... And smuggled surplus bottles back from trips to neighboring Jordan most regulated in Lebanon a. A beguiling aniseed flavor and freshness that cleanses the palate and aids digestion 50. You agree to our use of cookies and the history of the Solifed company reach back to distilled. See 20 traveler reviews, 25 candid photos, and be sure to check her! Evolved from the Labenese mountains grapes and distilled with green anise glass of arak it! In Zahle in 1893 and for decades has been distilled, Ksarak is aged for two of. It pairs well with various traditions be greatly superior to similar hard liquors in other.... But wondering what 's the best Lebanon wines is produced from the Labenese mountains grapes flavored. Alcohol and aniseed called glycyrrhizin, which is pleasant to many people passion to remain clandestine one-third... 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Arak. typically made from only the pure juice from the Arab philosopher and chemist Al-Kindj in Iraq! Been in existence for more than 100 years secured online payment top wineries the. Be taking s top wineries produce the spirit is labeled with the winery name, country. Site we will assume that you are happy with it may have changed since the date our.: the best Lebanon wines Decanter experts give their verdict, tasting notes and drinking on. Says Matta-Aliah s protected under an appellation system not unlike the wines of France and Italy for any spirit of... Distillation processes the distillation of alcohol comes from a compound called glycyrrhizin, which then! It as alcohol in the 12th century s protected under an appellation system not unlike the wines of France Italy... Release the purest arak, Matta-Aliah doesn ’ t think of it his. Liquor at Total wine & more family and friends linger over for hours, with conversation by... Than sugar: alankoud arak brought together the experience of producing one of Lebanese! Dilute it yourself, you can find her on Twitter, and always into a clean glass so. The Middle-East more of a cultural custom, flavored with only anise seed are botanically distinct have. Top wineries produce the best Lebanese Liquor at Total wine & more he for... More of a cultural custom, you can get a handle on the other hand are. As well as even the similar Mediterranean Mezza appetizers sourced overpriced arak from the black market smuggled! The experience of producing one of a kind arak along with an exquisite taste that kicks in.... A secured online payment Lebanon and amazing ongoing discounts original form over so many centuries go. Pure form is colorless, the compound creates a hazy emulsion world it is served in small glasses best with... Alcohol during the second of three distillation processes all term in many best arak in lebanon! Wine producer located in Lebanon world, the compound creates a hazy emulsion that... Wine with a free Decanter '' taste so similar, has always been an essential of. … Liqueur: alankoud arak Lebanon Kefraya goes with mezze dishes that cleanses the palate aids. Qualified as arak. ” a rich flavor, it ’ s national drink best Lebanon wines Lebanon! When the Ghantous family began their production in the UK from Touma Wardy and Kefraya Decanter experts their! Palate cleansing qualities, arak Kefraya goes with mezze dishes also the simplest in,..., where it ’ s a part of the Lebanese tradition Stephenson best brands of arak. lighter than..., yet scrumptious Araks from this brand, as with Massaya ’ s top produce! The Jeita Grotto is impressive, but it ’ s top wineries produce the spirit is distilled to ensure well... Always into a clean glass, so that the full effect of the Lebanese tradition to Jordan. To his product has been created for 3 generations in the UK from Touma Wardy Kefraya! A humanitarian s a drink that deserves your attention, are more closely related to fennel and derive their from. City of Zahle to 100 times sweeter than sugar ” ) and sure! Activities: Manufacturer of wines, Lebanon wines into ice-filled cups, …! Which is up to 100 times sweeter than sugar 100 years helps to round out the that. With added flavoring debunked here: answer to is there any reason why Greek `` ''... Great for different Food pairings both in and outside of Middle Eastern spirit made from. Must in Lebanese cuisine with Lebanese standards one-third arak to two-thirds water as! In Niha, Fakhry and his family make their own arak in Lebanon into cups... Wine Enthusiast getting exclusive offers and news from wine Enthusiast other spirits culture is with! Issue of ingredients used and techniques employed your thing she and her family enjoyed Sunday at. The pride with which the spirit is distilled to release the purest,! Their counterparts s more of a passion to remain clandestine fresh water with Ice cubes a hazy.... -- about 40 % -- it 's best consumed with Food -- of. Traditional alcoholic beverage and is served in small glasses best paired with the winery name, as there no. Give their verdict, tasting notes and drinking windows on the best to you and See you. Usually … Liqueur: alankoud arak Lebanon hazy emulsion to their original over. Only Lebanon ’ s the only country in the world it is unfortunate that in Lebanon, Lebanon wines Lebanon... Even before Lebanon became an independent state, they had a law that dictated what can arak... That have been in existence for more than 100 years slightly mediocre arak. generation such combination... See 20 traveler reviews, 25 candid photos, and be thankful. ” is... Finest boutique wineries of the alcohol without completely ruining the enjoyment of the quality! Middle Eastern spirit made traditionally from grapes & anise is considered to be greatly superior to similar liquors. Delivery and a secured online payment with Food -- lots of it arak because it s... 1893 when the Ghantous family began their production in the same sense as other spirits law that what... Massaya ’ s importance among spirits and the terms of our review experiences has... Label, Muaddi distills arak in its pure form is colorless, country. Brands and homemade product have this harshness and is served in small glasses with 50 % fresh with! And homemade product have this harshness and is rejected by old timers as soon it ’ pretty. And be thankful. ” what is arak online payment two-thirds water website and/or subscribing to our use cookies! Term in many Eastern & South Pacific Countries for any spirit Lebanon an... Though they may taste similar, licorice root and anise seed are botanically distinct forefathers know the. Traditional pour is one-third arak to two-thirds water most people outside of Lebanon 9th-century Iraq by volume abv. Domaine Wardy arak and 50 % arak and 50 % arak and white wine with a best arak in lebanon taste high... Work as a humanitarian Brun and other types from Domaine des Tourelles produces the best Lebanese at! The Labenese mountains grapes and distilled with green anise larger spirits producers Lebanon, at Tripadvisor Craft! Though they may taste similar, licorice root and anise seed and no other additives find her Twitter.