Arak Shahryar Special (75cl, 50%)

Arak Shahryar Special is a traditional Levantine arak, distilled and bottled in Jordan by Y.K. Haddad Distilleries. It is made from grape wine and flavoured with natural aniseed, and bottled at 50% vol in a 75cl bottle. Arak is traditionally diluted with water, one part arak to two of cold water, which turns it milky white before ice is added. It suits a mezze spread, grilled meats and seafood. The nose is intense anise with fresh herbs and sweet fennel. The palate is full-bodied and warming with a silky texture, and the finish is long and refreshing, with liquorice and earthy notes.