Arak Shellelet Zahle (75cl, 50%)

Arak Shellelet Zahle is a Lebanese arak from Zahle, an anise-flavoured spirit distilled from grape wine and flavoured with green aniseed. It is triple-distilled and bottled at 50% in a 75cl bottle. It is clear in the bottle and turns milky white when water is added, as the anise oils react. The traditional way to drink it is one part arak to two parts cold water, with ice, and it is made to go with mezze, grilled meats, kibbeh and seafood. The nose is rich anise and black liquorice with faint herbal notes. The palate is intense liquorice with a creamy texture, ending in a long, warm, dry and peppery finish with lingering anise.