Efe Raki Black (Kara Efe) (75cl, 47%)

Efe Raki Black, also called Kara Efe, is a Turkish raki at 47% ABV, the strongest of the core Efe range. It comes from ELDA, which became Turkey's first private raki producer after the state monopoly ended in 2004. It is made from grape suma grown on Aegean soil and distilled three times with anise seed in pot stills, which the producer presents as Turkey's first triple-distilled raki. Bozdag mountain spring water is used to bring it to strength, and the spirit is given a long rest before bottling. On the palate it is licorice-like. Traditionally it is diluted with chilled water until it turns milky, then served with meze, white cheese and melon.