Touma Arak (75cl, 50%)

Touma Arak is a Lebanese aniseed spirit made by R.T. Touma & Frères in the Bekaa Valley, where it has been produced since 1888. It is made only from whole aniseed and sweet white grapes, never star anise, oils or extracts. It is distilled four times in traditional copper stills, then rests in clay vessels. It is bottled at 50% abv in a 75cl bottle. The result is crystal clear, with bold anise character and subtle grape sweetness, and a warm, lingering finish. The traditional way to serve it is one part arak to two parts cold water over ice, alongside mezze.