Alouf Arak (750ml)

Joseph Gold's classic Israeli arak is Alouf. It is triple-distilled from grape spirit and Mediterranean anise to a family recipe that has passed through seven generations since 1824. It is 100 proof, it goes milk-cloud-white when water is added, and it is gone just as fast once the meze reaches the table.

Mood: cold, anise-clean, unmistakable.

Tasting Notes

Star anise, fennel, and licorice root rise from the glass at once, and behind them is a whisper of black pepper and dry herbs. The palate is warming and clean. Anise comes first, sweet fennel fills the middle, and the dry, herbaceous finish lingers with black licorice and a touch of citrus peel.

Serving & Pairing

The traditional serve is one part arak to one to two parts ice-cold water, poured over one large cube. It goes with meze, meaning hummus, baba ganoush, labneh, olives, grilled fish and kebabs, and it works anywhere ouzo or sambuca would.