ARAK FAKRA
TRIPLE DISTILLED 375ML
BEKAA VALLEY • LEBANON • THE LEGENDARY SPIRIT OF THE MIDDLE EAST
"The pinnacle of traditional Lebanese Arak. An ancestral spirit with a strictly dry profile, refined through three stages of artisanal distillation and infused with the purest green anise from the mountains."
Millenary Tradition, Copper Stills, and the Spirit of the Lebanese Mountains
The Arak Fakra Triple Distilled Anise 375ml represents the ultimate refinement of Lebanon's legendary national spirit. Crafted by the distinguished Domaine Fakra house in the iconic wine-growing region of the Bekaa Valley, this spirit is produced following jealously guarded ancestral methods. Obtained from the fermentation of native Lebanese grapes (Obeideh and Merwah) and subjected to a rigorous triple distillation process in traditional copper stills, the finest fresh green anise seeds (Pimpinella Anisum) are integrated in its final phase. With a strictly dry profile and aged in baked clay amphorae, Arak Fakra offers crystalline purity, an incomparably smooth silky texture, and the fascinating "louche effect" that cloaks the glass in a milky veil upon adding cold water and ice.
1. Technical Details
Producer / Winery: Domaine Fakra (Château Fakra).
Region of Origin: Bekaa Valley, Lebanon.
Raw Material: Alcohol from native Lebanese grapes and premium green anise seeds.
Type of Drink: Traditional Lebanese Arak (Artisanal Anise Spirit).
Flavor Classification: Dry (Fresh, digestive, intense botanical aroma, no added sugars or artificial additives).
Distillation and Aging: Triple artisanal distillation in discontinuous copper stills. Final maceration with fresh green anise and aging in traditional clay vessels to soften the spirit and harmonize its aniseed notes.
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV.
Presentation: 375 ml glass bottle.
Serving Temperature: Serve cold mixed with iced water (recommended ratio: 1 part Arak to 2 parts cold water, adding the ice at the end).
SKU / MPN: LB-FAKRA-ARAK-TRIPLE-375
2. Luxury Tasting Notes
Appearance: In its pure state, it is infinitely clean and transparent. When diluted with fresh water, it immediately unfolds a rich, dense, and bright milky white opalescence, an unmistakable characteristic of the highest quality anise essential oils.
Nose: Of great frankness and aromatic intensity. It exhales crisp effluvia of fresh green anise, licorice, wild fennel, and subtle mentholated herbal reminiscences, complemented by an elegant base of ripe grape pomace.
Palate: Broad, firm, and strictly dry entry. Despite its high alcohol content, the triple distillation and resting in clay give it an extremely velvety, refreshing, and harmonic mouthfeel. Long, mentholated, and deeply digestive finish.
3. Spirit Architecture
4. Recommended Occasions and Pairings
Middle Eastern Gourmet Pairing: Due to its dry, fresh, and digestive profile, Arak is the quintessential companion to the iconic Lebanese Meze. It pairs perfectly with hummus with meat, babaganoush, tabbouleh, kibbeh nayyeh (Lebanese-style beef tartare), lamb skewers or charcoal-grilled marinated chicken (Kafta and Shish Taouk), falafel, cured olives, and fresh cheeses like grilled Halloumi.
Suggested Occasions:
- Special Celebration: Essential for banquets, cultural parties, and large gatherings where the goal is to honor authentic Mediterranean gastronomy with its signature spirit.
- Business (Executive Lunches): A touch of distinction and exotic conversation at corporate lunches featuring international or Middle Eastern cuisine pairings.
- The Perfect Gift: The 375ml format is an extremely elegant gift for collectors of world spirits, anise lovers, and connoisseurs of Lebanon's gastronomic heritage.
- Romantic Dinner: Adds an aura of mystery and sophistication when served as a ritual aperitif before an intimate fusion cuisine dinner.
- Family Meal (Grand Gala): The supreme digestive to cap off abundant weekend banquets, stimulating conversation and conviviality.
- Summer (Premium Sunsets): Served ice-cold with water and plenty of ice, it is the most refreshing drink for hot afternoons on terraces, in gardens, or by the pool.
- Barbecue (Gourmet): Its aromatic power and herbal freshness cut impeccably through the fat of grilled meat cuts, choripanes, and intensely spiced meats.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
What is the specific origin and winery of this spirit?
This distinguished Arak is produced by the prestigious Domaine Fakra (Château Fakra) house. Its specific origin is located in the renowned Bekaa Valley, in Lebanon, a region with a historical winemaking tradition.
Is this spirit dry, semi-dry, or sweet?
Arak Fakra Triple Distilled is a strictly dry spirit. It contains no added sugars or caramel; all its aroma and flavor come exclusively from the neutral distillation of the grape and the natural infusion of green anise.
How should Arak traditionally be prepared and served?
The Lebanese golden rule is to first pour one part of Arak into the glass, then add two parts of cold or iced water, and finally, add the ice cubes. Adding the ice at the end prevents the anise oils from crystallizing on the surface.
Why does the drink turn white when water is added?
This physical phenomenon is known as the "louche effect" or clouding. It occurs because anetholes (the essential oils of anise) are soluble in alcohol but insoluble in water. When the alcohol content is diluted by adding water, the oils separate into microscopic droplets that scatter light, giving the drink its iconic milky white hue.