{"title":"Ksarak","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"arak-ksarak-750ml","title":"Arak Ksarak 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArak Ksarak 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a triple-distilled Lebanese arak made from Obeidi grapes and fresh anise, bottled at 53% ABV (106 proof). Produced by Chateau Ksara — Lebanon's oldest and largest winery — this expression stands apart through its traditional two-year aging in handmade clay jars, a method rarely seen in modern anise spirit production. It has earned a 93\/100 score on Wine-Searcher.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 53% (106 Proof)  |  Origin: Lebanon  |  Aged 2 Years in Clay Jars  |  Distillery: Chateau Ksara\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChateau Ksara was founded in 1857 by Jesuit priests in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, making it the country's oldest winery. For Ksarak, the distillery sources estate-grown Obeidi and Cinsault grapes alongside fresh green aniseed harvested from the Al Heenah area of Mount Hermon. The spirit undergoes triple distillation to achieve purity, then rests for two years in traditional handmade clay jars — a departure from the wooden cask aging used by most spirit producers. This clay vessel maturation allows the anise and grape distillate to marry without absorbing tannins or wood character, preserving the spirit's clean, aromatic intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pronounced aniseed leads immediately, followed by bright citrus zest and delicate herbal undertones. There is a subtle warmth beneath the aromatics that hints at the spirit's considerable strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is smooth despite the 53% ABV, with bold anise flavor dominating the front palate. At mid-palate, citrus and herbaceous notes emerge, adding complexity and freshness. Spicy pepper tones build toward the peak, creating a layered, well-balanced profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clean and crisp, with lingering herbal and anise notes that carry a gentle spicy warmth. The finish is surprisingly long for an anise spirit, with the clay jar aging lending a rounded, mineral quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Ksarak\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe traditional serve is the Lebanese ritual: pour one part arak over ice in a tall glass, then add two parts cold water, watching the spirit turn a milky white — a phenomenon called the louche effect. Always add water before ice to prevent crystallization of the anise oils. Beyond the classic serve, Ksarak works in a \u003cstrong\u003eBeirut Mule\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its anise punch pairs naturally with ginger beer and fresh lime; in an \u003cstrong\u003eArak Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e, substituting for the base spirit in a traditional sour template where the citrus amplifies the spirit's existing zest notes; and in a \u003cstrong\u003eMediterranean Spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e, lengthened with sparkling water and a sprig of fresh mint for a refreshing warm-weather drink.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting a Lebanese or Mediterranean-themed dinner party\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to a spirits enthusiast who appreciates traditional distilling methods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExpanding a home bar beyond standard Western spirits categories\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing alongside a mezze spread with friends and family\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Ksarak taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Ksarak delivers bold, aromatic anise as its dominant flavor, supported by citrus zest, fresh herbs, and a spicy pepper warmth that lingers on the palate. Despite its 53% ABV, the triple distillation keeps the spirit smooth and approachable when diluted with water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Ksarak compare to Turkish rakı?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are anise-based spirits from the eastern Mediterranean, but Ksarak is notably stronger at 53% ABV versus the typical 45-50% of most Turkish rakı expressions. Arak like Ksarak tends to be more intensely aromatic and drier, lacking the subtle sweetness that characterizes many Turkish rakı brands such as Yeni Rakı.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Ksarak good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e While it can be sipped neat, Ksarak is traditionally enjoyed diluted with cold water at roughly a 1:2 ratio, which opens up the aromatic complexity and softens the 53% ABV to a more approachable strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Ksarak made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Ksarak is produced by Chateau Ksara in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, with the aniseed specifically sourced from the Al Heenah area on the slopes of Mount Hermon. Chateau Ksara, founded in 1857, is Lebanon's oldest and largest winery.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Ksarak?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled lamb kofta benefits from the anise cutting through the richness of the meat. Hummus and baba ghanoush mirror the spirit's earthy, herbaceous quality. Fresh fattoush salad with sumac echoes the citrus notes. Halloumi cheese provides a salty counterpoint to the anise. Baklava's honeyed sweetness contrasts beautifully with the spirit's dry, spicy finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Ksarak come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Ksarak is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle size.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Ksarak worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Ksarak positions as a premium expression within the arak category, justified by its triple distillation, estate-grown grape base, and unique two-year clay jar aging — production details uncommon at its price tier. For drinkers exploring anise spirits beyond entry-level options, it represents strong value.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Ksarak?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe two-year aging in handmade clay jars is the defining detail here — virtually no other widely available arak undergoes this step, and it gives Ksarak a rounded, mineral smoothness that raw anise spirits simply cannot match. Backed by over 165 years of Lebanese winemaking and distilling heritage at Chateau Ksara, this is not a novelty product but a serious expression of one of the world's oldest spirit traditions. The triple distillation at 53% ABV delivers intensity without harshness, and the sourcing of aniseed from Mount Hermon's Al Heenah slopes ties the spirit directly to its terroir. For anyone serious about understanding arak as a category, Ksarak is the benchmark bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ksarak","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837061525673,"sku":"25746","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/ArakKsarak750ML.webp?v=1783640166"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/ksarak.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}