Arak El Rif 750ML

Arak El Rif 750ML is a traditional Lebanese anise spirit bottled at 70% ABV (140 proof) in a 750ml format, triple-distilled from white grapes and green anise. Produced by the El Khazen family since 1828, this expression stands among Lebanon's longest-running arak traditions, now in its fifth generation of continuous production.

Quick Facts: ABV: 70%  |  Origin: Nahr-El-Mot, Lebanon  |  Aged 3 Years in Clay Cisterns  |  Distillery: Michel El Khazen Family Distillery

Production & Heritage

The El Khazen family began distilling arak in 1828, and today the fifth generation continues to produce, refine, and develop the spirit using what the family describes as a legendary recipe. The arak is triple-distilled from select white grapes and infused with green anise, a process that concentrates both the grape-derived body and the aromatic intensity of the anise. After distillation, the spirit rests for three years in large clay cisterns — a traditional maturation method that allows slow micro-oxygenation and imparts a distinctive smoothness not found in stainless steel-aged alternatives.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with a full-bodied, concentrated wave of aged anise and deep licorice. Behind the primary aromatics, fennel seed, dried forest herbs, and a subtle woodiness emerge, reflecting the extended clay aging.

Taste: On the palate, the entry is rich and warming, with immediate licorice and grape extract intensity. The mid-palate broadens into velvety, round textures with layered nuances of herbal complexity, forest herbs, and a delicate sweetness from the base grape distillate. At 70% ABV, the spirit carries significant weight and heat, yet maintains a surprising balance.

Finish: The finish is long and warming, with persistent licorice and a faint bitter orange note that lingers. Black tea-like tannins provide a dry, elegant close that invites another sip.

How to Drink Arak El Rif

The traditional Lebanese serve — roughly one-third arak to two-thirds cold water over ice — remains the definitive way to experience this spirit; the water triggers the louche effect, turning the liquid a milky white and releasing its full aromatic bouquet. Given the 70% ABV, dilution is essential to unlock the subtleties beneath the raw power. A classic Arak Mezza serve pairs the diluted spirit alongside small dishes for a communal experience. In a Licorice Sour, the intense anise holds up beautifully against fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. An Arak Julep — substituting arak for bourbon with fresh mint and crushed ice — plays on the natural affinity between anise and mint.

Best For

• Hosting a traditional Lebanese mezza dinner with friends and family
• Gifting to a spirits enthusiast exploring Middle Eastern distilling traditions
• Adding a bold anise backbone to cocktail experimentation
• Collectors seeking heritage spirits from multi-generational family distilleries

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Arak El Rif taste like? Arak El Rif delivers a rich, full-bodied profile dominated by deep licorice, grape extract, and forest herbs, with a faint bitter orange note on the finish. The three-year clay aging adds a velvety smoothness that tempers the spirit's considerable strength.

How does Arak El Rif compare to El Massaya Arak? Both are respected Lebanese araks made from grape distillate and anise, but Arak El Rif is bottled at a significantly higher 70% ABV compared to El Massaya's typical 53% ABV. Arak El Rif's three-year clay cistern aging and nearly two-century-old family recipe also distinguish it as a more traditional, heritage-focused expression.

Is Arak El Rif good for sipping neat? At 70% ABV, neat sipping is not recommended for most drinkers — the traditional method of diluting with cold water (roughly one part arak to two parts water) and adding ice unlocks the full aromatic complexity while softening the alcohol intensity.

Where is Arak El Rif made? Arak El Rif is produced at the Michel El Khazen family distillery in Nahr-El-Mot, Lebanon. The distillery has operated continuously since 1828, making it one of Lebanon's oldest arak-producing families.

What foods pair well with Arak El Rif? Grilled lamb kofta works beautifully, as the charred meat complements the anise intensity. Hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh provide cooling, creamy, and herbaceous contrasts. Fresh fattoush salad with sumac echoes the citrus undertones. Salty halloumi cheese balances the licorice sweetness, and baklava served at the end of a meal mirrors the spirit's subtle sweetness.

What sizes does Arak El Rif come in? The standard and most widely available format is the 750ml bottle.

Is Arak El Rif worth the price? Arak El Rif positions as a premium expression within the Lebanese arak category, justified by its triple distillation, three-year clay cistern aging, and nearly 200-year heritage — factors that place it above entry-level araks in both complexity and production investment.

Why Arak El Rif?

What separates Arak El Rif from the broader arak market is the combination of high-proof bottling at 70% ABV and extended aging in traditional clay cisterns — a maturation method increasingly rare in modern spirits production. The El Khazen family's unbroken distilling lineage since 1828 provides genuine provenance, not a marketing story. The triple-distillation process produces a remarkably clean spirit that still retains the full character of its grape and anise raw materials. For anyone serious about understanding Lebanese arak at its most traditional and concentrated, this fifth-generation expression delivers authenticity that few competitors in the category can match.