Arak El Rif Special Reserve 750ML

Arak El Rif Special Reserve 750ML is a triple-distilled Lebanese arak bottled at 53% ABV in a 750ml format, produced by the historic Al Kassin family. This expression draws on a proprietary fifth-generation recipe dating back to a distilling tradition established in 1828, making it one of the older continuously produced arak lines in Lebanon.

Quick Facts: ABV: 53%  |  Origin: Lebanon  |  Style: Grape-and-Anise Arak, Special Reserve  |  Producer: Al Kassin Family (Est. 1828)

Production & Heritage

The Al Kassin family has been producing arak in Lebanon since 1828, placing them among the country's most established distilling dynasties. Arak El Rif Special Reserve is triple-distilled from grapes and natural anise according to what the family describes as an extremely secret formula devised by the fifth generation of producers. Triple distillation is a hallmark of premium Lebanese arak, concentrating the essential oils of the aniseed while maintaining clarity and balance at a robust 53% ABV — a strength that allows the spirit to develop its signature milky louche when diluted with cold water.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Concentrated anise dominates the nose, followed by ripe grape and a subtle herbal undertone. The high proof carries the aromatics with intensity, opening up considerably once water is introduced.

Taste: The entry is bold and warming, with deep licorice sweetness giving way to grape-skin richness at the mid-palate. As the classic louche forms with water, the texture broadens and the anise becomes more nuanced, revealing layers of dried herb and a faint bitter-citrus complexity.

Finish: The finish is long and warming, with persistent licorice and a gentle astringent dryness. A lingering grape-extract sweetness and trace of black tea round out the conclusion.

How to Drink El Rif Special Reserve

Traditional Lebanese service is the definitive way to experience this arak: pour roughly one part arak to two parts ice-cold water in a small glass, allowing the louche to bloom fully before sipping alongside a mezze spread. For those inclined toward cocktails, the Special Reserve's intensity makes it a capable base spirit. An Arak Sour — substituting arak for whiskey with fresh lemon and simple syrup — plays well off the anise's sweetness. A Licorice Spritz built with sparkling water, a dash of orange bitters, and a lemon twist highlights the spirit's herbal brightness. A Mediterranean Highball with tonic water and fresh cucumber allows the grape backbone to shine alongside the anise.

Best For

• Hosting a traditional Lebanese mezze dinner with friends and family
• Gifting to a spirits enthusiast exploring Middle Eastern distilling traditions
• Adding a distinctive anise-forward spirit to a home bar collection
• Sharing at a multicultural tasting alongside ouzo, pastis, and raki for a comparative anise-spirit experience

Frequently Asked Questions

What does El Rif Special Reserve taste like? It delivers bold, deep licorice and anise flavors underpinned by a ripe grape sweetness, with herbal complexity and a warming, persistent finish at 53% ABV.

How does El Rif Special Reserve compare to Arak Brun? Both are premium Lebanese araks made from grapes and anise, but El Rif Special Reserve emphasizes its fifth-generation secret formula and triple distillation, while Arak Brun is known for its aged reserve expressions and broader international distribution.

Is El Rif Special Reserve good for sipping neat? At 53% ABV, it is very intense neat; the traditional and recommended serve is diluted roughly 1:2 with ice-cold water, which transforms the spirit into a silky, milky louche and unlocks its full aromatic complexity.

Where is El Rif Special Reserve made? It is produced in Lebanon by the Al Kassin family, a distilling house established in 1828 that has remained family-owned across multiple generations.

What foods pair well with El Rif Special Reserve? Hummus and warm pita provide a creamy counterpoint to the anise. Grilled lamb kofta echoes the spirit's warmth and spice. Fresh tabbouleh offers herbal brightness that complements the licorice. Fried halloumi cheese balances the spirit's intensity with salt and fat. Baklava or other honey-drenched pastries mirror the underlying grape sweetness.

What sizes does El Rif Special Reserve come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this expression.

Is El Rif Special Reserve worth the price? It positions as a premium-tier Lebanese arak, justified by its triple distillation, nearly two centuries of family distilling heritage, and a proprietary fifth-generation recipe that distinguishes it within the category.

Why El Rif Special Reserve?

What separates this arak from everyday expressions is the convergence of heritage and method. The Al Kassin family's unbroken distilling lineage since 1828 is among the longest in Lebanese spirits production, and their fifth-generation formula remains closely guarded. Triple distillation at 53% ABV results in a spirit with uncommon concentration and depth — characteristics that reward traditional water dilution with a remarkably layered louche. For anyone serious about exploring arak beyond the basics, the Special Reserve represents a credible, heritage-rooted benchmark from one of Lebanon's most established producers.