Arak Haddad Crystal 100 Proof 750ML

Arak Haddad Crystal 100 Proof 750ML is a triple-distilled Jordanian arak made from grape spirits and green aniseed, bottled at 50% ABV (100 proof) in a 750ml bottle. A Gold medal winner at the London Spirits Competition, this expression stands apart from standard double-distilled araks through its additional distillation pass, which produces a notably clean, methanol-free spirit with striking aromatic intensity.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof)  |  Origin: Jordan  |  Triple Distilled Anise Spirit  |  Distillery: Eagle Distilleries Company

Production & Heritage

Eagle Distilleries Company produces Arak Haddad Crystal using traditional copper pot stills and a triple-distillation process — one more pass than the double distillation typical of most araks. The base spirit is distilled from grapes, then redistilled with premium green aniseed sourced from regions selected for optimal soil and climate conditions. That third distillation is the defining step: it strips out methanol and harsh congeners while concentrating the anise aromatics, yielding the crystalline clarity that gives this bottling its name.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh aniseed leads immediately, followed by layered herbal notes and a subtle citrus lift. The nose is bold and inviting without the harshness that can accompany high-proof anise spirits.

Taste: The entry is smooth and surprisingly full-bodied for 100 proof, with rich anise saturating the palate from the first sip. At mid-palate, pronounced licorice develops alongside delicate fennel-spice undertones. The spirit maintains balance between its sweetness and herbal bite, creating a complex and refreshing mouthfeel.

Finish: Brisk and clean, with lingering anise and a cool, almost mentholated sensation. The finish leaves a lasting impression without becoming cloying or overly sweet.

How to Drink Arak Haddad Crystal

The traditional serve remains the best starting point: pour roughly one-third arak over ice in a tall glass, then add two-thirds cold water and watch the spirit transform from crystal-clear to milky-white — the iconic louche effect caused by the anise oils. This dilution tames the 100-proof strength and opens up the aromatics considerably.

• Classic Arak Sour: Arak, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup — the anise backbone provides structure similar to absinthe-based sours but with a rounder grape-spirit base.
• Mediterranean Mule: Substitute arak for vodka with ginger beer and lime; the anise and ginger create a sharp, refreshing contrast.
• Arak Spritz: Combine with sparkling water, a splash of orange blossom water, and fresh mint — a low-ABV long drink ideal for warm-weather sipping.

Best For

• Accompanying a mezze spread of hummus, grilled halloumi, and tabbouleh
• Introducing friends to traditional Levantine drinking culture
• Gifting someone who appreciates absinthe, pastis, or ouzo and wants to explore the category further
• Hosting a Mediterranean-themed dinner party with multiple small plates

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Arak Haddad Crystal taste like? It delivers a bold, aromatic anise and licorice profile with underlying fennel spice and a smooth, full-bodied texture. Despite its 100-proof strength, the triple distillation keeps the spirit remarkably clean and free of harsh edges.

How does Arak Haddad Crystal compare to Arak Touma? Both are 100-proof, grape-based araks flavored with anise seeds, but Haddad Crystal uses a triple-distillation process compared to the standard double distillation, resulting in a cleaner, more refined spirit with less residual harshness. Haddad Crystal has also earned a Gold medal at the London Spirits Competition, underscoring its quality credentials.

Is Arak Haddad Crystal good for sipping neat? It can be sipped neat, though at 50% ABV it is traditionally diluted with cold water and ice, which opens the aromatics and produces the classic milky-white louche. Neat pours are best taken in small sips to appreciate the concentrated anise character.

Where is Arak Haddad Crystal made? It is produced in Jordan by Eagle Distilleries Company, using traditional copper pot stills. Jordan has a long history of arak production, and Eagle Distilleries is one of the country's established producers.

What foods pair well with Arak Haddad Crystal? Grilled lamb kebabs work exceptionally well, as the anise cuts through the richness of the meat. Fresh tabbouleh and fattoush salads complement the herbal notes. Salty halloumi cheese and briny olives contrast the spirit's sweetness. Lightly fried kibbeh or falafel provide textural contrast, while baklava or kanafeh make surprisingly effective dessert pairings by echoing the spirit's subtle sweetness.

What sizes does Arak Haddad Crystal come in? The standard and most widely available size is the 750ml bottle at 100 proof (50% ABV).

Is Arak Haddad Crystal worth the price? It positions as a premium expression within the arak category, justified by its triple-distillation process, London Spirits Competition Gold medal, and the noticeably cleaner profile that extra distillation pass provides. For drinkers already familiar with ouzo or pastis looking to explore arak, it represents strong value relative to its quality level.

Why Arak Haddad Crystal?

The third distillation pass is the clearest differentiator here — most araks stop at two, and that additional run through copper pot stills produces a measurably cleaner spirit while intensifying the anise aromatics rather than stripping them. The London Spirits Competition Gold medal validates the approach. At 100 proof, this is a full-strength arak that rewards traditional water-and-ice preparation but also holds its own in cocktails where a bold anise backbone is needed. For anyone serious about exploring the Levantine anise-spirit tradition, Haddad Crystal sets a high and well-earned benchmark.