Haddad Arak Gold Label 750ML

Haddad Arak Gold Label 750ML is a triple-distilled Jordanian arak bottled at 50% ABV (100 proof) in a 750ml format. Winner of a Gold Medal at the 2020 London Spirits Competition, this expression from Eagle Distilleries stands out for its honeyed complexity and remarkably smooth delivery within the anise-spirit category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50%  |  Origin: Jordan  |  Style: Triple-Distilled Arak  |  Distillery: Eagle Distilleries Co.

Production & Heritage

Eagle Distilleries Co., based in Jordan, produces Haddad Arak Gold Label using a traditional pot still method that shares structural similarities with brandy and whisky stills but employs distinctly shaped pots and cover designs tailored to arak production. The spirit is triple distilled from grape-derived alcohol and fine Mediterranean aniseed, then blended with specially treated water to achieve its final proof. This triple distillation is a step beyond many standard araks, which are typically double distilled, resulting in a noticeably cleaner and more refined spirit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Pronounced Mediterranean anise leads immediately, followed by a warm honeyed sweetness and subtle hints of candied fruit. The bouquet opens further with time, revealing soft spice undertones beneath the dominant aniseed character.

Taste: The entry is smooth and deceptively gentle for a 50% ABV spirit. At mid-palate, honeyed tones develop alongside layers of candied fruit and warm baking spice. The anise remains the backbone throughout but never overwhelms, allowing the softer, sweeter notes to share equal space.

Finish: Long and complex, with lingering anise warmth that fades gradually into a clean, slightly sweet aftertaste. The finish is remarkably smooth, without the harsh burn that can accompany spirits at this proof.

How to Drink Haddad Gold Label

The traditional serve is the classic arak ritual: pour one part arak over ice, then add two parts cold water, watching the spirit turn a milky white — a phenomenon called the louche effect. This dilution opens up the honeyed and fruit notes beautifully. Beyond the traditional serve, Haddad Gold Label works well in these cocktails:

• Arak Sour: The honeyed sweetness pairs naturally with fresh lemon juice and simple syrup, creating a balanced citrus-forward drink.
• Mediterranean Mule: Substituting arak for vodka in a mule build lets the anise play against ginger beer's spice for a distinctive twist.
• Lion's Milk Highball: A simple build with sparkling water and a squeeze of grapefruit, which highlights the candied fruit notes while keeping the drink light and refreshing.

Best For

• Hosting a Middle Eastern or Mediterranean-themed dinner party
• Gifting someone who enjoys anise spirits like ouzo, pastis, or sambuca
• Expanding a spirits collection with a gold-medal-winning arak
• Pairing with a traditional mezze spread among friends and family

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Haddad Gold Label taste like? Haddad Gold Label delivers a harmonious blend of Mediterranean anise, honeyed sweetness, candied fruit, and soft warm spices. The triple distillation creates a remarkably smooth profile that finishes long and clean despite its 50% ABV strength.

How does Haddad Gold Label compare to Arak Touma King of Arak? Both are premium araks positioned at the top of their respective ranges, but Haddad Gold Label is triple distilled versus the more common double distillation, which contributes to its notably smoother texture. Haddad Gold Label also carries a Gold Medal from the 2020 London Spirits Competition, providing independent validation of its quality.

Is Haddad Gold Label good for sipping neat? While it can be sipped neat, the traditional and most rewarding way to enjoy it is diluted with cold water and ice in roughly a 1:2 ratio, which unlocks the full range of honeyed and fruit-forward notes hidden at full strength.

Where is Haddad Gold Label made? Haddad Gold Label is produced by Eagle Distilleries Co. in Jordan, using Mediterranean aniseed and grape-derived alcohol that is triple distilled through traditional pot stills.

What foods pair well with Haddad Gold Label? Grilled lamb kebabs complement the anise warmth with smoky, savory richness. Hummus and baba ghanoush allow the honeyed notes to shine alongside creamy, earthy flavors. Fresh fattoush salad provides a crisp, acidic counterpoint. Halloumi cheese, lightly charred, mirrors the spirit's balance of sweet and savory. Baklava echoes the honeyed character for a cohesive dessert pairing.

What sizes does Haddad Gold Label come in? Haddad Arak Gold Label is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Haddad Gold Label worth the price? Haddad Gold Label positions as a premium expression within the arak category, justified by its triple distillation process and Gold Medal recognition at the 2020 London Spirits Competition. For drinkers seeking a refined, competition-validated arak, it represents strong value at the premium tier.

Why Haddad Gold Label?

Triple distillation is the defining production choice that separates Haddad Gold Label from the majority of araks on the market, most of which stop at two passes through the still. That additional distillation yields a cleaner, more polished spirit where the anise, honey, and candied fruit notes come through with unusual clarity at a full 50% ABV. The Gold Medal from the 2020 London Spirits Competition — a blind-tasted, internationally judged competition — confirms what the palate already suggests: this is an arak built to compete at the highest level. For anyone serious about exploring the anise-spirit tradition beyond ouzo and pastis, Haddad Gold Label is a benchmark worth knowing.