Tekirdag Gold Rakisi 700ML

Tekirdag Gold Rakisi 700ML is a premium oak-aged Turkish raki made from 100% fresh grapes and high-quality aniseed, bottled at 45% ABV. Twice distilled in copper alembics and aged a minimum of 90 days in oak barrels, this expression earned 89 points from Tastings.com, distinguishing it as one of Turkey's more refined raki offerings.

Quick Facts: ABV: 45%  |  Origin: Tekirdağ Region, Turkey  |  Oak-Aged (minimum 90 days)  |  Distillery: Mey İçki, Istanbul

Production & Heritage

Tekirdag Gold is produced by Mey İçki, Turkey's dominant spirits producer headquartered in Istanbul. The raki begins with 100% fresh grapes distilled twice through traditional copper alembic pot stills — a method that preserves aromatic intensity while refining texture. What separates Tekirdag Gold from the brand's standard expression is its minimum 90-day maturation in oak barrels, a step that introduces subtle wood influence and rounds out the spirit's naturally assertive anise character. The aniseed itself is sourced from Çeşme, a coastal town on Turkey's Aegean coast renowned for producing Turkey's most aromatic anise. A key production distinction lies in the careful management of the mid-distillate — referred to traditionally as "the belly" — during the copper pot distillation, a technique that contributes to the spirit's balance and depth.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Pronounced anise seed leads, followed by dried citrus peel, straw, and a thread of toasted hazelnut. The oak aging contributes a warm, herbal undertone with hints of Mediterranean dried herbs beneath the dominant aniseed bouquet.

Taste: The entry is silky and immediately anise-forward, but the mid-palate opens into gentle baking spices and a subtle sweetness that standard raki rarely achieves. As it develops, citrus and a layered spice complexity emerge, with the oak influence providing structure rather than overt wood flavor.

Finish: Long and smooth, with a lingering essence of refined spice and clean aniseed that fades gradually into dried fruit. The texture remains silky throughout, never turning bitter or harsh even as the warmth settles.

How to Drink Tekirdag Gold

The traditional Turkish serve remains the gold standard: pour Tekirdag Gold into a tall, narrow glass and add chilled water at roughly a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio, watching the spirit turn its characteristic milky white — the "lion's milk" effect. Adding a single ice cube after dilution is common during warmer months. For cocktail applications, Tekirdag Gold's oak-aged complexity makes it unexpectedly versatile. A Raki Sour (substituting raki for whiskey with lemon and simple syrup) highlights the anise-citrus interplay. A Mediterranean Highball with soda water, a squeeze of grapefruit, and fresh mint lets the herbal aromatics shine. An Anise Old Fashioned, built with a barspoon of honey syrup and orange bitters, leans into the oak influence and spice profile.

Best For

• Hosting a traditional Turkish meze dinner with friends and family
• Gifting a spirits enthusiast who enjoys anise-forward liquors like ouzo, pastis, or arak
• Introducing someone to premium raki beyond the standard category
• Pairing with grilled seafood, cured meats, and Mediterranean appetizers at a summer gathering

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Tekirdag Gold taste like? Tekirdag Gold delivers a rich, silky anise flavor complemented by gentle baking spices, dried citrus, and a subtle sweetness derived from its fresh grape base and oak barrel aging. The finish is long and smooth with lingering refined spice and clean aniseed.

How does Tekirdag Gold compare to Efe Raki Gold? Both are premium Turkish rakis made from fresh grapes and aged to add complexity beyond standard expressions. Tekirdag Gold tends toward a silkier texture with more pronounced oak influence from its barrel aging, while Efe Gold is often described as slightly bolder in its raw anise intensity.

Is Tekirdag Gold good for sipping neat? Tekirdag Gold can be sipped neat, though the traditional and most common Turkish method is to dilute it with chilled water, which opens up the aromatics and softens the 45% ABV to a more approachable strength.

Where is Tekirdag Gold made? Tekirdag Gold is produced by Mey İçki in Turkey, drawing its name from the Tekirdağ region in Turkish Thrace, an area historically associated with high-quality raki production. The aniseed is sourced from Çeşme on Turkey's Aegean coast.

What foods pair well with Tekirdag Gold? White cheese and honeydew melon — the classic Turkish raki accompaniment — is essential. Grilled octopus or calamari complement the anise with charred, briny notes. Cold meze like hummus, cacık (yogurt-cucumber dip), and stuffed grape leaves match the herbal character. Grilled lamb kebabs stand up to the spirit's spice, and roasted eggplant dishes mirror its smoky oak undertones.

What sizes does Tekirdag Gold come in? Tekirdag Gold Rakisi is commonly available in the 700ml bottle size, which is the standard format for this expression in most markets.

Is Tekirdag Gold worth the price? Tekirdag Gold positions as a premium expression within the Turkish raki category, sitting above standard Tekirdağ Rakısı thanks to its oak aging and Çeşme aniseed sourcing. For drinkers already familiar with raki, the added complexity and smoother finish represent a meaningful step up in quality.

Why Tekirdag Gold?

The oak barrel aging — a minimum of 90 days — is the defining feature that sets Tekirdag Gold apart in a category where most expressions skip maturation entirely. That barrel time, combined with copper alembic double distillation and premium Çeşme aniseed, produces a raki with genuine depth and a silky texture uncommon at this level. Its 89-point score from Tastings.com confirms what the traditional production method promises: a spirit with real complexity beyond its anise-forward foundation. For anyone seeking a raki that rewards slow sipping alongside a spread of meze, Tekirdag Gold delivers that experience with clarity and refinement.