Tekirdag Rakisi No. 10

Tekirdag Rakisi No. 10 is a Turkish raki produced in Tekirdag, the provincial capital near Istanbul known as the Pearl of the Marmara, in a region whose climate suits viticulture. Bottled at 47.5%, it is made from fine Turkish aniseed and 100% fresh, hand picked grapes, carefully distilled by traditional methods. As a raki it belongs to the anise family, the spirit that turns milky when water is added in the lion's milk effect, and it is built for slow sipping alongside food rather than for sweetness.

The nose is dominant aniseed with subtle herbal aromas and fruity nuances of fresh grape. The palate is velvety soft and intense, led by strong aniseed with fine herbal spice and a subtle grape sweetness, the finish mild, long and harmonious with an elegant sweetness and pleasant freshness. It is best served cool, around 8 to 10 degrees, diluted with water or over ice so the anise blooms and the liquid clouds. Its place is the Mediterranean meze table, with fresh seafood, fish dishes and grilled vegetables. The slightly higher strength gives it a firmer aniseed grip than the house bottling.