Beylerbeyi Incirden

Beylerbeyi Incirden is a Turkish raki that departs from the usual grape base, built instead on fig distillate refined with aniseed and bottled at 45% in a 35cl bottle. Where most raki rests on grape suma, the fig distillate gives this one a distinct fruity character, made through a careful triple distillation. Raki is an anise spirit rather than a sweet liqueur, and turns milky when water is added, the cloud the Turks call lion's milk.

The nose is aniseed, ripe figs and subtle fruity nuances, the palate full-bodied and aromatic with aniseed, fine fig fruit and a slightly fermented note, the finish harmonious, soft and long with aniseed and fruit. Its traditional serve is well chilled and cut roughly half and half with cold still water, which raises the milky cloudiness, though it also takes ice or stands neat. At the table it belongs with meze, grilled fish, seafood and Mediterranean starters. Serve it cold and unhurried.