Tekirdag Rakisi Gold Series

Tekirdag Rakisi Gold Series is a Turkish raki, the anise spirit of the Turkish table, bottled at 45%. Made from grape alcohol and carefully selected aniseed, its distinguishing feature is maturation in oak barrels, which gives the raki added depth and a velvety texture that sets it apart from the unaged house style. As a raki it belongs to the anise family, turning milky when water is added, the lion's milk effect, and it is built to be drunk long and slow with food.

The nose is fine and complex with intense aniseed, floral nuances and a hint of oak. The palate is soft and harmonious, balancing the natural sweetness of the grape spirit, spicy aniseed and fine wood notes from the barrel, the finish long and velvety with an elegant anise close. It is best served diluted with water or over ice, where the anise opens and the liquid clouds. Its natural home is the meze table, with grilled fish, seafood, savoury dips, cheese and dishes such as lamb chops. The oak ageing adds a rounder, deeper character than a standard raki, rewarding a slow food led serve.