Yeni Raki Álá

Yeni Raki Álá is a higher strength bottling from Yeni Raki, one of Turkey's best known raki brands and the country's national anise spirit. It is made in Anatolia from selected grape varieties, aniseed and soft spring water, distilled and flavoured so the aniseed defines it, and poured here at 47% ABV. A light oak note in its profile sets it slightly apart from the standard expression, while keeping the raki family character shared with ouzo and pastis.

The nose is intense with aniseed, the palate intense, elegant, velvety and soft with aniseed at its centre, and the finish long. Like all raki it louches, clouding milky white when water is added, the effect behind the name lion's milk. Behind the bar that makes it the base of the traditional raki serve, taken with cold water and ice, while its smoother, more refined palate also stands up neat or on the rocks as an aperitif. It suits the table alongside meze. Serve it neat or long with chilled water and ice, and let it cloud before drinking.