Yeni Raki

Yeni Raki is one of the best known raki brands in Turkey, an anise spirit that is the country's national drink and a fixture of Turkish gatherings. It is made in Anatolia from selected grape varieties together with aniseed and soft spring water, distilled and flavoured so that the aniseed defines its character. This bottling is poured at 45% ABV. As a raki it shares its anise signature with Greek ouzo and French pastis.

Although this bottle carries no separate tasting note, its makeup points to a clean, aniseed forward spirit with a faintly sweet, liquorice edge. Its defining trick is the louche, when water is added it turns milky white, the effect that gives raki the name lion's milk. Behind the bar that makes it the centre of the traditional raki serve, poured into a tall glass with cold water and ice and sipped slowly. It is built for the table, classically drunk alongside meze, white cheese and melon. Serve it long with chilled water and ice, and let it cloud in the glass before drinking.