Yeni Raki

Tasting neat and with an ice cube. Clear and viscous in the glass. Nose is anise and light floral sweetness. On the palate, anise, white sugar, peppery spice, and a mild ethanol (especially at 90 proof). Thin mouthfeel. An ice cube makes this clear distilate louche (turn milky, like Ouzo or Sambucca) and enhances a more viscous mouthfeel. Very drinkable, not harsh or sharp, with a moderate anise flavor. Finish is fairly short, dry, with a bit of sour anise that fades quickly. Compared to other national "raki" type drinks, this is very refined and clean. No off flavors or ethanol bursts or herbal quirks. Very drinkable with a single ice cube, and a very pretty drink as it louches in the glass.

Straight - A lot. Very overpowering and anise forward. With cold water - much better. Get cloudy white. Taste more like a cocktail and drinkable.

A complex, aperitif / cordial from Turkey produced by twice distilling with suma (a clear brandy made from raisins & grapes) that has been mixed with ethyl alcohol & aniseed. It has an intense birth with notes anise & green herbs; while a rich life adds notes of anise seed, sugar & herbs; that leads to a complex death. December 2018 / January 2019