Bahriyeli Rakı Göbek

Bahriyeli Göbek is the heart-cut raki from the Bahriyeli Premium Rakı range, part of the raki portfolio of BRYSIS İçecek Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş., which manufactures at its factory in Kırklareli. Distributed in North Cyprus by Nile Limited, Bahriyeli is a relatively new entrant among Turkish raki brands.

What does "göbek" raki mean?

In raki production, suma is redistilled a second time with aniseed in a copper still, and the fractions that come off at the start and end of the distillation are separated out. "Göbek" (heart) refers to the middle portion of this distillation, where the aroma is most balanced; heart-cut rakis are bottled using only this portion. Under the legal definition of Turkish raki, it is made from grape-derived suma, or a blend of suma with agricultural ethyl alcohol, in traditional copper stills, and can only be produced in Turkey.

How is it served?

Traditionally, raki is poured first into a tall, narrow glass, followed by cold water; when water is added, the raki turns milky white and the aniseed aroma opens up. It can be drunk neat, with water alone, or with ice added last. Using cold water helps the aniseed turn white and the aroma open up more easily.

What food does it pair with?

Bahriyeli Göbek pairs well with the classic raki table's companions: white cheese and melon, olive-oil and yoghurt-based mezes, grilled fish and other seafood.