Beylerbeyi Göbek

Beylerbeyi Göbek is a triple-distilled Turkish raki, bottled at 45% ABV, produced at the Sarper Damıtımcılık facility in Akhisar, Manisa. The Beylerbeyi brand was launched in 2007 by the Sarper family, who come from the tobacco trade. Suma made from Aegean grapes and aniseed from the village of Kalınkoz in Denizli are distilled together in copper stills; according to the producer, no sugar is added and no agricultural ethyl alcohol is used.

Where does the name Göbek come from?

The harsh or heavily aniseed-flavoured fractions that run at the start and end of distillation are separated off, leaving only the balanced "heart" (göbek) taken from the middle of the still. At Beylerbeyi, this selection is repeated for each of the three distillations. The brand states that triple distillation roughly doubles production time compared with a twice-distilled raki.

What does it taste like?

According to its French distributor's description, aniseed comes through prominently on the palate, with a soft taste and a velvety texture. Adding water produces the milky-white clouding characteristic of raki.

How should it be served?

The producer recommends chilling the raki to 2–4°C, diluting it with cold water and adding ice last. Traditionally it is served in a slender raki glass, with one measure of raki to one or two measures of water.

What food does it pair with?

Alongside the classic raki table of white cheese, melon and cold olive-oil mezze, it goes well with fish and seafood. The distributor notes that it can also be paired with grilled red meat.