Beylerbeyi Mavi

Beylerbeyi Mavi is a 45% ABV classic Turkish raki made by Sarper Damıtımcılık, triple-distilled from suma and aniseed obtained from Aegean grapes. It is the brand's standard range, produced at the facilities in Akhisar, Manisa. According to the producer, only grape alcohol is used; no sugar or agricultural ethyl alcohol is added.

How is Beylerbeyi Mavi made?

The grapes are first turned into a mash and fermented, then distilled to obtain suma. The suma is placed in copper stills together with water and aniseed. During distillation, the volatile fractions that come off first and the heavy alcohols that come off last are separated, and this process is completed with a total of three distillations. The brand states this method is designed to achieve the same taste in every bottle.

How is it served?

Chilled to 2–4 °C, the raki is diluted with cold water, and ice is added last. Traditionally it is drunk in a narrow-waisted raki glass, either half-and-half or with two measures of water; adding water gives the raki its characteristic milky-white colour.

What food does it pair with?

The producer recommends mezes, grilled dishes and fish. The classic raki table that opens with white cheese and melon, olive-oil dishes and seafood are options that suit this raki.