Prototip Rakı

Prototip Rakı is a 45% ABV limited-production Turkish raki made at Mey İçki's Alaşehir, Manisa facilities to formulas developed by chef Mehmet Gürs and gastronomy writer Cemre Torun. Each production run is released as a separate batch under the name "Lot", with the grape blend, aniseed source and production details varying from lot to lot.

What sets Prototip apart?

The project aims to reinterpret raki through the diversity of grapes and aniseed. The first lot used Elazığ Öküzgözü; later lots blended dried and fresh grapes such as late-harvest Sultana, Antep Karası and Kerküş in varying proportions. Aniseed is also chosen from a specific village for each lot, including Karaçay in Denizli and villages in Burdur's Tefenni district. The first four lots were triple-distilled, some briefly rested in oak barrels.

How is it served?

Degustasyon reviews state that Prototip lots can be drunk chilled, neat or with a little water (for example, one measure of water to two of raki); trying it without ice is recommended. The lot number on the bottle label shows which batch you have.

What food does it pair with?

Varying by lot, Aegean-Mediterranean mezes and delicate fish such as sea bass and bluefish are the classic pairing. More spiced lots also go well with spicy mezes and kebabs.