Yaş Üzüm Rakısı

Yaş Üzüm Rakısı is a traditional aniseed-scented distilled spirit made by distilling suma from fresh grapes together with aniseed. This bottle's name directly describes the style of raki: made solely from fresh grapes rather than dried ones.

What does "fresh-grape raki" mean?

Under Turkish raki regulations, for a raki to be classed as a fresh-grape raki, only suma may be used in its production, and that suma must come solely from fresh grapes. Suma is the grape distillate obtained by fermenting and distilling grapes. Other rakis may also use suma from dried grapes or agricultural ethyl alcohol; fresh-grape raki has no room for these. The suma is redistilled with aniseed seed in copper stills and bottled after resting.

How is it served?

It is drunk chilled in a narrow-waisted raki glass. Raki is poured first, then cold water; when water is added, the raki turns milky white because of the aniseed oils. The water ratio is adjusted to personal taste, and ice, if wanted, is added last. Keeping a glass of cold water alongside is common practice when drinking it neat.

What food does it pair with?

Raki is drunk with its own distinctive table culture: white cheese and melon, cold mezes such as haydari and aubergine salad, grilled fish and seafood are its best-known companions. Hot starters and grilled meats also feature often at the raki table.