Yeni Rakı GİZ

Yeni Rakı GİZ is a 68% ABV dried-grape raki produced by Mey|Diageo in small stills at its distillery in Alaşehir, Manisa. Positioned as Yeni Rakı's craft product, GİZ is made in limited quantities each year and sold only in 50 cl bottles at a limited number of outlets.

How is it made?

Made entirely from dried-grape suma, the raki is triple-distilled in small 500-litre stills. Before bottling, it is rested in oak barrels previously used for raki, brandy and Boğazkere and Öküzgözü wines. This barrel history gives the raki a depth not seen in the classic bottlings.

What does it taste like?

Drunk neat, a sharp alcohol and grape aroma is felt at first; on the palate it shows a strong, full and substantial yet rounded structure. Because of its high alcohol strength, it whitens later than other rakis when mixed with water. At a one-to-one ratio it takes on a light yellowish colour and the aniseed becomes more pronounced; at one-to-two it gives a whiter, more balanced and aromatic drink.

How is it served and what does it pair with?

According to the label's recommendation, 2 measures of water are added to 1 measure of raki for the ideal drink. Mehmet Yalçın instead recommends sipping GİZ as an aperitif in a small glass, or like a brandy after a meal, rather than over a long table. In this style, mature cheeses and roasted nuts are good companions.