L’Arak 12 Years Old – Ets. Walid Azar

Description

Reviewed by Noel Wehbe
Winery & Terroir
Produced by Mr. Walid Azar in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, this Arak is a masterpiece of Lebanese tradition. Crafted from Obeidi grapes and premium Syrian green anise (Anis de Hina), it is distilled four times in artisanal copper alembics. The spirit is aged 6 years in clay jars and an additional 6 years in a mix of clay and oak, allowing gentle oxygenation and perfect softening. The Bekaa Valley’s fertile soils, sunny days, and cool nights create a terroir that imparts clarity, aromatic precision, and balance to this timeless Lebanese spirit. Edible gold flakes enhance their elegance, making it both a visual and sensory luxury.
Tasting Note:
Appearance: Clear, crystalline, adorned with edible gold flakes.
Nose: Pure, elegant aromas of anise, with delicate floral and herbal hints.
Palate: Fresh and velvety on the attack, evolving into a long, harmonious finish. Sweetness of anise balances beautifully with a refined alcohol structure. The mouthfeel is smooth, rounded, and luxurious, reflecting its 12-year maturation.
Perfect Pairings:
A spirit that dances between tradition and celebration:
• Savory: Hommos, moutabal, kebbé nayé, grilled fish
• Sweet & Luxurious: Honeyed pastries, baklava, almond tarts, or delicate chocolate desserts
• Occasion: Perfect as an aperitif, or enjoyed with Mediterranean meals, enhancing both flavors and moments.
Each sip is a journey through the Bekaa Valley — warm, expressive, refined, and kissed with gold.