Arak Massaya (0.75L) is also one of the oldest anise spirits in Lebanon. The distillery is in addition to the experience also really innovative and modern. But first, a certain tradition also develops the successful arak. After all, it was the two brothers Sami and Ramzi Ghosn who chose to give meaning to their father's land in their home country. In this regard, they even returned to their homeland only to produce exactly this Arak Massaya.
How does the Arak El Massaya taste?
Just like almost every other anise schnapps, it is the aromas of licorice and fennel, which dominate the scent and taste once more. Continuing this schnapps then develops beautiful aromas of herbs and plants. In general, however, this arak is also really gentle and accessible. Of course, this is the reason that this drink also goes well with spicy appetizers such as feta with chili. In addition, the compatriots also like to drink this arak with raw meat or during a social gathering.
How does the Ghosn family make this aniseed brandy?
Again, the Massaya winery uses only high quality grapes and the best green anise seeds. To be precise, they traditionally use the Obeidi grape for Lebanese arak. Especially since this one has exactly the right fruit but also acidity to produce a full-bodied and aromatic anise schnapps.
After harvesting, the grapes are pressed and then fermented. Accordingly, the processes are very short and concise in order to avoide the loss of quality. Because quality in mainly gained almost entirely through the specificity of these vineyards: In the Bekaa Valley to be exact. Consequently, this winery also enjoys many advantages of the soils and the weather there.
After the third but also last distillation, this brandy matures for two years in clay jars. This makes the liquor particularly gentle and smooth. In addition, this process also filters out all pests such as ethanol. Furthermore, this finish is also an important component in the production of arak. This counts especially for the standard of arak varieties from Lebanon.