Arak Brun 35cl

This is the kind of arak that turns a random weeknight into a proper table moment, ice cracking, water blooming the glass cloudy, and suddenly everyone’s talking louder.

• Nose: Bright anise right up front, with a clean, herbal lift and a little peppery edge that keeps it feeling fresh.
• Taste: Classic licorice and fennel vibes, then a surprisingly leafy, almost minty herbal layer. Add cold water and it opens up, softer, rounder, and way more complex than the first sip.
• Finish: Long and savoury, anise hangs around with a gentle spice warmth that makes you want the next bite of mezze.

Arak Brun is built for the ritual. Pour it, then add water slowly and watch it go from clear to that signature milky haze. That louche moment isn’t just for show, it’s your cue that the aromatics are waking up.

It’s also a serious food spirit. Bring out hummus, grilled halloumi, olives, kibbeh, anything with smoke, char, or garlic, and this bottle suddenly makes perfect sense. The anise cuts through richness and resets your palate like a squeeze of lemon.

If you’re new to arak, don’t overthink it. Start light with plenty of ice and water, then dial it back until you find your sweet spot. If you already love arak, this is the kind you’ll keep around because it plays nice in a crowd but still has personality.

Yes, you can mix with it too. Try a splash with fresh citrus and soda for a highball that’s weird in the best way, or use a tiny rinse in a cocktail glass to give your drink a ghost of anise.

Country of origin: Lebanon. It’s a proper classic from a place that takes arak seriously, which is exactly what you want.

Fun Fact: That cloudy change when you add water has a name, “the louche”, and it happens because the anise oils come out of hiding when the alcohol strength drops.