Chateau Ksara – Ksarak, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
An authentic representation of the Lebanese heritage and its long history in producing some of the best Arak in the region.
What is Arak?
Arak is the national drink of Lebanon. It is produced from indigenous grapes, typically Merwah, or Obeidy. It is triple- distilled and usually aged in clay for at least one year. In its pure form, Arak has a clear color, but when diluted with water the color transforms into milky- white. As Arak has high alcohol content (50-60% abv.), both water and ice are usually added.
Arak is rooted in the Lebanese culture and embedded in its traditions and customs. It is the drink of endless lunches and dinners with family and friends on terraces, backyards and restaurants. Arak is not only an aperitif, it is a drink that accompanies the entire meal of complex mezze dishes and eclectic flavors. It is the drink that is synonymous with Lebanese hospitality and way of life.
It takes more than one article or two to explain Arak and its history, to better understand Arak and learn more about, here is a book to check out : Arak and Mezze: The Taste of Lebanon – by Michael Karam and Norbert Schiller ( Photographer).
It’s a great resource; this is not just any book highlighting food and wine or Arak and its history, it is a cultural reference featuring decades of traditions and values. Capturing a culture which thrives on the principles
This Article was originally published on Wines and Vines
