Askalon 100 Proof Arak 750ML is an Israeli anise spirit distilled from Obeidi grapes and bottled at 50% ABV (100 proof) in a 750ml format. Produced by Barkan Wine Cellars, this full-strength arak stands apart through its use of Lebanese-origin Obeidi grapes — a traditional variety prized in Middle Eastern arak production — rather than the local Israeli grape stock more commonly found in competing brands.Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof) | Origin: Israel | Style: Anise-Flavored Grape Spirit | Distillery: Barkan Wine CellarsProduction & HeritageBarkan Wine Cellars, one of Israel's largest and most established wine and spirits producers, crafts Askalon Arak using Obeidi grapes grown on the eastern slopes of Mount Lebanon. Obeidi is the same white grape varietal historically favored in traditional Lebanese arak distillation, lending a distinctive character to the spirit. The grapes are fermented, distilled, and then redistilled with anise seed to achieve the signature licorice-forward profile; only carefully selected ingredients are used to achieve what the distillery describes as a balanced harmony between alcohol and anise. The 100 proof bottling delivers arak at its most assertive strength, a notable step up from the standard 80 proof expressions common in the category.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with pronounced anise and a subtle herbaceous undercurrent. It registers as complex without being overwhelming, with faint grape-skin sweetness beneath the dominant licorice aromatics.Taste: On the palate, the entry is bold and warming at 100 proof, immediately delivering concentrated anise alongside a surprisingly smoky character. The mid-palate fills out with spice and herbal depth, balanced by a full-bodied weight that prevents the spirit from feeling sharp despite its strength. Fruit and botanical notes interweave as the flavors develop.Finish: The finish is lingering and dry, with persistent anise and a faint smokiness that slowly fades. A gentle warmth stays on the palate, typical of higher-proof arak.How to Drink Askalon ArakThe traditional serve is to dilute roughly one part arak with two parts cold water, which triggers the iconic louche — the spirit turns milky white as anise oils emulsify. Ice can be added after dilution. At 100 proof, this expression holds its flavor structure even with generous water, making it ideal for the classic Middle Eastern ritual of sipping alongside small dishes. Arak Spritz: Combine with sparkling water and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a refreshing, lower-ABV aperitif that highlights the anise backbone. Lion's Milk (Aslan Sütü): The traditional long drink of arak, water, and ice; at 100 proof, the spirit maintains robust anise flavor even when heavily diluted. Anise Old Fashioned: Substitute arak for whiskey with a demerara sugar cube and orange bitters — the grape distillate base and anise create a distinctly Mediterranean riff on the classic. Best For Hosting a traditional Middle Eastern meze dinner with friends Gifting someone exploring spirits beyond the Western canon Adding an anise-forward option to a well-stocked home bar Cocktail experimentation for bartenders seeking a higher-proof arak Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Askalon Arak taste like? Askalon 100 Proof Arak delivers bold, concentrated anise with an unexpectedly smoky quality, supported by herbal and spice notes and a full-bodied texture. The grape-distillate base adds subtle fruit complexity beneath the dominant licorice character.How does Askalon Arak compare to Elite Arak? Elite Arak is Israel's most widely consumed arak brand and is generally bottled at lower proof, making it lighter on the palate. Askalon's 100 proof bottling and its use of Obeidi grapes from Lebanon's eastern mountain slopes give it a bolder, more traditional profile with greater depth.Is Askalon Arak good for sipping neat? It can be sipped neat, but at 50% ABV it is quite intense; the traditional and recommended approach is to dilute with cold water, which unlocks the full aromatic complexity and tames the alcohol heat.Where is Askalon Arak made? Askalon Arak is produced in Israel by Barkan Wine Cellars, though the Obeidi grapes used in its production are sourced from vineyards on the eastern slopes of Mount Lebanon.What foods pair well with Askalon Arak? Grilled lamb kebabs pair naturally, as the anise complements charred meat. Hummus and fresh pita provide a creamy counterpoint to the spirit's intensity. Briny feta cheese and olives echo the Mediterranean origin. Fresh watermelon offers a classic regional pairing, its sweetness balancing the dry anise. Fried cauliflower with tahini mirrors the nutty, earthy tones in the spirit.What sizes does Askalon Arak come in? The standard widely available format is the 750ml bottle.Is Askalon Arak worth the price? Askalon 100 Proof positions as a mid-range arak that delivers above-average intensity and character for its price tier, particularly given its use of traditional Obeidi grapes and full 100 proof bottling strength — features not always found in similarly priced competitors.Why Askalon Arak?What distinguishes this expression within the broader arak category is the combination of Obeidi grapes — historically the gold-standard varietal for arak production in the Levant — with a full 100 proof bottling strength. Many Israeli araks rely on local grape varieties and bottle at 80 proof, producing a lighter, more approachable spirit. Askalon pushes in the opposite direction, delivering a denser, more aromatic arak that holds its anise character even under heavy dilution. For anyone seeking an arak that stays true to the traditional high-proof, grape-forward style while remaining accessible through a well-known Israeli producer, this bottling makes a strong case for itself.
