Askalon 80 Proof Arak 750ML is a traditional Israeli anise spirit bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml format. Produced by Carmei ZVI–Segal Bros Ltd. and certified Kosher for Passover, it stands among the most recognized arak labels available outside the Middle East. Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Israel | Style: Anise Spirit (NAS, Unaged) | Producer: Carmei ZVI – Segal Bros Ltd. Production & Heritage Arak is the ancestral anise spirit of the Eastern Mediterranean, predating both Greek ouzo and Turkish rakı in its regional lineage. Askalon is produced by Carmei ZVI–Segal Bros Ltd. in Israel, where arak remains deeply embedded in communal dining culture. The spirit is distilled with anise seed, left unaged, and bottled clear — designed to louche (turn milky white) when diluted with cold water, a hallmark of authentic arak service. Its Kosher for Passover certification requires strict ingredient and process oversight, distinguishing it from many competing brands. Tasting Notes Aroma: Pronounced anise seed leads immediately, followed by a cool, herbaceous quality. There is a clean, slightly sweet undertone beneath the dominant licorice character. Taste: The palate opens with bold black licorice flavor that coats the tongue evenly. At mid-palate the anise sweetness intensifies, balanced by a subtle mineral dryness. The overall impression is delicate yet assertive — a spirit built around a single, well-defined flavor axis. Finish: Medium in length with lingering anise warmth and a cooling, almost mentholated sensation. The aftertaste stays clean without bitterness or harshness. How to Drink Askalon Arak The traditional serve is the most rewarding: pour one part arak, then add two parts ice-cold water and watch it louche into an opaque white. Add ice after dilution, never before, to prevent crystallization on the surface. A Limonana Arak — arak with fresh lemon juice, mint, and simple syrup — is a natural Middle Eastern cocktail pairing that amplifies the herbal profile. An Arak Sour, built like a classic sour with egg white, lets the anise carry through citrus and foam. For a refreshing long drink, an Arak Spritz with soda water, a squeeze of grapefruit, and fresh herbs keeps the spirit light and sessionable. Best For Hosting a Middle Eastern or Mediterranean-themed dinner party Introducing friends to the anise spirit family beyond ouzo and pastis Passover celebrations requiring certified Kosher spirits Building an inclusive home bar with spirits from diverse traditions Frequently Asked Questions What does Askalon Arak taste like? Askalon Arak delivers a bold, unmistakable black licorice flavor driven by anise seed, with a delicate sweetness and a clean, cooling finish. How does Askalon Arak compare to Greek ouzo? Both are anise-based spirits that louche when diluted, but arak is traditionally unsweetened and distilled with grape spirit, whereas many ouzos include added sugar and may use a grain or molasses base. Askalon tends toward a drier, more direct anise profile compared to the slightly sweeter, rounder character of most ouzo bottlings. Is Askalon Arak good for sipping neat? It can be sipped neat, but arak is traditionally enjoyed diluted with cold water at roughly a 1:2 ratio, which opens up the aromatics and softens the alcohol considerably. Where is Askalon Arak made? Askalon Arak is produced in Israel by Carmei ZVI–Segal Bros Ltd., a producer specializing in traditional Israeli spirits and wines. What foods pair well with Askalon Arak? Mezze platters with hummus and baba ghanoush complement arak's anise cleanly. Grilled lamb kebabs benefit from the spirit's palate-cleansing quality. Fresh salads with herbs like mint and parsley echo its herbal backbone. Salty cheeses such as feta or halloumi contrast its subtle sweetness. Fried kibbeh or falafel pair well because the anise cuts through rich, oily textures. What sizes does Askalon Arak come in? The standard and most widely available format is the 750ml bottle. Is Askalon Arak worth the price? Askalon positions as an accessible, entry-level arak — priced competitively within the anise spirit category and offering authentic Israeli arak character without the premium markup of small-batch or aged expressions. Why Askalon Arak? Askalon's primary distinction is its Kosher for Passover certification, a meaningful differentiator for observant consumers who need a verified option during the holiday and year-round. Beyond certification, it delivers what arak should: a clean, anise-forward spirit built for communal drinking alongside food. In a market where many anise spirits are flavored or sweetened after distillation, Askalon remains a straightforward, traditionally produced Israeli arak. For anyone exploring the broader family of anise spirits — ouzo, pastis, sambuca, rakı — it provides an essential point of reference from the spirit's historic heartland.
