Haddad Arak Silver Label 100 Proof 750ML is a 50% ABV (100-proof) Jordanian arak triple-distilled from aniseed and grape-derived alcohol in a 750ml bottle. Produced by Eagle Distilleries Company — in continuous operation since 1953 — the Silver Label stands apart as a higher-proof expression specifically blended to drink straight without the traditional addition of water.Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof) | Origin: Jordan | Style: Anise Spirit, Triple Distilled | Distillery: Eagle Distilleries Company (est. 1953)Production & HeritageEagle Distilleries Company has been producing arak in Jordan for over seven decades, making it one of the region's most established anise-spirit producers. The Silver Label is made using a traditional pot-still method — the same basic apparatus used in brandy and whisky production — where anise, grape-derived alcohol, and specially treated water are heated to vapor and condensed externally into high-proof liquid arak. The spirit undergoes triple distillation to achieve a clean, concentrated anise character, then is brought down to its 100-proof bottling strength. Unlike many araks designed for dilution with water or ice, the Silver Label is formulated as a smoother, self-contained pour at full strength.Tasting NotesAroma: Pronounced anise dominates the nose immediately, followed by subtle herbal undertones and a faint grape-spirit sweetness. A light mineral quality lingers beneath the primary aromatics.Taste: The entry is bold and direct, with intense aniseed that coats the palate without the sharp bite typical of many 100-proof spirits. Mid-palate, fragrant herbs and delicate fruity notes emerge alongside toasty undertones. A creamy, almost velvety texture develops, balancing the spirit's considerable proof with surprising drinkability.Finish: Long and complex, with clean mineral notes and residual anise that slowly fades. A refreshing coolness persists, leaving the palate clean rather than heavy.How to Drink Haddad Silver LabelThe Silver Label is specifically blended to be enjoyed neat at full strength, which is unusual for arak — most expressions call for water or ice to trigger the characteristic louche (milky cloudiness). That said, the spirit's bold anise backbone makes it versatile in cocktails. An Arak Sour (substituting arak for whiskey with lemon and simple syrup) plays off the spirit's herbal brightness. A Mediterranean Mule (arak, ginger beer, lime) lets the anise cut through the ginger's spice. A classic Arak Spritz with sparkling water, a squeeze of grapefruit, and fresh mint highlights the Silver Label's creamy texture and refreshing mineral finish.Best For Introducing friends to traditional Levantine arak at a higher proof point Pairing with a mezze spread during dinner gatherings Building an anise-spirit collection alongside ouzo, pastis, and sambuca Gifting someone with Middle Eastern heritage or a curiosity for regional spirits Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Haddad Silver Label taste like? It delivers a bold, concentrated anise flavor supported by fragrant herbs, subtle fruit, and toasty undertones, with a creamy texture that finishes clean and refreshingly mineral.How does Haddad Silver Label compare to Arak Touma? Arak Touma is widely regarded as a benchmark Lebanese arak with a more traditional profile meant for water dilution, while Haddad Silver Label is a Jordanian expression bottled at a higher 100 proof and designed to be sipped straight. The Silver Label tends toward a bolder, more concentrated anise delivery with a creamier mouthfeel.Is Haddad Silver Label good for sipping neat? Yes — it is one of the few araks specifically blended to be consumed straight without water, making it well-suited for neat sipping despite its 50% ABV.Where is Haddad Silver Label made? It is produced by Eagle Distilleries Company in Jordan, a facility that has been distilling arak since 1953 using traditional pot-still methods.What foods pair well with Haddad Silver Label? Grilled halloumi cheese highlights the spirit's creamy texture. Hummus and fresh flatbread complement its herbal aromatics. Lamb kofta mirrors the toasty undertones on the palate. Fattoush salad provides a crisp, acidic counterpoint to the bold anise. Baklava echoes the sweetness in the grape-derived base spirit.What sizes does Haddad Silver Label come in? The standard size is a 750ml bottle at 100 proof (50% ABV).Is Haddad Silver Label worth the price? It positions as a mid-range arak that punches above its weight thanks to triple distillation and a uniquely high proof point not commonly found in the category, making it strong value for those seeking a full-strength anise spirit.Why Haddad Silver Label?Most araks are built around the ritual of dilution — pouring water over ice and watching the spirit turn milky white. The Silver Label breaks from that tradition by delivering a triple-distilled, 100-proof spirit smooth enough to drink at full strength, which is genuinely uncommon in the category. Backed by over seventy years of continuous production at Eagle Distilleries, the recipe reflects deep institutional knowledge of pot-still anise distillation rather than a novelty experiment. For anyone exploring arak beyond the classic Lebanese producers or looking for a higher-proof anise spirit with real heritage behind it, the Silver Label fills a gap few competitors address.
