Tekirdag Raki

Tekirdağ Rakı, one of Turkey’s most famous rakı brands, offers a unique profile based on aniseed flavor, Turkish grape spirits, and typically a hint of fennel or other herbal tones. Here’s a general outline of tasting notes:

Appearance

• Color: Clear when neat, becoming milky-white with added water (known as “lion’s milk” in Turkey).
• Clarity: Crystal clear and viscous, leaving “legs” or droplets on the glass.

Aroma

• Anise: A pronounced aniseed aroma, characteristic of rakı, with a sweet licorice-like scent.
• Grapes: Subtle grape aroma from the high-quality Turkish grapes used in production.
• Herbal Notes: Light herbal hints, sometimes fennel or similar Mediterranean herbs, depending on the bottle’s age and ingredients.

Taste

• Anise-forward: The licorice flavor is the star, delivering a slightly sweet, intense flavor.
• Grape Spirit Base: Smooth, with the grapes adding complexity and a gentle sweetness, balancing the strong anise profile.
• Creaminess: When diluted with water, the mouthfeel becomes creamy and more rounded.

Finish

• Warm and Lingering: A long, warm finish with anise remaining on the palate, sometimes with a slight bitterness that enhances its refreshing qualities.
• Clean: Despite the intensity, it generally leaves a clean, crisp aftertaste.

Tekirdağ also has some premium versions (like Tekirdağ Gold), aged in oak barrels, which have additional nuances such as subtle vanilla or oak notes.