Sannine Arak 750ML

Sannine Arak 750ML is a traditional Lebanese anise spirit distilled from grapes and green aniseed, bottled at 50% ABV in a 750ml format. Produced by Château Ksara — one of Lebanon's oldest and most respected wineries, founded in 1857 by Jesuit priests in the Bekaa Valley — Sannine Arak distinguishes itself through clay jar aging, a centuries-old technique that imparts subtle complexity rarely found in modern anise-flavored spirits.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50%  |  Origin: Bekaa Valley, Lebanon  |  Style: Traditional Lebanese Arak  |  Producer: Château Ksara

Production & Heritage

Château Ksara has produced wine and spirits in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley for over 160 years, making it the country's oldest winery. Sannine Arak is made through multiple distillations of grapes and green aniseeds, following a process deeply rooted in Levantine tradition. After distillation, the spirit rests in clay jars rather than stainless steel or wood — a method that allows the arak to mellow and marry its anise character with the mineral qualities of the earthenware vessels, producing a smoother, more nuanced final product.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with fresh, vibrant anise that leads into gentle herbal undertones and delicate floral notes. There is a clean, inviting quality that signals the multiple distillations at work.

Taste: On the palate, the entry is mild and approachable despite the 50% ABV, with anise dominating the initial impression. The mid-palate broadens into a well-rounded sweetness balanced by herbal complexity, while a gentle warmth builds gradually toward the back of the tongue.

Finish: The finish carries a slight, pleasant burn that gives way to lingering anise and an unexpected depth. It is unique in its complexity for the category, with mineral-tinged echoes from the clay jar maturation persisting on the palate.

How to Drink Sannine Arak

The traditional Lebanese serve calls for one part arak to two parts cold water, poured over ice in a tall glass — the spirit turns a milky white as the anise oils emulsify with water, a dramatic transformation known as the louche effect. Sannine Arak also works in several cocktails: an Arak Sour, where the anise backbone complements fresh lemon juice and simple syrup for a Levantine twist on the classic sour; a Lion's Milk Highball, lengthened with soda water and a squeeze of grapefruit for a refreshing warm-weather drink; and an Arak Mule, substituting arak for vodka and pairing its herbal intensity with ginger beer and lime.

Best For

• Hosting a traditional Lebanese mezze dinner with family or friends
• Introducing adventurous spirit drinkers to authentic Middle Eastern arak
• Gifting to a spirits collector who appreciates heritage production methods
• Exploring anise-forward cocktails beyond the usual pastis or ouzo

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Sannine Arak taste like? Sannine Arak delivers a clean, pronounced anise flavor complemented by subtle herbal and floral notes, with a mild sweetness and a warm, lingering finish. Despite its 50% ABV, it drinks smoother than expected due to multiple distillations and clay jar aging.

How does Sannine Arak compare to Turkish rakı? Both are anise-flavored grape spirits traditionally diluted with water and ice, but Sannine Arak is aged in clay jars — a distinctly Lebanese technique — while most Turkish rakı is typically rested in stainless steel. This gives Sannine a slightly rounder, more mineral-inflected character compared to the sharper, more austere profile of many rakı expressions.

Is Sannine Arak good for sipping neat? At 50% ABV, sipping neat is possible but intense; most arak drinkers prefer the traditional water-and-ice dilution, which opens up the aromatic complexity and softens the spirit's potency considerably.

Where is Sannine Arak made? Sannine Arak is produced by Château Ksara in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon, a fertile region between the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges known for its long viticultural history. Château Ksara has operated at this location since its founding by Jesuit priests in 1857.

What foods pair well with Sannine Arak? Grilled lamb kebabs work beautifully, as the anise cuts through the richness of the meat. Hummus and baba ghanoush provide a creamy, earthy contrast to the spirit's herbal intensity. Fresh tabbouleh salad echoes the green, herbaceous notes in the arak. Salty halloumi cheese amplifies the anise sweetness, and raw kibbeh nayyeh — a traditional Lebanese pairing — matches the spirit's boldness with spiced, seasoned meat.

What sizes does Sannine Arak come in? The standard and most widely available format is the 750ml bottle.

Is Sannine Arak worth the price? Sannine Arak positions as an accessible, well-made entry into authentic Lebanese arak, backed by the credibility of Château Ksara's 160-plus years of production. For a clay jar-aged, traditionally distilled spirit at 50% ABV, it represents strong value within the anise spirit category.

Why Sannine Arak?

What sets Sannine apart from mass-produced anise spirits is the clay jar aging — a labor-intensive, traditional method that most modern producers have abandoned in favor of stainless steel efficiency. That heritage comes courtesy of Château Ksara, a producer whose longevity in the Bekaa Valley lends genuine authority to the product. The 50% ABV provides enough structure for the traditional water dilution ritual without losing aromatic intensity, and the multiple distillations yield a cleaner, more refined spirit than many competitors at comparable price points. For anyone seeking an authentic taste of Lebanese arak tradition rather than a generic anise liqueur, Sannine delivers substance rooted in verifiable craft.