Arak Cave Kouroum
Arak Cave Kouroum is a 750mL Lebanese arak bottled at 53% ABV (106 proof), triple-distilled from fermented grape juice and anise seed in the Bekaa Valley and rested at least six months before bottling. It is a traditional, full-strength arak — clear in the bottle, milky white in the glass once water is added. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 53% (106 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: Arak — grape spirit distilled with anise seed
- Distillation: Triple-distilled over a low fire
- Aging: Rested a minimum of six months
- Origin: Bekaa Valley, Lebanon — Cave Kouroum (est. 1998)
Bekaa Valley Arak, Triple-Distilled
Cave Kouroum works in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, the country's great wine region, at around 1,000 metres of elevation. Its arak follows the classic Lebanese method with one extra pass: grapes are crushed and fermented, then distilled three times over a low fire — a slower run that strips out harsh edges — with anise seed in the distillation, and the finished spirit is left to marry and smooth for at least six months. The winery itself is a modern estate founded in 1998 by Bassim Rahal, applying contemporary cellar discipline to one of the Levant's oldest drinks. Browse the producer on the Cave Kouroum vendor page.
Tasting Notes
Pronounced anise and dried liquorice root on the nose, with a prickle of black pepper as it opens. The palate is clean and direct — sweet anise first, then a supple, rounded liquorice depth that stays smooth at full strength — and the finish is medium-long, gently peppery and cooling.
How to Enjoy
Serve it the Lebanese way: one part arak to two parts cold water, then ice, and watch the louche bloom. It is a meal-length drink, poured small and often beside mezze, grilled lamb and seafood. More anise spirits are in our liqueurs collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Cave Kouroum different from other araks?
The triple distillation. Many Lebanese araks are distilled twice; the third pass over a low fire gives Cave Kouroum a cleaner, smoother texture at the same traditional 53% strength.
How long is Cave Kouroum aged?
The distilled spirit rests for a minimum of six months before bottling, letting the anise and grape spirit marry.
How should arak be served?
Diluted — roughly one part arak to two parts cold water, with ice added after the water. It turns milky white and softens to an easy drinking strength.
Bekaa Valley arak with a third distillation for smoothness — order Arak Cave Kouroum online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.