Askalon Arak
Askalon Arak is a 750mL Israeli arak — a clear, aniseed spirit in the Middle Eastern tradition — imported to the US by Royal Wine Corp and certified Kosher for Passover by OK. The importer describes it as a delicate-tasting spirit built on a careful harmony between alcohol and anise seed, positioned for the aperitif and after-dinner glass. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- Size: 750mL
- Origin: Israel
- Style: Arak — clear aniseed spirit, screw cap, not barrel-aged (per the importer)
- Certification: Kosher for Passover, certified by OK
- Importer: Royal Wine Corp (US)
- Serving: Traditionally diluted with cold water and ice, or neat
An Israeli Arak With a Segal Family Lineage
Askalon began with the Segal family — distillers who came from White Russia, worked a distillery at Sarona, and in 1950 founded Askalon-Carmei Zion, later based in Ramle. Wine historian Adam Montefiore's account traces the line forward from there: the family sold the Askalon operation to Barkan, which has held it as a subsidiary since 2001, inside Israel's Tempo drinks group — which is why some retailers file this bottle under Barkan. Through every owner, the product has stayed what it was: a kosher, anise-led arak for the Israeli and diaspora table. Find it on the Askalon vendor page and in our spirits collection.
Tasting Notes
Per the importer: a delicate taste, with alcohol and anise seed in careful harmony — a lighter hand than the high-proof Levantine style. Retailer 67Wine's description adds: crystal clear, intensely aromatic, smooth and anise-forward, with a clean, lingering finish.
How to Enjoy
Traditionally diluted with cold water and ice, when it louches milky white; the importer also positions it neat, as an aperitif or after-dinner drink — and its Kosher for Passover certification makes it a natural bottle for the holiday table. More anise spirits are in our spirits collection and our liqueurs collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Askalon Arak kosher?
Yes — Kosher for Passover, certified by OK, per the US importer's spec listing. That is the exact certification to look for on the bottle.
Who makes Askalon Arak?
The Askalon house founded by the Segal family in 1950 — distillers originally from White Russia — later sold to Barkan and now within Israel's Tempo group. It is imported to the US by Royal Wine Corp.
How is Askalon Arak served?
Traditionally with cold water and ice, which turns it milky white, or neat as an aperitif or after-dinner pour — the importer's own positioning for the bottle.
A kosher Israeli classic with a delicate anise hand — order Askalon Arak online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.