Efe Raki Black
Efe Raki Black is a 750mL Turkish raki bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof) — Kara Efe, the flagship of the Efe range from ELDA, Turkey's first private-sector raki house. It is made from 100% grape suma grown on Aegean soil, distilled three times with anise seed — marketed by the producer as Turkey's first triple-distilled raki — cut with Bozdag mountain spring water, and rested for a long period before bottling. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 47% (94 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Origin: Turkey — Aegean grapes
- Base: 100% grape suma and anise seed
- Distillation: Distilled three times with anise seed, in pot stills
- Water: Bozdag mountain spring water, per the producer
- Rest: Rested for a long period (no duration stated by the producer)
Kara Efe: The Black Label of the Raki Revival
When Turkey's state raki monopoly ended in 2004, Efe (ELDA) became the first private producer — and Kara Efe, "Black Efe," is the bottle it built its reputation on: the producer's claim to Turkey's first triple-distilled raki, run three times with anise seed through pot stills, proofed with spring water from Mount Bozdag, and given a long rest to marry before it ever meets a bottle. At 47% it is also the strongest of the core Efe range, two points above the Green. See both siblings on the Efe Raki vendor page and in our spirits collection.
Tasting Notes
Per the producer's copy carried by retailers: licorice-like on the palate, made to be enjoyed on the rocks or lengthened with water for the milky effect. The producer publishes no detailed nose/palate/finish set for Kara Efe — the expanded herb-and-spice notes at some retailers are retailer-authored and are not repeated here as fact.
How to Enjoy
At the raki sofrasi — the raki table: diluted with chilled water until it louches to lion's milk, ice after the water, and a slow procession of meze, white cheese and melon, classically grilled fish (raki-balik). It is a bottle for an evening, not a round. More anise spirits live in our spirits collection and our liqueurs collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Efe Black and Efe Green?
Strength and build. Black (Kara Efe) is 47% ABV, made from 100% grape suma with Bozdag spring water and a long rest; Green is 45% and is defined by its fresh-grape base. Both are triple-distilled with anise per the producer's copy.
Is Efe Black oak-aged?
No verified producer source says so. Oak work is an Efe brand-level innovation claim, but no Black-specific producer copy mentions oak barrels or oak resting — treat any barrel-aged claim for this bottle as unverified.
How long is Efe Black rested?
The producer's copy says only "rested for a long period to ripen" — no duration is given, and specific day counts at retail are not producer-stated.
The strongest seat at the raki table — order Efe Raki Black online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
