Fakra Arak
Fakra Arak is a 750mL Lebanese arak bottled at 50% ABV (100 proof), produced by Fakra Trading & Industries at Kfardebian in Mount Lebanon. It is made the traditional way — Obeidi and Merwayh grapes with Hina aniseed, distilled in traditional pot stills through multiple distillations, then left to age until maturity in clay jars. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 50% (100 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Origin: Kfardebian, Mount Lebanon, Lebanon
- Base: Obeidi and Merwayh grapes, Hina aniseed
- Distillation: Multiple distillations in traditional pot stills (a three-stage process is described in accounts of the distillery)
- Aging: Rested in clay jars until maturity — no duration is stated by the producer
The Land of Springs, in a Clay Jar
Kfardebian calls itself the land of springs — its name promises cold water, and its Milk Spring and Honey Spring run near the Roman temples of Fakra, at altitude in Mount Lebanon. Fakra Trading & Industries, founded in 1985 by Dr Carlos Guillermo Adem, works in a family distilling tradition the company traces to an early-18th-century Mount Lebanon distillery founded by a noble family whose members served as Consuls of France and Venice. The method stays old: indigenous Obeidi and Merwayh grapes, aniseed that producer accounts source exclusively from Hineh in Syria, pot stills, and patience in clay. Explore the house on the Fakra Arak vendor page and in our spirits collection.
Tasting Notes
The producer publishes no formal note set; its tech sheet places arak of this style beside ouzo and absinthe for its licorice-like character, but smoother. Retailer Hi-Time's character note — bold anise with floral grape notes and a warming, gently sweet finish — is a retailer's description, offered here as such.
How to Enjoy
With water and ice until it louches milky white, and with mezze — the producer's own serving list runs to small fresh fish, fries, olives and feta. More Levantine bottles live in our spirits collection and our liqueurs collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fakra Arak made by Chateau Ksara?
No. Fakra is produced by Fakra Trading & Industries in Kfardebian, Mount Lebanon. Ksara is a separate Bekaa Valley winery whose arak is sold as Ksarak — a different product with different specs.
How is Fakra Arak aged?
In clay jars, until maturity, per the producer's tech sheet. The producer states no aging duration, so any bottle claiming a specific number of months should be read with care.
What grapes go into Fakra Arak?
Obeidi and Merwayh — Lebanon's indigenous white grapes — together with Hina aniseed, per the producer's tech sheet.
Clay jars, mountain springs and three centuries of family practice — order Fakra Arak online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.