Batroun Mountains Arak Blue
Batroun Mountains Arak Blue is a 50% ABV (100 proof) Lebanese arak from the Batroun District of North Lebanon — grape spirit triple-distilled in-house with fresh, natural aniseed, the way arak has been made for centuries. Arak is the Levant's answer to ouzo and raki: a distilled anise spirit, not a liqueur, and this one comes from a family-owned producer working steep mountain vineyards 400 to 1,500 meters above the Mediterranean. Serve it the traditional way — one part arak to two parts water, then ice — and watch it turn milky white as the anise oils bloom. This 750mL bottle is fresh, clean, and uncompromising: anise character with a smooth finish. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 50% (100 proof) — 750mL bottling
- Size: 750mL
- Spirit: Triple-distilled grape spirit with fresh natural aniseed
- Origin: Batroun Mountains, Batroun District, North Lebanon — family estate
- Serve: 1 part arak : 2 parts water, then ice — louches milky white
Lebanon's Anise Spirit, Done Properly
Batroun Mountains is a family estate in Lebanon's coastal mountains, about 50 km north of Beirut, where vines struggle in dry, stony terraces and reward the effort with concentrated fruit. The family distills its own grape spirit three times, macerates it with natural aniseed, and bottles a spirit the brand files squarely under Spirits — because that's what arak is: distilled, unsweetened, and potent. At 50%, it's built for the traditional dilution, which tames the heat and releases the anise in a milky louche. Pair it the Lebanese way — with mezze, grilled meats, and a long table. Find it in our arak collection or browse Batroun Mountains.
Tasting Notes
Fresh, clean, and complex anise aromas over a smooth, rich palate — the triple distillation keeps it crisp rather than heavy, with a long anise finish once diluted. (Brand notes; specific descriptors beyond anise character are not published for this bottling.)
How to Enjoy
The only way: one part arak to two parts cold water, then ice — never ice first. Sip alongside mezze; the anise loves garlic, lemon, and grilled lamb.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is arak?
A traditional Levantine spirit: grape spirit distilled with aniseed — the same family as Greek ouzo and Turkish raki. It is not a liqueur.
Why does arak turn white with water?
The anise oils are soluble in alcohol but not in water — dilution makes them emulsify into the classic milky louche.
What is the alcohol content of Batroun Mountains Arak Blue?
50% ABV in the 750mL bottle. (A separate 500mL SKU is bottled at 65%.)
For the real Levantine table experience, order Batroun Mountains Arak Blue online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA — 750mL of triple-distilled Lebanese arak.