Moses Arak
Moses Arak is an 80-proof (40% ABV) anise-flavored spirit with an unusual origin story: while arak is a classic of the Levant, Moses Arak is produced in Finland, made with Finnish groundwater that the brand says gives it "a touch of purity it has historically lacked," in a 750mL bottle. The bold anise character comes from aniseeds added during production, in the traditional arak style — this is a distilled spirit, not a liqueur, despite what some retailer categories suggest. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Proof / ABV: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: Anise spirit (arak) — aniseed-driven, unsweetened style
- Origin: Produced in Finland with Finnish groundwater
- Producer: Moses (brand); no official brand site or published distillation details
An Ancient Spirit, A Nordic Twist
Arak is one of the world's oldest distilled spirits — the anise-flavored drink of the eastern Mediterranean, traditionally served diluted with water so it louches into a milky opal. Moses keeps the aniseed-driven character of the classic style and moves production somewhere no one expected: Finland, where the brand leans on famously pure Finnish groundwater as its point of difference. The result is a clean, modern take on arak for anise lovers and cocktail builders alike. Browse the arak selection and more spirits at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Published tasting notes for Moses Arak are thin — retailer copy describes an anise-forward nose and a smooth, sweet anise palate, but no authoritative critic or brand tasting panel notes were found. Expect the classic arak profile: bold aniseed up front, a clean spirit backbone from the Finnish water, and the traditional louche when water is added. (Sourcing note: treat detailed flavor claims elsewhere as low-confidence until a bottle label or brand site says more.)
How to Enjoy
Serve it the traditional way: pour over ice and add cold water (roughly 1:2 spirit to water) to release the anise and watch it turn cloudy — the classic arak ritual. It also works in place of pastis or ouzo in cocktails where an anise note is wanted, and a small chilled pour makes a fine digestif.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moses Arak really from Finland?
Yes. Despite arak being a Levantine spirit, the Moses brand produces its arak in Finland with Finnish groundwater — confirmed across the brand's distributor and retailer copy.
Is arak a liqueur?
No — arak is a distilled anise spirit, unsweetened in the traditional style. Some retailers file it under liqueurs, but it is a spirit, and the Del Mesa listing's Type field correctly reads Arak.
What is the ABV of Moses Arak?
It is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV) in a 750mL bottle.
Get Moses Arak delivered from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA — order online for a Nordic take on the ancient anise spirit.