Yeni Raki Arak 1937
Yeni Raki Arak 1937 is a 45% ABV (90 proof), 750mL Turkish raki from Mey Icki — grape suma distilled from fresh and dried Turkish grapes, then redistilled with aniseed in traditional copper stills and rested in oak. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 45% (90 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Base: Suma — spirit distilled from fresh and dried Turkish grapes
- Distillation: Twice distilled; aniseed added on the second distillation in traditional copper stills
- Resting: Minimum 30 days in oak barrels before bottling
- Origin: Turkey (producer: Mey Icki)
The "New Raki" of 1937, and Turkey's Lion's Milk
Raki has been part of Turkish life for over 500 years — first referenced in literature in 1510 and distilled across the Ottoman Empire. In 1937 the spirit was formally named Yeni Raki, meaning "New Raki," to mark the dawn of a modern Turkey — and that date, not a vintage, is the one on this bottle. Add chilled water and the clear spirit clouds to a milky white, the louche that earned raki its beloved nickname, Aslan Sutu — "Lion's Milk." Shop the Yeni Raki collection, more liqueurs, and the full spirits shelves at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Bold, clean aniseed and liquorice root over a soft grape depth, with a light natural sweetness and a smooth, full body; the finish is clean, lingering and warming, the anise fading slowly into a cool freshness.
How to Enjoy
The traditional raki table serve: one part raki to one part chilled water over ice, sipped slowly alongside meze — feta, olives, hummus, grilled seafood. It can also be taken neat and well chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 1937 on the bottle mean? It is the year the spirit took the name Yeni Raki — "New Raki" — symbolising the coming of a new, modern era in Turkey. It is not a vintage year.
What is raki made from? Grapes and aniseed: fresh and dried Turkish grapes are distilled into suma, which is then redistilled with aniseed in traditional copper stills and rested in oak for at least 30 days.
Why does it turn white with water? The natural anise oils come out of solution when water is added, clouding the clear spirit to a milky white — the louche behind its "Lion's Milk" nickname.
What is the ABV and size? 45% ABV (90 proof), 750mL.
Turkey's benchmark raki, louche and all — pick up Yeni Raki 1937 online through Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.