Turkish vodka: 6 brands review + interesting facts
Anise alcohol "crayfish" with a specific "mixture" flavor is one of the drinks that can evoke love or disgust, but will definitely not leave you indifferent. Traditional Turkish liquor is closer to brandy in terms of production method, but is known as vodka among foreigners.
Locals call it "lion's milk" because of the cloudy white consistency it acquires after mixing with water. According to legends, one sip of the aromatic elixir gives a person the courage of the king of beasts.
Yeni
One of the oldest and most popular brands. Initially owned by Tekel, in 2004 it became the property of Mey Alkol. Available in several varieties that differ in label color. The premium product is made by triple distillation of grape wine in copper alambics with further infusion of anise root.
Ripens in oak barrels from 2 months to six months. It has a fresh flavor with a grassy tartness. To emphasize the flavor and soften the degree, purified drinking water is included in the composition. Strength: 45%. Tasted chilled, diluted with distilled water. It goes well with cheese, meze, and fish as an appetizer.
Efe
A young brand that first started using fresh grapes, not raisins, as a raw material for distillation. The drink is made from fruits harvested in the Aegean region by double distillation. The second distillation is carried out in copper stills with the addition of anise seeds.
The recipe also includes water and sugar. Strength: 45%. It has a fresh, smooth taste with pronounced fruity notes. Recommended to be tasted with nuts, melon, seafood, after diluting the drink with water and ice, in the summer version you can include mint.
Tekirdağ
Produced since 2001 in the region of the same name. Differs in decent quality at a low price. It is available in three varieties: a blue bottle contains a distillate from fresh grapes, a green bottle contains a distillate from dried fruits, and a gold bottle contains a distillate aged in oak.
It is famous for its recognizable mild taste, which is imparted by the artesian water Çorlu, which is part of the composition, and a high content of anise (1.7 g/l).
Izmir
A popular brand owned by Mey Alkol. The drink is produced using the classic raki technology - from young grape wine distilled and infused with anise roots.
Differs in mild taste and pleasant spicy smell. Available in bottles of different sizes with blue and green labels. Strength: 45%.
Kulüp
One of the oldest brands that belongs to the elite category. It is more expensive than popular brands and has a higher strength - 50%.
Altınbaş
A prestigious brand made from selected raw materials. For a long time it was sold only in large cities, today it is available everywhere. Aged for more than six months.
It is distinguished by its golden hue, for which it is called "golden head", and its high price. Strength: 50%.
Interesting facts about Turkish vodka
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In Turkey, raki of the "dip" (bottom, lower) or "özel" (special) category is especially appreciated, which is produced from the distillate left after processing the main raw material. The owners of the factories do not produce it on an industrial scale, but present it as a gift to especially important guests.
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Since 2010, Adana and Northern Cyprus have been hosting a national crayfish festival with street musicians and national snacks, which lasts from one night to a whole week.
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Traditionally, crayfish was made from raisins, less often from figs, dates and even sugar beets. Today, the most popular products made from fresh grape raw materials are. The strength can vary from 40 to 75%.
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Turks drink crayfish from tall, narrow glasses chilled to 8-10 °C. With ice, regular or mineral water, but not in cocktails. After dilution, the drink becomes cloudy and acquires a mild, sweetish taste with anise notes.
Update: 15.06.2020
Category: Vodka an Moonshine