Tekirdag Rakisi Gold is a Turkish raki — the anise-scented national spirit of Turkey — and it is poured at Grappa in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. Known in Turkey as the Altin Seri, or Gold Series, it is the elevated, oak-rested expression of Tekirdag Rakisi from Mey Icki, distilled from grapes and flavored with aniseed grown in Turkiye. We pour it because raki belongs at a Mediterranean table: poured over ice, clouding to a soft white, it carries the same spirit of unhurried hospitality we try to bring from our family to your table.
About the Producer
Tekirdag Rakisi is made by Mey Icki, named for the Tekirdag region of Turkish Thrace, an area long associated with fine raki. The classic Tekirdag is among Turkey’s most respected rakis, and the Gold Series is its premium tier, distinguished by an additional rest in oak that gives the spirit a golden hue and a rounder character. It is produced with suma redistilled in traditional copper alembics, the time-honored method behind the country’s finest examples.
What’s In It
At its heart, raki is a grape distillate flavored with aniseed. Tekirdag Rakisi Gold begins with a grape-based suma that is redistilled in copper stills together with Pimpinella anisum, the aniseed cultivated in Turkiye that gives the spirit its signature licorice perfume. What sets the Gold apart is its maturation in oak, which lends a velvety texture and gentle notes of vanilla and sweet spice atop the bright anise. Served traditionally with cold water and ice, it turns a milky white — the famous “lion’s milk” of the Turkish table.
Tasting Notes
Expect a forward wave of clean, sweet anise softened by the oak rest into something rounder and warmer than standard raki. Layered beneath the licorice are gentle suggestions of vanilla, toffee and ripe grape, with a smooth, lightly spiced finish. Diluted with water it grows creamy and aromatic; sipped neat it is bold and warming.
What to Pair It With
Raki is built for the mezze table. Try it alongside our Saganaki, the salty pull of fried cheese against the anise, or with the Spaniard Octopus and a plate of Fresh Oysters. Browse the full dine-in menu to build your own spread.
How It’s Served at Grappa
Tekirdag Rakisi Gold is poured at $14, served the Mediterranean way with cold water and ice so you can watch it cloud at the table.
FAQ
Where is it from?
It is from Turkiye, made by Mey Icki and named for the Tekirdag region of Turkish Thrace. The Gold Series, or Altin Seri, is its premium oak-rested expression.
What does it taste like?
It leads with clean, sweet anise rounded by an oak rest, with gentle vanilla, toffee and ripe grape underneath and a smooth, lightly spiced finish.
How do you drink raki?
Traditionally over ice with cold water added, which turns it a milky white. At Grappa we serve it this way so you can enjoy it slowly with mezze.
When you’re ready, book a table, explore the cocktail & spirits list, and browse the dine-in menu.
