Yeni Raki 1937 70cl, 45% ABV, World's No1 Raki Brand, Premium Authentic Turkish Aniseed Spirit, 500-Year-Old Raki Culture, Award-Winning Product, Suitable for Raki Cocktails, Made in Türkiye

I picked up a bottle of Yeni Rakı 1937 out of nostalgia as much as curiosity, and I’m so glad I did. This isn’t just another strong spirit you keep on the shelf for special occasions — it’s one of those drinks that comes with a whole ritual and experience, especially if you’ve ever sat down at a long table of meze with friends or family. The first thing that stands out is the aroma. As soon as you open the bottle, that strong aniseed scent hits you, unmistakable and bold, but not overpowering. Mixed with cold water, it turns into that signature milky-white cloud, which still feels like a little bit of magic every time. The flavour is rich and layered — it starts with that intense anise taste but smooths out beautifully, leaving a warmth that lingers without burning. At 45% ABV you’d expect it to be harsh, but it’s surprisingly elegant and easy to sip slowly. I shared this with a couple of friends who’d never tried rakı before, and watching their reaction was priceless. They were unsure at first, but once we set the table with grilled fish, olives, and cheese, it all clicked. This is a drink that makes sense when you enjoy it the way it’s meant to be enjoyed — slowly, with food, with good company, and with conversation that stretches into the night. The bottle itself looks premium, almost regal, and feels like you’re opening something that has heritage behind it. And that’s what makes it special — Yeni Rakı isn’t trying to be trendy or reinvent itself. It’s authentic, steeped in tradition, and still the best version of what rakı is supposed to be. For me, this is more than just a bottle of alcohol. It’s a link to culture, a reason to gather people around a table, and a drink that has a story behind every sip. If you want a spirit that carries history, quality, and authenticity in equal measure, Yeni Rakı 1937 is unbeatable.

It's the only thing my friend drinks in the summer and it was cheaper here than anywhere else.

Dangerously good... I'd forgotten just how much I liked Raki ... a taste of Turkey, very strong and the most delicious of the pastis/sambuca/ouzo genre. VERY palatable.

Good

Obviously as an anise flavoured drink made with a neutral grape spirit base there's not much explanation needed as to what it tastes like. But quality matters, right? The spirit is exceptionally transparent, absolutely zero lighter fluid or Jamaican rum "funk" going on here. And for 45% it's astoundingly smooth, with no hint of roughness and barely any burn whatsoever. Clearly the distillery knows what they're doing on that front. Obviously the profile is the sweet due to the anise, but it's important to note that there's no added sugar here. And of course it'll cloud (louche) the moment you add water. Since I go by the title of Always Finding Fault, I do have a problem with the bottle, or rather the stupid plastic restrictor jammed in. Do you know how irritating it is to see the last bit in the bottle, but unable to drain it?? With a bottle of Wray and Nephew I can understand. But 45% isn't going to leave you temporarily blinded and silently screaming just because you thought you could handle your drink and gulped down a fearsome Jamaican overproof like it was orange juice! At about 30 quid full price it's right on the border between ok value and a bit steep. It's certainly better value than a good Absinthe and the higher strength and lack of added sugar might sway some over a pastis, such as Ricard or Pernod. However Amazon frequently has it reduced to around the £25 mark, in which case I'd say fill yer boots. Just beware of how deceptively strong this is.

If you like Raki, you’ll like this

this is a gift for a friend, quality is good.

Bought as a present ,they said it was great and went down nicely 😁