Honey Boğma Raki -DESPINA- (Triple Distilled)

Anise flavored honey spirit

No: 3

The classic traditional Balkan Honey Boğma Raki according to Turkish methodology (DESPINA) 44% ABV is made by Draco Spirit distillery according to the principle of purity and old, traditional, recipes.

Distillation takes place entirely in handmade, traditional pot stills with a maximum capacity of 300 liters. This Boğma Raki is aged for six months in old Oloroso Sherry casks and finished in Macedonian chestnut-honey liqueur casks. Oloroso is a full-bodied sherry with a sweet flavor. The oak sherry casks impart additional notes of currants and raisins, nuts, wood, and soft tannins to the Raki, while the new chestnut-honey liqueur oak casks impart floral, sweet notes, releasing the rich aromas and allowing the scent and flavor to blend.

Made with certified organic anise and natural Dutch honey, according to traditional methods, without any additives (i.e., agricultural ethyl alcohol, colorants, or sugar). This product is different from Greek Rakomelo and Croatian Medica. Bogma Raki honey is not sweetened or macerated with honey or herbs. Wild-fermented honey spirit is distilled three times using natural methods and enriched with organic anise.

The color of Balkan Honey Boğma Raki is golden-amber. It can be enjoyed with or without water as an aperitif. Mixed with water, the color becomes slightly yellowish and cloudy due to anise-white notes with brown highlights. The nose reveals aromas of anise, chestnut honey, licorice, and raisin with sherry notes.

Complex aromas develop secondarily after blending with water from sherry casks, with notes of vanilla and oak. This full-bodied Raki has a rich, slightly sweet flavor and a lingering finish. Pairs well with honey-caramelized salmon and Indo-Asian dishes. Pairing it with blue cheeses, aged cheeses (with orange jam), and soft, aged, or baked goat cheese with honey and walnut is a wonderful combination. We also recommend trying it with many traditional Turkish desserts (pumpkin and walnut). Also with French dishes, for example, let yourself be surprised in a combination with "Caneles au fromage de Chevre".

Tribute to Despina Kalmi,

This Raki was created in honor of an Istanbul barmaid of Greek descent, known as Madame Despina. She made history as Turkey's first female tavern owner. Madame Despina left her mark on nightlife and Raki culture with her authentic tavern and vibrant life in Istanbul's Kurtuluş district. She personally prepared the tavern's specialty, Greek bean stew, fried liver (yaprak ciger), fava, and radica. She greeted all guests personally by coming to their tables and singing songs. This unique venue still exists in Istanbul today. Her tavern's hallmarks were the plastic tablecloths and the way she treated all her guests, regardless of status, as equals. She easily held her own in Istanbul's vibrant nightlife. After her death, in accordance with her will, the tavern remained unchanged, and the tablecloths and characteristic hospitality remained.