For the second time in 2019, a major international spirits competition has named Arak Muaddi “Arak of the Year.”
The New York International Spirits Competition awarded a silver medal to the Muaddi Craft Distillery and named Arak Muaddi “Arak of the Year” at its 10th annual competition in New York City.
A blind panel of expert judges announced their decision on 10 May 2019 after tasting more than 600 spirits from 29 countries. They gave Arak Muaddi a score of 92/100.
Competitors included many of the world’s leading anise-flavored spirits.
“We’re thrilled,” said Nader Muaddi, founder and distiller at Muaddi Craft Distillery. “First we won in Berlin and now New York City. It feels great to have our hard work and heritage celebrated on an international stage”.
A Judge at the New York International Spirits Competition (NYISC)
In March, Arak Muaddi competed against 300 spirits from 19 countries at the Berlin International Spirits Competition and was awarded a gold medal, as well as the title “Arak of the Year”.
Arak Muaddi is the first product of Palestine to win at either competition.
“We’re proud to be a true product of Palestine,” added Muaddi. “All our ingredients are sourced locally in the West Bank, where we also distill and bottle our arak. Despite the difficult circumstances, we’re quickly being recognized as the best arak in the world”.
The New York International Spirits Competition is a trade-only competition, where expert judges from a range of disciplines — including sommeliers, mixologists and restauranteurs — taste and critique spirits.
Muaddi Craft Distillery launched its first limited-run batch of Arak Muaddi in 2018, using traditional methods and all-natural, indigenous Palestinian ingredients.
Arak Muaddi is an ultra-premium spirit that is made with passion, artistry and respect for heritage. It is handcrafted in small batches and caters to the aficionado who appreciates the unaltered flavor of the Levant.