In this episode we explore the history of the alembic pot still and distillation on our way to discovering Arak, an anise-flavored spirit from the Middle East, which most likely inspired your favorite anise tipple.

Resources from this episode:

Books:

The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails [Kindle Edition], Wondrich, D & Rothbaum, N., (2022)

Websites:

Atlas Obscura: Thank These Master Alchemists for the Magic of Alcohol, Eubank, A. (12 February 2018) https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/distillation-alcohol-invention-muslim

Britannica: Arak, Payne, L. https://www.britannica.com/topic/arak-beverage

Dharma Dispatch: Bengali Arrack and Bouleponge - A Glimpse into the Savage Lifestyle of European Naval Merchants and their Crew in the 17th Century Mughal Empire, Balakrishna, S. (26 January 2022) https://www.dharmadispatch.in/bengali-arrack-and-bouleponge-a-glimpse-into-the-savage-lifestyle-of-european-naval-merchants-and-their-crew-in-the-17th-century-mughal-empire/

Difford's Guide: Arrack, Difford, S. and Sutcliffe, T. (n.d.) https://www.diffordsguide.com/beer-wine-spirits/category/949/batavia-arrack

Liquor: How to Use Arak in Your Cocktails, Dingwall, K. (14 September 2022) https://www.liquor.com/arak-in-cocktails-6666222

RTL Today: Raisin moonshine banned in Iran enjoys resurgence in New York (2 May 2026) https://today.rtl.lu/news/world/raisin-moonshine-banned-in-iran-enjoys-resurgence-in-new-york-443728357

The Spruce Eats: What is Arak? A Guide to Buying and Drinking Arak, Fayed, S. (Updated 20 January 2023) https://www.thespruceeats.com/arak-middle-eastern-alcoholic-beverage-2355492

Tasting Table: The Cultural Significance Behind Arak, A Timeless Levantine Drink, Holland, J. (10 July 2023) https://www.tastingtable.com/1330174/cultural-significance-arak-levantine-drink/

This Week in Palestine: Distilled Spirits an Arab Invention, Muaddi, N. (n.d.) https://thisweekinpalestine.com/distilled-spirits-an-arab-invention/

Wine Enthusiast: Understanding Arak, an Ancient Spirit with Modern Appeal, Teclemariam, T. (Updated 8 May 2023) https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/spirits/arak-middle-eastern-spirit-modern-appeal/

Wooden Cork: What is Arak? A Comprehensive Guide to this Unique Spirit (17 July 2024) https://woodencork.com/blogs/uncorked/what-is-arak-a-comprehensive-guide-to-this-unique-spirit

Glass in Session Episodes Referenced in or Related to This Episode:

S8E4: Let's Absinthe https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s8e4-lets-absinthe

S10E3: Getting our Grappa On https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s10e3-getting-our-grappa-on

S12E4: Rum - King of Booty? https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/rum-king-of-booty-s12e4

S15E6: Parlez-vous Pastis? https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/parlez-vous-pastis-s15e6

S22E1: Wine in Lebanon - Wine, War, and Rising https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/wine-in-lebanon-wine-war-rising

S22E4: Amenian Wine - Of caves, mountains, wars, and resilience https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/armenian-wine-of-caves-mountains-wars-and-resilience-s22e4

Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session

Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC.

Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)