Boukha

[Rien]

I've tried Ouzo/Arak/Aarak/Raki. I'm not sure what Ouzo is made from, but I've heard that Turkish and Iraqi varieties (Arak/Aarak/Raki) are fermented dates flavored with anise. Interesting ... I'm guessing this is the only fermented date beverage around.

Recently I heard about a North African variant called Bouka that is made from fermented figs and flavored with anise. It was mentioned in relation to Tunisia, but my guess is it exists elsewhere ... perhaps Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, etc. Does anyone have any information about this? Tasted it? How does it compare to the other varieties? Can you discern the fig flavor?

And, last but not least, does anyone know of a U.S. source for the stuff?

Many thanks,

rien

[beans]

The classic Greek drink Ouzo is made from a precise combination of pressed grapes and herbs and berries including aniseed, licorice, mint, wintergreen, fennel and hazelnut.

http://www.webtender.com/db/ingred/358

Raki is clear brandy distilled from grapes and raisins, and flavored with anise. It's similar to Greek ouzo and French pastis.

http://www.webtender.com/db/ingred/11

I haven't tasted boukha, but here's some information on the French eau de vie de figue:

http://www.jamesbeard.org/events/words/boukha.shtml

I hope some of this helps.

edit to add: here's a website that offers world wide shipping, 12 bottles for US$1,647.

http://www.finestwine.com/english/advanced...vineyard=Boukha Zenith

Cheers!

Edited July 27, 2004 by beans (log)

[Rien]

edit to add: here's a website that offers world wide shipping, 12 bottles for US$1,647.

http://www.finestwine.com/english/advanced...vineyard=Boukha Zenith

Cheers!

I found that site as well. Found it kind of humorous. I'm sure the Tunisians are paying $137 a bottle for the stuff. My guess is that it's no more than $5 a bottle - just a hunch. If so, that's a decent markup if anyone's insane enough to bite.

I could fly there and grab a couple dozen bottles in the duty free shop for that price.

rien

[Jmahl]

I was given a bottle of "Boukha L'Oasis" from Tunisia. It is a delightful fig eau do vie. I do not note any anise. The distiller is "Bokobsa" and the label says founded in 1870. My benefactor told me the family is Jewish since, obviously, Muslums can't be involved with the production of Alcohol.

If you get a chance - try some. The nose is pure fig.