Muaddi Craft Distillery is a family owned and operated boutique distillery specialising in handcrafted small-batch arak (also referred to as raki or ouzo). Nader Muaddi returned to Palestine to find that the only available arak options were commercial ones that were very distant from the original taste of a well made arak using local ingredients. This is when he set out to produce his own high quality authentic arak based on traditional methods. Since 2010, Nader has worked tirelessly to research and preserve Palestine’s unique distilling heritage and sourcing the best local ingredients. The sources the grapes from Bethlehem and Hebron, the aniseed from Jenin, the water from springs in the Jordan Valley and the clay amphorae (used for maturation) from Hebron and Jerusalem. The arak goes through a triple distillation process and then a 12-month aging period. The 2017 vintage (year of production), Muaddi’s debut batch, hit the market in 2018 with 480 bottles produced and sold out in several months. While Muaddi Arak is in high demand, Nader is committed to keeping his production low-volume, seasonal and non-commercial to maintain the quality and superiority of his arak.
The Muaddi Craft Distillery’s website claims that “Arak Muaddi is the result of an obsessive pursuit of perfection”. Muaddi revives national pride in Palestine’s produce, appreciates traditional methods and heritage, and uses local authentic ingredients and quality. Muaddi aims to connect and nurture “local arak enthusiasts and Levantine diaspora communities”. These objectives reflect a commitment to preserve local heritage and transcend geographical and political borders that are imposed on us when we speak about a Palestinian product. Nader also proved how superior Palestinian products can be made when crafted with precision, passion and attention to traditional methods and ingredients. Muaddi was awarded five international prizes in 2019, among them the Berlin International Spirits Competition (Gold Medal and “Arak of the Year”), New York International Spirits Competition (Silver Medal and “Arak of the Year”) and London Spirits Competition (Bronze Medal). Arak Muaddi is the first alcoholic beverage from an Arab country to ever win in any of these prestigious contests.
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