• Category: arak (on the basis of grapes)
• Alcohol: 51,5%
• Origin: Syria
• Manufacturer: Syrian Arab Company for Grape Processing
• Bought at: Harb Gmbh, Berlin, Germany

Reputedly Syrian arak is better than other araks, because of the quality of the aniseed, but this is usually articulated by (presumably slightly biased) Syrians. However it surely belongs to the better brands of arak. It has a stronger-than-usual aniseed fragrance to it, and there is no artificial sweetening. Unfortunately it is hard to come by. 8/10.

• Category: fig brandy
• Alcohol: 36%
• Origin: Tunisia
• Manufacturer: Félix Habib & Cie.
• Bought at: Tunis Airport, Tunisia (thanks Laura!)

Félix Habib & Cie and Bokobsa are the two best known distillers in Tunisia. Félix Habib is famous because of its Cédratine, and its boukha Soleil. This boukha is the higher quality version of Boukha Soleil. The smell is distinctly fragrant of figs, and the taste is indeed also better than the Boukha l’Oasis and the regular Boukha Soleil. 7/10