For many years, since retiring from running fish and chip shops, Joseph's dad, Jack, has been perfecting his own arak recipe, the kind that lived in flaggons and demijohns, poured for family, sometimes gifted, never sold. Now, for Rumi's 20th year, father and son have bottled it together for the first time, with local distillery Bandesh Wine and Spirits.

Just 20 bottles of Jack's Arak will be released to the public this year, a small taste ahead of a larger commercial release planned for 2027. It's not just about the drink, though the drink is beautiful, it's a tribute to the classic Lebanese migrant story, representing a progression from the garage to the shelf.

There are very few Australian-made araks out there, and this one's small batch, made with green Syrian anise. Ouzo, pastis and sambuca all share that same milky louche effect when water hits them, but often carry added sugar. Arak is distilled from wine, twice, then a third time with green anise. It's a spirit made for the table, built for a long, unhurried lunch.

If you’d like to get your hands on one of Australia’s first (legal) Araks to enjoy with your friends and family, sign up below. We’ll send you a special purchase link when it’s time to buy - first in, first served!

Big Jack’s Arak - $80 per bottle - released mid August

Must be collected from Rumi in East Brunswick Village.