Marrakech – After three years of blending tradition with innovation, Sahara has made history as the first Moroccan spirit to grace the UK’s shelves.
As well as crossing borders, this pioneering drink is also crossing cultures by bringing a splash of Moroccan flair to British taste buds
Inspired by the classic Moroccan Mahia, Sahara reinvents tradition with a modern flair.
This contemporary spirit blends the warmth of apricots, almonds, honey, and cinnamon, offering a sophisticated taste that captures Morocco’s essence in every sip.
Once a cherished tradition among Moroccan Jewish communities for centuries, this ancestral spirit has become a rare find, thanks to its entanglement with illicit and unregulated alcohol production in Morocco.
“As a Moroccan, it is a privilege to create a product that celebrates my heritage and this special Moroccan spirit,” said Omar Oualili, founder at Sahara.
“Though inspired by Mahia’s original recipe, we’ve adapted Sahara for the British palate by reducing the aniseed flavors and enhancing the fruit notes, all without any added sugar.”
While working as a solo founder has been “challenging,” Ouali explained, the positive feedback from their first customers “has been incredibly rewarding.”
The spirit is crafted to embody the heart of Morocco, capturing the essence of its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and vibrant history in every bottle.
Read also: The Tragic Tale of Mahia: Morocco’s Moonshine Menace
At 40% ABV (Alcohol By Volume,) this spirit is a modern revival with a unique twist, paying homage to the enduring legacy of past generations.
It honors the tradition of Mahia, often called the “water of life” in Arabic and the timeless heritage they’ve preserved through the ages.
Given Morocco’s limited alcohol production capabilities, Sahara is crafted and bottled in Scotland.
Each batch is made with organically sourced ingredients and the pure mineral water of Royal Deeside, ensuring a premium quality spirit.
Following its launch at the chic Franklin Hotel in London this summer, Sahara is now exclusively available in the UK through their website; it is priced at 600 MAD (US$55) per 500ml bottle.
